Non-contrast based edge descriptor for image segmentation

We present an efficient object segmentation strategy based on edge information to assist object-based video coding, motion estimation and motion compensation for the MPEG system. Two parameters are introduced and described based on edge information from the analysis of a local histogram. Using these features, a non-contrast based edge function is defined to generate an edge information map, which can be thought as a gradient image. Then, an improved marker-based region growing and merging techniques are derived to separate image regions. The proposed algorithm is tested on several standard images and demonstrates high reliability for object segmentation.