Image processing apparatus and image processing method

An image processing method of performing region segmentation of an image, comprising:

• using a processor to perform steps of:
• generating a plurality of block images by dividing an input image into blocks each of which has a predetermined size;
• and
• performing clustering of pixels contained in the plurality of block images based on a representative point associated with each of those block images so as to apply the region segmentation to those block images, wherein the representative point is a part of plurality of representative points disposed in the input image,
• wherein the clustering in a target block image of the region segmentation is performed by referring to a representative point in the target block image, a representative point of a processed block image on which the region segmentation has been performed, and a representative point of an unprocessed block image on which the region segmentation has not been performed yet, and
• the processed block image and the unprocessed block image are adjacent to the target block image.

A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a computer-executable program for causing a computer to perform an image processing method, the method comprising steps of:

• generating a plurality of block images by dividing an input image into blocks each of which has a predetermined size;
• and
• performing clustering of pixels contained in the plurality of block images based on a representative point associated with each of those block images so as to apply the region segmentation to those block images, wherein the representative point is a part of plurality of representative points disposed in the input image,
• wherein the clustering in a target block image of the region segmentation is performed by referring to a representative point in the target block image, a representative point of a processed block image on which the region segmentation has been performed, and a representative point of an unprocessed block image on which the region segmentation has not been performed yet, and
• the processed block image and the unprocessed block image are adjacent to the target block image.

An image processing method comprising:

• setting a plurality of representative points and a plurality of block images in an input image;
• and
• performing region segmentation on the plurality of block images by clustering of pixels contained in those block images based on the plurality of representative points,
• wherein the clustering of pixels in a target block image of the region segmentation is performed by referring to information of a representative point in the target block image, a representative point in a processed block image on which the region segmentation has been performed and which is adjacent to the target block image, and a representative point in an unprocessed block image on which the region segmentation has not been performed yet and which is adjacent to the target block image.

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• a processor in communication with the memory that, upon execution of codes stored in the memory, functions as:
• a setting unit configured to set a plurality of representative points and a plurality of block images in an input image;
• and
• a segmentation unit configured to perform region segmentation on the plurality of block images by clustering of pixels contained in those block images based on the plurality of representative points,
• wherein the segmentation unit performs the clustering of pixels in a target block image of the region segmentation by referring to a representative point in the target block image, a representative point of a processed block image on which the region segmentation has been performed and which is adjacent to the target block image, and a representative point of an unprocessed block image on which the region segmentation has not been performed yet and which is adjacent to the target block image.

A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a computer-executable program for causing a computer to perform an image processing method, the method comprising steps of:

• setting a plurality of representative points and a plurality of block images in an input image;
• and
• performing region segmentation on the plurality of block images by clustering of pixels contained in those block images based on the plurality of representative points,
• wherein the clustering of pixels in a target block image of the region segmentation is performed by referring to information of a representative point in the target block image, a representative point in a processed block image on which the region segmentation has been performed and which is adjacent to the target block image, and a representative point in an unprocessed block image on which the region segmentation has not been performed yet and which is adjacent to the target block image.