An Image Segmentation Method Using an Active Contour Model Based on Improved SPF and LIF

Abstract

Inhomogeneous images cannot be segmented quickly or accurately using local or global image information. To solve this problem, an image segmentation method using a novel active contour model that is based on an improved signed pressure force (SPF) function and a local image fitting (LIF) model is proposed in this paper, which is based on local and global image information. First, a weight function of the global grayscale means of the inside and outside of a contour curve is presented by combining the internal gray mean value with the external gray mean value, based on which a new SPF function is defined. The SPF function can segment blurred images and weak gradient images. Then, the LIF model is introduced by using local image information to segment intensity-inhomogeneous images. Subsequently, a weight function is established based on the local and global image information, and then the weight function is used to adjust the weights between the local information term and the global information term. Thus, a novel active contour model is presented, and an improved SPF- and LIF-based image segmentation (SPFLIF-IS) algorithm is developed based on that model. Experimental results show that the proposed method not only exhibits high robustness to the initial contour and noise but also effectively segments multiobjective images and images with intensity inhomogeneity and can analyze real images well.