Markov connected component fields

Abstract

A new class of Gibbsian models with potentials associated with the connected components or homogeneous parts of images is introduced. The relationship with Markov random fields and marked point processes is explored and spatial Markov properties are established. Further, extensions to infinite lattices are studied. Statistical inference problems including geostatistical applications and statistical image analysis are also discussed. Finally, simulation studies are presented which show that the models may be appropriate for a variety of interesting patterns.