Number-Driven Perceptual Segmentation of Natural Color Images for Easy Decision of Optimal Result

This paper proposes number-driven perceptual segmentation of natural color images using a fuzzy-based hierarchical algorithm for an easy decision of the optimal segmentation result. A fuzzy-based homogeneity measure makes a fusion of the L*a*b* color features and the SGF texture features. Proposed hierarchical segmentation method is performed in four stages: simple splitting, local merging, global merging and boundary refinement. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed through computer simulations that demonstrate an easy determination of the optimal segmentation result.