A Markovian model for contour grouping

Abstract

Describes an algorithm which restores images of incomplete contours using a Markovian model. In order to complete the boundaries, a criterion is defined and introduced in an energy function, which has to be optimized. A deterministic relaxation algorithm ICM ("iterated conditional mode") is implemented to minimize this energy function. It generates a configuration in which the contours are reconstructed. Several examples of real image restoration have been tested on a SIMD computer (Connection Machine CM 200). This algorithm allows one to fill up large gaps and to get a better contour grouping.