Thinning algorithms: A critique and a new methodology

This paper surveys the applications of thinning in image processing, and examines the difficulties that confront existing thinning algorithms. A fundamental problem is that an algorithm may not be guaranteed to operate successfully on all possible images: in particular, it may not discriminate prope...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pattern recognition 1981, Vol.14 (1), p.53-63
Main Authors: Davies, E.R., Plummer, A.P.N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Binary pictures
Connectedness
Line images
Noise spurs
Pattern recognition
Picture processing
Shape analysis
Skeletons
Thinning
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Summary:This paper surveys the applications of thinning in image processing, and examines the difficulties that confront existing thinning algorithms. A fundamental problem is that an algorithm may not be guaranteed to operate successfully on all possible images: in particular, it may not discriminate properly between ‘noise spurs’ and valid limbs, and the skeleton produced may not accurately reflect the shape of the object under scrutiny. Analysis of the situation results in a new, systematic approach to thinning, leading to a family of algorithms able to achieve guaranteed standards of skeleton precision. One algorithm of this family is described in detail. “There is still no definitely good method for thinning” - Nagao (28)
ISSN:0031-3203
1873-5142
DOI:10.1016/0031-3203(81)90045-5