Inventors:
Joseph Hoshen - Naperville IL
International Classification:
G06K 962
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for extracting cluster shape features in two and three-dimensional images in a single scan is provided. The images, consisting of one or more classes, may be unbounded in one of their dimensions. As an image is scanned, each cluster fragment is assigned with one or more cluster labels. These labels are used to merge the cluster fragments into larger cluster fragments. An enhanced Hoshen-Kopelman algorithm is employed to determine the cluster shape features for the merged cluster fragments. Cluster label reuse is employed to enable the processing of substantially large images including unbounded images. After completing the scanning of an image section, cluster shape features data are outputted for completed clusters that extended into the section previous to said section. Optionally, cluster shape features of cluster fragments and completed clusters that extend into the said section can also be outputted.