Informed edge linking using a directional potential function

Victoria Riordan; Quiming Zhu

doi:10.1117/12.150155

20 August 1993 Informed edge linking using a directional potential function

Victoria Riordan, Quiming Zhu

Proceedings Volume 2055, Intelligent Robots and Computer Vision XII: Algorithms and Techniques; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.150155
Event: Optical Tools for Manufacturing and Advanced Automation, 1993, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Low level edge detection operators usually do not generate contiguous edges, leaving objects in images with discontinuous borders. This, coupled with inherent signal noises, makes it difficult to identify objects in images. Here we describe a new algorithm that connects disjoint edge pixels to form continual object boundaries. We model the edge images as potential fields deployed with energies at the edge pixel positions all over the images. Pixels at the edge disjoint positions are charged by the combining forces of these edge pixels in proportion to the relative distances and directions of these pixels. An intrinsic part of the process is the identification of terminal edge pixels (TEP), accompanying with a classification of edge pixels in terms of the pixel connection patterns, to provide critical information for possible connectivity of edge segments. The algorithm applies a potential evaluation function to measure the likelihood of edge linking in certain directions for given TEPs. To reduce the computational overhead and improve the efficiency of the algorithm, an informed search method is used to locate significant edge pixels that present the most strong linking forces to a given TEP. The potential value for the TEP is calculated with respect to the edge directions dominated by the linking forces. When the potential value exceeds a given threshold in a direction, an extension is made at the TEP position in that direction. The process iterates until desired results are attained, using a global edge pattern evaluation scheme.

Citation Download Citation

Victoria Riordan and Quiming Zhu "Informed edge linking using a directional potential function", Proc. SPIE 2055, Intelligent Robots and Computer Vision XII: Algorithms and Techniques, (20 August 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.150155

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available