Patent attributes
Image object detection apparatus in which test regions of a test image are compared with an image property model, a mask defining a subset of pixel positions within a test region, comprises means for comparing pixel properties in the test image defined by the test regions with the image property model to detect a property difference between the image property model and a test region; so that pixel property differences within the mask and pixel property differences outside the mask are combined with opposite respective polarities to form a difference value in respect of that test region, an object being detected in the test image at a test region corresponding to a lowest difference value between the image property model and pixels defined by the test region.