Robust Centerline Extraction Framework Using Level Sets

In this paper, we present a novel framework for computing centerlines for both 2D and 3D shape analysis. The framework works as follows: an object centerline point is selected automatically as the point of global maximum Euclidean distance from the boundary, and is considered a point source (PS) that transmits a wave front that evolves over time and traverses the object domain. The front propagates at each object point with a speed that is proportional to its Euclidean distance from the boundary. The motion of the front is governed by a nonlinear partial differential equation whose solution is computed efficiently using level set methods. Initially, the PS transmits a moderate speed wave to explore the object domain and extract its topological information such as merging and extreme points. Then, it transmits a new front that is much faster at centerline points than non central ones. As a consequence, centerlines intersect the propagating fronts at those points of maximum positive c...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: CVPR (Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition)
• Authors: M. Sabry Hassouna, Aly A. Farag
• Attachments: 1 file(s)
• Keywords: Animation, Centerline Extraction, Colonoscopy, Computer Graphics, Curve Skeletons, Eikonal Equation, Fast Marching Methods, Gradient Vector Flow, GVF, Medial-axis, Path Planning, Shape Representation, Skeletonization, Virtual Endoscopy