Multiresolution image segmentation integrating Gibbs sampler and region merging algorithm

This work approaches the texture segmentation problem by incorporating Gibbs sampler (i.e., the combination of Markov random fields and simulated annealing) and a region-merging process within a multiresolution structure with "high class resolution and low boundary resolution" at high levels and "low class resolution and high boundary resolution" at lower ones. As the algorithm descends the multiresolution structure, the coarse segmentation results are propagated down to the lower levels so as to reduce the inherent class-boundary uncertainty and to improve the segmentation accuracy. The computational complexity and frequent occurrences of over-segmentation of Gibbs sampler are addressed and the computationally and functionally effective region-merging process is included to allow Gibbs sampler to start its annealing schedule at relatively low pseudo-temperature and to guide the search trajectory away from local minima associated with over-segmented configurations. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.