Method for improved image segmentation
AssigneeCytyc Corporation
InventorMichael Zahniser
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved image segmentation algorithm is provided that identifies each object in an image. Pixels of the image are sorted based on a range of attribute values of the image. These pixels are then added to a labeling image one by one starting with an extreme point in the range of attribute values. Features are calculated for each object located and these features are matched with pre-defined acceptance criteria. If there is a match, the object is output to an output image. The steps of adding pixels to the image, evaluating the features of the resulting objects and outputting the objects are repeated until a stopping point is reached.
Claims33
A method to identify each object in an image, said method comprising steps of:
- a. sorting pixels based on a range of attribute values of said image;
- b. adding one of said sorted pixels to a labeling image to locate an object in said labeling image;
- c. outputting said object onto an output image if features of said object match a pre-defined acceptance criteria;
- and
- d. starting with one extreme point in said range of attribute values, performing steps b and c repeatedly utilizing a computer until another extreme point in said range of attribute values is reached.
A computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for execution by a processor to perform a method comprising:
- a. sorting pixels based on a range of attribute values of said image;
- b. adding one of said sorted pixels to a labeling image to locate an object in said labeling image;
- c. outputting said object onto an output image if features of said object match a pre-defined acceptance criteria;
- and
- d. starting with one extreme point in said range of attribute values, performing steps b and c repeatedly until another extreme point in said range of attribute values is reached.
A method to identify each object in an image under a plurality of threshold values, said method comprising steps of:
- a. sorting pixels in said image based on a range of attribute values of said pixels, wherein said range of attribute values correspond to said plurality of threshold values;
- b. adding one of said pixels to a labeling image to create a new object or update an old object;
- c. calculating features of said created new object or said updated old object;
- d. matching said calculated features of said created new object or said updated old object with a pre-defined criteria;
- e. outputting said created new object or said updated old object on an output image if an acceptance criteria is satisfied for said features;
- and
- f. staffing with one extreme point in said range of attribute values, performing steps b through e repeatedly utilizing a computer until a stopping point is reached, said stopping point being selected from the group consisting of:
- another extreme point in said range of values, a point representing background pixels values in said range of attribute values, and a point in said range of attribute values representing pixel values not related to said new object or said updated old object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.