noisy image segmentation using a self-organizing map network

Abstract

Image segmentation is an essential step in image processing. Many image segmentation methods are available but most of these methods are not suitable for noisy images or they require priori knowledge, such as knowledge on the type of noise. In order to overcome these obstacles, a new image segmentation algorithm is proposed by using a self-organizing map (SOM) with some changes in its structure and training data. In this paper, we choose a pixel with its spatial neighbors and two statistical features, mean and median, computed based on a block of pixels as training data for each pixel. This approach helps SOM network recognize a model of noise, and consequently, segment noisy image as well by using spatial information and two statistical features. Moreover, a two cycle thresholding process is used at the end of learning phase to combine or remove extra segments. This way helps the proposed network to recognize the correct number of clusters/segments automatically. A performance evaluation of the proposed algorithm is carried out on different kinds of image, including medical data imagery and natural scene. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has advantages in accuracy and robustness against noise in comparison with the well-known unsupervised algorithms.