Selective Segmentation Model for Vector-Valued Images

Abstract

One of the most important steps in image processing and computer vision for image analysis is segmentation, which can be classified into global and selective segmentations. Global segmentation models can segment whole objects in an image. Unfortunately, these models are unable to segment a specific object that is required for extraction. To overcome this limitation, the selective segmentation model, which is capable of extracting a particular object or region in an image, must be prioritised. Recent selective segmentation models have shown to be effective in segmenting greyscale images. Nevertheless, if the input is vector-valued or identified as a colour image, the models simply ignore the colour information by converting that image into a greyscale format. Colour plays an important role in the interpretation of object boundaries within an image as it helps to provide a more detailed explanation of the scene’s objects. Therefore, in this research, a model for selective segmentation of vector-valued images is proposed by combining concepts from existing models. The finite difference method was used to solve the resulting Euler-Lagrange (EL) partial differential equation of the proposed model. The accuracy of the proposed model’s segmentation output was then assessed using visual observation as well as by using two similarity indices, namely the Jaccard (JSC) and Dice (DSC) similarity coefficients. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model is capable of successfully segmenting a specific object in vector-valued images. Future research on this area can be further extended in three-dimensional modelling.