Image segment algorithm based on adaptive image preprocessing

To avoid over segmentation produced by watershed segment algorithm, an image segment/algorithm based on the adaptive preprocessing is proposed in this paper. This algorithm is based on the watershed transform. First the gradient image is preprocessed according to the pixels intensity and spatial information. After the points in the neighborhood of each image pixel are classified, their distribution situations are used to estimate the location of the image pixel, in the center or near the boundary of a region. Each pixel's gradient magnitude is adaptive adjusted according to its location. Then the flat regions larger than 200 pixels in the preprocessed gradient magnitude image are extracted as markers. According to the markers, the preprocessed gradient, magnitude image is segmented by the watershed transform. Experimental results indicate that this algorithm provides a good segmentation for segment-based image coding.