Video object segmentation based on edge tracking

This paper addresses the problem of semi-automatic video object segmentation by tracking image edges, which compose the object boundary. Given an outline of the object in the first frame of the sequence, we analyze its curvature function and determine an optimal B-spline shape model. Affine motion model parameters are estimated and used for propagating the shape model to the next frame, where it serves as an initialization of curve evolution. An evolution criterion integrates edge and local intensity information by using intensity and color models of boundary neighborhood regions, which allows successful tracking of object edges in cases of object deformations and minor occlusion