FeatureDetector vs. FeatureFinder in OpenCV

Question

I am trying to understand the difference between the FeatureDetector and FeatureFinder . class. I saw examples of panoramas written in OpenCV, and both of these classes, and it seems you can use the SURF algorithm with one of them. I believe that the SURF FeatureDetector was ported to /nonfree due to possible problems with the SURF algorithm, but FeatureFinder can also use the SURF algorithm.

What is the difference between these two classes?

Answer 1

FeatureFinder can use the SURF algorithm because it is implemented using the FeatureDetector. Whatever you use, you are actually getting the same SURF implementation, just a different interface.

FeatureFinder has an interface compatible with the pipeline, while FeatureDetector has an interface to match the structure of 2d functions.