Vector Field Convolution for Image Segmentation using Snakes

Snakes, or active contours, have been widely used in image processing applications. Typical roadblocks to consistent performance include limited capture range, noise sensitivity, and poor convergence to concavities. This paper proposes a new design for the snake external force, called vector field convolution (VFC), to address these problems. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons with the gradient vector flow (GVF) external force are presented in this paper to show the advantages of this innovation.