Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable recording device

An image processing method performed by an image processing apparatus which divides an image into a plurality of areas, comprising:

• calculating, based on color feature data of a pixel included in the image, respective probabilities that the pixel belongs to the plurality of areas;
• calculating a weighted edge intensity between neighboring pixels based on pixel values and color feature data of the pixel included in the image and a neighboring pixel of the pixel;
• creating an energy function whose variable is a result of an area determination of the pixel by using the probabilities and the weighted edge intensity;
• and
• dividing the image into the plurality of areas based on the energy function.

A computer-readable recording device in which an executable program is recorded, the program instructing a processor for dividing an image into a plurality of areas to execute:

• calculating, based on color feature data of a pixel included in the image, respective probabilities that the pixel belongs to the plurality of areas;
• calculating a weighted edge intensity between neighboring pixels based on pixel values and color feature data of the pixel included in the image and a neighboring pixel of the pixel;
• creating an energy function whose variable is a result of an area determination of the pixel by using the probabilities and the weighted edge intensity;
• and
• dividing the image into the plurality of areas based on the energy function.