Image segmentation based on mutual information

In the paper, Otsu´s algorithm is combined with mutual information (MI) technique. The initial threshold can be chosen using Otsu algorithm, and in the iteration process, an optimal threshold will be determined by maximizing the MI between the original volume and the thresholded volume. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach by applying it to the medical images (MR, microphotographic) and license plate images. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method has not only visually better or comparable segmentation effect but also, more favorably, removal ability for noise.