Active surface model-based adaptive thresholding algorithm by repulsive external force

Inspired by the idea that threshold surface always intersects the image surface at high gradient points, an active surfacebased adaptive thresholding algorithm is proposed to get the binarized result. In this model, the external force is designed to be repulsive from the image surface, thus at the equilibrium state the active surface tends to cover the supporting points of high gradient with smooth property, as well as be away from the image surface locally, which makes the obtained threshold surface properly separate the foreground and background. The description of the algorithm is in a simple and reasonable energy functional form, and only two parameters need to be tuned, which gives more convenience to the operation. Analysis and comparison for the experimental results reveal that it cannot only give the proper thresholding result but also restrain the occurrence of the ghost phenomenon. © 2003 SPIE and IS&T. [DOI: 10.1117/1.1556313]