Contour Extraction using Genetic Algorithms

Abstract

A fast and efficient contour extraction algorithm that exploits the enhanced searching capability of genetic algorithm while minimising the energy of an active contour is proposed in this article. The energy is computed based on a chamfer image, in which pixel values relate to their closeness to surrounding edges. Given an initial approximation of the contour of interest, its energy (both internal and external) is computed. Subsequently, genetic algorithm is used to minimize the energy by appropriately moving the contour towards the one of interest. Comparison of the performance of the proposed algorithm with snake, a traditional contour extraction technique based on the active contour model, demonstrates the superiority of the former for situations where the spline drawn from initial control points do not closely approximate the contour of interest.

Indexing terms:

• Active contour
• Genetic algorithm
• Edge detection
• Energy minimisation
• Spline