Image segmentation with context

Abstract

We present a technique for simultaneous segmentation and classification of image partitions using combinatorial optimization techniques. By combining existing image segmentation approaches with simple learning techniques we show how prior knowledge can be incorporated into the visual grouping process through the formulation of a quadratic binary optimization problem. We further show how such to efficiently solve such problems through relaxation techniques and trust region methods. This has resulted in an method that partitions images into a number of disjoint regions based on previously learned example segmentations. Preliminary experimental results are also presented in support of our suggested approach. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.