Enhancing Feature Detection and Matching in Low-Pixel-Resolution Hyperspectral Images Using 3D Convolution-Based Siamese Networks

Today, hyperspectral imaging plays an integral part in the remote sensing and precision agriculture field. Identifying the matching key points between hyperspectral images is an important step in tasks such as image registration, localization, object recognition, and object tracking. Low-pixel resolution hyperspectral imaging is a recent introduction to the field, bringing benefits such as lower cost and form factor compared to traditional systems. However, the use of limited pixel resolution challenges even state-of-the-art feature detection and matching methods, leading to difficulties in generating robust feature matches for images with repeated textures, low textures, low sharpness, and low contrast. Moreover, the use of narrower optics in these cameras adds to the challenges during the feature-matching stage, particularly for images captured during low-altitude flight missions. In order to enhance the robustness of feature detection and matching in low pixel resolution images, in this study we propose a novel approach utilizing 3D Convolution-based Siamese networks. Compared to state-of-the-art methods, this approach takes advantage of all the spectral information available in hyperspectral imaging in order to filter out incorrect matches and produce a robust set of matches. The proposed method initially generates feature matches through a combination of Phase Stretch Transformation-based edge detection and SIFT features. Subsequently, a 3D Convolution-based Siamese network is utilized to filter out inaccurate matches, producing a highly accurate set of feature matches. Evaluation of the proposed method demonstrates its superiority over state-of-the-art approaches in cases where they fail to produce feature matches. Additionally, it competes effectively with the other evaluated methods when generating feature matches in low-pixel resolution hyperspectral images. This research contributes to the advancement of low pixel resolution hyperspectral imaging techniques, and we believe it can specifically aid in mosaic generation of low pixel resolution hyperspectral images.