Mathematical Problems in Engineering 
Volume 2008 (2008), Article ID 127827, 8 pages
doi:10.1155/2008/127827
Research Article

Border Figure Detection Using a Phase Oscillator Network with Dynamical Coupling

L. H. A. Monteiro,1,2 I. Gonzalez,1 and J. R. C. Piqueira2

 1Pósgraduação em Engenharia Elétrica, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Rua da Consolação 896, CEP 01302-907, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
2Departamento de Engenharia de Telecomunicações e Controle, Escola Politécnica, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto 380, Travessa 3, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Received 13 January 2008; Revised 17 April 2008; Accepted 30 May 2008

Recommended by Jerzy Warminski

Abstract

Oscillator networks have been developed in order to perform specific tasks related to image processing. Here we analytically investigate the existence of synchronism in a pair of phase oscillators that are short-range dynamically coupled. Then, we use these analytical results to design a network able of detecting border of black-and-white figures. Each unit composing this network is a pair of such phase oscillators and is assigned to a pixel in the image. The couplings among the units forming the network are also dynamical. Border detection emerges from the network activity.