Stereoscopic imaging for coral segmentation and classification

Abstract

Stereoscopic imaging as a means of aiding the segmentation and classification of coral in underwater imagery. This work presents a framework for integrating range data into a formerly two dimensional classification pipeline. By taking an estimate of the rugosity and surface topography of segmented coral greater accuracy can be achieved in morphological discrimination of visually similar species. Utilizing these techniques allows for automatic processing of datasets and quicker turnaround in achieving the scientific goals of a survey. This work strives to produce a real-time system that is capable of segmenting and classifying coral