The application of watersnakes algorithm in segmentation of the hippocampus from brain MR image

Abstract

The application of watersnakes algorithm in segmentation of hippocampus MR image has been investigated.This algorithm integrates the watershed transform and the active contour algorithm. The watershed transform, based on mathematical morphology, is powerful and flexible for segmentation. However, it does not allow the characteristics of region boundaries to be included in the way that active contour algorithm does. So, over-segmentation is shown in the result of watershed transform, this phenomenon is even worse for the segmentation of hippocampus. For watersnakes algorithm, the primitive contour of hippocampus can be obtained using watershed transform. Based on energy-driven, the contour of hippocampus can develop into the ultimate result. In the process of energy-driven, the information relating to characteristics of region boundaries is involved. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.