Systems and methods for segmenting an image

#The embodiments disclosed herein relate to image segmentation, and, in particular to systems and methods for segmenting images.

#Segmentation is the process of identifying regions of interest within an image. Examples of image segmentation are identification of roads, people, stop signs, and other objects in images taken from self-driving vehicles, or identifying the location of anatomical structures in medical images. Segmentation assigns each pixel of an image with a unique label that corresponds to an object of interest. There may be m classes in an image, with m being the number of objects or regions of interest in the image.

#Image segmentation may be performed as a manual, semi-automated, or automated process. A fully manual image segmentation process would include a human identifying the correct label for each pixel in an image. A semi-automated method would include at least some human input such as identifying seed points within objects of interest that can then be inputted into an automated process. A fully automated process requires no human input (beyond creating the automated process) and includes methods such as machine learning.

#The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present specification.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system for segmenting an image, in accordance with an embodiment.

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a processor and memory used in a computer system for segmenting an image, in accordance with an embodiment.

#Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of each claimed embodiment. No embodiment described below limits any claimed embodiment and any claimed embodiment may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed embodiments are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below.

#One or more systems described herein may be implemented in computer programs executing on programmable computers, each comprising at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. For example, and without limitation, the programmable computer may be a programmable logic unit, a mainframe computer, server, and personal computer, cloud based program or system, laptop, personal data assistance, cellular telephone, smartphone, or tablet device.

#Each program is preferably implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming and/or scripting language to communicate with a computer system. However, the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Each such computer program is preferably stored on a storage media or a device readable by a general or special purpose programmable computer for configuring and operating the computer when the storage media or device is read by the computer to perform the procedures described herein.