A spatial thresholding method for image segmentation

Abstract

Several model-based algorithms for threshold selection are presented, concentrating on the two-population univariate case in which an image contains an object and background. It is shown how the main ideas behind two important nonspatial thresholding algorithms follow from classical discriminant analysis. Novel thresholding algorithms that make use of available local/spatial information are then given. It is found that an algorithm using alternating mean thresholding and median filtering provides an acceptable method when the image is relatively highly contaminated, and seems to depend less on initial values than other procedures. The methods are also applicable to multispectral k-population images.