Deep Learning of Convolutional Auto-Encoder for Image Matching and 3D Object Reconstruction in the Infrared Range

Abstract

Performing image matching in thermal images is challenging due to an absence of distinctive features and presence of thermal reflections. Still, in many applications, infrared imagery is an attractive solution for 3D object reconstruction that is robust against low light conditions. We present an image patch matching method based on deep learning. For image matching in the infrared range, we use codes generated by a convolutional auto-encoder. We evaluate the method in a full 3D object reconstruction pipeline that uses infrared imagery as an input. Image matches found using the proposed method are used for estimation of the camera pose. Dense 3D object reconstruction is performed using semi-global block matching. We evaluate on a dataset with real and synthetic images to show that our method outperforms existing image matching methods on the infrared imagery. We also evaluate the geometry of generated 3D models to demonstrate the increased reconstruction accuracy.