Joint region merging criteria for watershed-based image segmentation

A new joint region merging criterion for watershed-based image segmentation is proposed. The method combines, in a weighted fashion, criteria based on region homogeneity and edge integrity, which have each been applied marginally with some relative success. However, those criteria have shown some significant drawbacks when applied separately. The new criterion takes joint advantage of these two methods, giving a final segmentation that is more visually appropriate. Additionally, a new nonlinear pre and post-filtering procedure is proposed for reducing the oversegmentation of the watershed algorithm. Experimental results are presented showing the advantages of the new merging criterion and the pre/post-filtering method.