Watershed segmentation algorithm based on-gradient modification and region merging

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of over-segmentation of the traditional watershed algorithm,a new algorithm of watershed segmentation method was proposed based on gradient modification and hierarchical region merging.Firstly,nonlinear transformation and morphological opening-by-reconstruction and closing-by-reconstruction were used to modify the gradient image;secondly,the floating-point active-image was computed as the input of watershed algorithm;finally,some small segmented regions were incorporated into the near bigger regions which was based on criterion of the average gray value of the region,and according to the contrast control and the edge strength criterion.The experimental results show that this method has good robustness and adaptability which can settle the over-segmentation problem effectively.