Coupled geometric and texture PDE-based segmentation

In this paper, along with recent trends in segmentation using multiple image cues, we examine the integration of modulation texture features, image contrast and region size for decomposition of an image in homogenous regions. First, we propose the use of a morphological PDE-based segmentation scheme of the watershed type, based on seeded region-growing and level curve evolution with speed depending on contrast and size. Second, we analyze object surface texture by modelling image variations as local spatial modulation components estimated via multi-frequency filtering and instantaneous energy-tracking operators. By separately exploiting contrast and texture information, through multiscale image decomposition, we propose a PDE-based coupled segmentation method. Experimental results on various classes of images such as soilsections, aerial and natural scenes indicate that the combined effect of image decomposition and multi-cue segmentation improves the overall segmentation process.