What are some Line detection/recognition algorithms used in machine learning?

Question

I'v looked at Hough Transform, but I'd like a machine learning classifier that would achieve the same purpose: detect unique lines from a given 2D vector or image. The closest I could think of was k-NN, but that would give me neighbors around a cluster instead of those that fall in a straight line.

Answer 1

The closest thing to do would be to train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The different convolution layers should produce maps that will detect small portions of lines within different orientations. And when recombined all together it should detect straight lines. As I said into my comments, it can even reconnect discontinued lines.

If you are also interested by twisted lines (so not only straight), you can add a Transformer layer, which is going to apply elastic deformations during the training. These transformations will twist the line detectors, making them sensitive to twisted lines.