An expert system for cell edge detection using the heuristic search method

An edge detection technique that utilizes human heuristic knowledge and integrates local threshold and local contrast information was developed and implemented. A rule-based expert system was used to represent the logic of the heuristic search method and the rule-of-thumb knowledge of a human observer. The result from preliminary testing showed that the ratio of the solution path to the total search effort is approximately one half. The cell edges were accurately detected, even when weak edges were present. It was concluded that heuristic information reduces the total search effort and that heuristic search has the flexibility to adjust itself to changes in the local contrast and gradient