Image recognition

Apparatus for recognizing an image, the apparatus comprising:

• a. processing means arranged to process the image to provide a plurality of different processed images which are derived from the original image to be recognized;
• b. combining means arranged to combine the processed images;
• c. reducing means arranged to reduce the data space occupied by the processed images;
• d. generating means arranged to generate from the combined and reduced processed images an image key representative of the image;
• and
• e. comparison means arranged to compare the image key with at least one previously stored image key of a known image, to verify the identity of the image.

A method of recognizing an image, comprising the steps of utilizing a computer or processor to:

• a. transform the data space occupied by a three dimensional image using Fisher's Linear Discriminant Analysis;
• b. generate, from the transformed data space, an image key representative of the image;
• and
• c. compare the image key with at least one previously stored image key of a known image, to verify the identity of the image.

Apparatus for recognizing a three-dimensional image, the apparatus comprising:

• a. means for transforming the data space occupied by a three dimensional image using Fisher's Linear Discriminant Analysis;
• b. means for generating, from the transformed data space, an image key representative of the image;
• and
• c. means for comparing the image key with at least one previously stored image key of a known image, to verify the identity of the image.