A class of binary images thinning using two PCNNs

This paper proposes a new algorithm for a class of binary images thinning by using two PCNNs (pulse coupled neural networks). Once the travelling pulses of the two PCNNs meet, the thinning result is obtained. The criterion of pulses meeting is given, and the parameters of the PCNNs are also specified, which make the implementation of the proposed thinning algorithm easier. The algorithm is used to thin such a class of binary images, which separate the original images into two regions, as circularity-like images and ribbon-like shapes. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is efficient in extracting the skeleton of images (such as circularity-like images, ribbon-like shapes, handwriting ‘0’, etc.). r 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.