A shape and image merging technique to solve jigsaw puzzles

This paper proposes an algorithm for solving subsets of typical (canonical) jigsaw puzzles. This algorithm combines shape and image matching with a cyclic ‘‘growth’’ process that tries to place pieces in their correct positions. First, the jigsaw pieces are extracted from the input image. Then, the corner points of the jigsaw pieces are detected. Next, piece classification and recognition are performed based on jigsaw piece models. Connection relationships between pieces are calculated and finally recovered by using boundary shape matching and image merging. We tested this algorithm by employing real-world images containing dozens of jigsaw pieces. The experiment s results show this algorithm is efficient and effective. 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.