Multi-object segmentation using coupled nonparametric shape and relative pose priors

We present a new method for multi-object segmentation in a maximum a posteriori estimation framework. Our method is motivated by the observation that neighboring or coupling objects in images generate configurations and co-dependencies which could potentially aid in segmentation if properly exploited. Our approach employs coupled shape and inter-shape pose priors that are computed using training images in a nonparametric multivariate kernel density estimation framework. The coupled shape prior is obtained by estimating the joint shape distribution of multiple objects and the inter-shape pose priors are modeled via standard moments. Based on such statistical models, we formulate an optimization problem for segmentation, which we solve by an algorithm based on active contours. Our technique provides significant improvements in the segmentation of weakly contrasted objects in a number of applications. In particular for medical image analysis, we use our method to extract brain Basal Gang...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: CIMAGING
• Authors: Mustafa Gökhan Uzunbas, Octavian Soldea, Müjdat Çetin, Gözde B. Ünal, Aytül Erçil, Devrim Unay, Ahmet Ekin, Zeynep Firat
• Keywords: CIMAGING 2008, CIMAGING 2009, Estimation Framework, Inter-shape Pose Priors, Multi-object Segmentation