Segmentation by color coalition labeling for figure-ground segregation in decoration designs

Accurate figure-ground segregation of decoration designs allows for the computation of high-level design features for use in content-based retrieval and indexing systems, and may further serve as a basis for design understanding and various design manipulations. This paper outlines a method for figure-ground segregation that is particularly suitable for color design images generally encountered in the textile industry. We propose a strategy consisting of three main steps: (i) obtain initial candidates for the background by multi-scale detection of color texture regions; (ii) assess the appropriateness of the candidates by a classification algorithm based on visual cues such as relative size, connectedness and massiveness; (iii) integrate the results of the previous steps to produce a hierarchical description of the figure-ground structure of the design. The first step is performed by a novel algorithm for color texture detection based on an analysis of the local color structure of the design. The multi-scale nature of the algorithm allows for the detection of nested backgrounds. Results are presented for two databases of decorative design images; one of specialized type and one of general type.