Fast and robust optic disc detection using pyramidal decomposition and Hausdorff-based template matching

We report about the design and test of an image processing algorithm for the localization of the optic disk (OD) in low-resolution (about 20 mu /pixel) color fundus images. The design relies on the combination of two procedures: 1) a Hausdorff-based template matching technique on edge map, guided by 2) a pyramidal decomposition for large scale object tracking. The two approaches are tested against a database of 40 images of various visual quality and retinal pigmentation, as well as of normal and small pupils. An average error of 7 % on OD center positioning is reached with no false detection. In addition, a confidence level is associated to the final detection that indicates the level of difficulty the detector has to identify the OD position and shape.