An extension of the differential image foresting transform and its application to superpixel generation

Author(s)

Condori, Marcos A. T. ; Cappabianco, Fabio A. M. ; Falcao, Alexandre X. ; Miranda, Paulo A., V

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION AND IMAGE REPRESENTATION; v. 71, p. 15-pg., 2020-08-01.

Abstract

The Image Foresting Transform (IFT) is a graph-based framework to develop image operators based on optimum connectivity between a root set and the remaining nodes, according to a given path-cost function. Its applications involve a variety of tasks, such as segmentation, boundary tracking, skeletonization, filtering, among others. The Differential Image Foresting Transform (DIFT) allows multiple IFT executions for different root sets and a same monotonically incremental path-cost function, making the processing time proportional to the number of modified nodes. In this paper, we extend the DIFT algorithm for non monotonically incremental functions with root-based increases. This proposed extension, called Generalized DIFT (GDIFT), has been successfully used as the core part of some modern superpixels methods with state-of-the-art results. Experimental results show considerable efficiency gains over the sequential flow of IFTs for the generation of superpixels, also avoiding inconsistencies in image segmentation, which could occur with the regular DIFT algorithm. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/21591-5 - Development of robust methods for edge delineation in images using graphs
• Grantee: Fábio Augusto Menocci Cappabianco
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/12236-1 - AnImaLS: Annotation of Images in Large Scale: what can machines and specialists learn from interaction?
• Grantee: Alexandre Xavier Falcão
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/50761-2 - Models and methods of e-Science for life and agricultural sciences
• Grantee: Roberto Marcondes Cesar Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/50937-1 - INCT 2014: on the Internet of the Future
• Grantee: Fabio Kon
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants