Feature detection from local energy

A more general definition of features such as edges, shadows and bars is developed, based on an analysis of the phase of the harmonic components. These features always occur at points of maximum phase congruency, the type of feature depending on the value of the phase. Using the image itself and its Hilbert transform, a local energy function is defined and it is shown that the local maxima of this energy function occur at points of maximum phase congruency.