What is Image Matching? An Introduction.

Image matching in computer vision is a technique used to identify correspondences between different images or sections of images, enabling applications such as object recognition, image registration, and augmented reality. Feature-based matching involves identifying distinct features (like corners or edges) and using descriptors to match these features across images through algorithms such as SIFT, SURF, and ORB. Template matching, in contrast, involves sliding a template image over a larger image to find the best match based on similarity metrics like pixel differences or correlation coefficients. These techniques have diverse applications, including image stitching, object tracking, and augmented reality, each with its strengths and weaknesses depending on the problem's nature and computational needs. Understanding these methods is crucial for solving various computer vision tasks, and the choice between them depends on the specific requirements and desired robustness of the application.