Implementation of parallel thinning algorithms using recurrent neural networks

Abstract

The use of recurrent neural networks for skeletonization and thinning of binary images is investigated. The networks are trained to learn a deletion rule and they iteratively delete object pixels until only the skeleton remains. Recurrent neural network architectures that implement a variety of thinning algorithms, such as the Rosenfeld-Kak algorithm and the Wang-Zhang (WZ) algorithm, are presented. A modified WZ algorithm which produces skeletons that are intuitively more pleasing is introduced.