Abstract
In this paper, a novel algorithm capable of detecting generic obstacles on a flat surface is proposed. The algorithm fundamentally exploits a distortion phenomena taken place in remapping process of original stereo images to a virtual top-view. Based on the distortion phenomena, we construct stereo polar histograms of edge maps, detect peaks on them, and search for matched peaks on both histograms using a Dynamic Programming (DP). Eventually, the searched corresponding peaks lead to estimate obstacles' positions. The advantages of the proposed algorithm are that it is not largely affected by an intensity difference between a pair of stereo images and does not depend on the typical stereo matching methodologies. Furthermore, the algorithm identifies the obstacles' positions quite robustly.