An algorithm for region extraction based on an elastic–plastic deformation model
Mikito Ikuta, Akihiro Minagawa, Toshiyuki Gotoh · Systems and Computers in Japan · 2001
Abstract This paper proposes a new region extraction method, in which a two‐dimensional pixel image or three‐dimensional voxel image is modeled as an elastic film or body with an elasticity distribution corresponding to the density gradient or some other image property, and is segmented according to this elasticity distribution. The proposed method uses a higher‐dimension space formed by introducing a deformation axis that is orthogonal to the two‐dimensional image plane or the three‐dimensional image space, making it possible to calculate the equilibrium state at low computational cost. Region extraction then consists of simulating elastic–plastic deformation by displacing the internal pixels of the region in the direction of the deformation axis, with the ends of the image fixed. Experimental results show that the method is effective when applied to two‐dimensional real pixel images and three‐dimensional real voxel images. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Syst Comp Jpn, 32(5): 46–54, 2001