Model-based segmentation of FLIR images

The use of gray-scale intensities together with the edge information present in a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) image to obtain a precise and accurate segmentation of a target is presented. A model of FLIR images based on gray-scale and edge information is incorporated in a gradient relaxation technique which explicitly maximizes a criterion function based on the inconsistency and ambiguity of classification of pixels with respect to their neighbors. Four variations of the basic technique which provide automatic selection of thresholds to segment FLIR images are considered. These methods are compared, and several examples of segmentation of ship images are given