Patent ID: 7054486
Filing Date: 2006-05-30
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for processing a plurality of pixels representing at least a portion of an image, comprising the steps of: scanning a pixel in the plurality of pixels to determine if the pixel contains image information of significance; in response to the pixel containing image information of significance, determining if only an immediately previously scanned single pixel (single pixel) contains image information of significance; in response to the single pixel containing image information of significance, assigning the pixel to an existing image segment of the single pixel; in response to the single pixel not containing image information of significance, creating a new image segment and assiging the pixel to the new image segment; in response to the assigning or creating steps, updating inertia information for either the new image segment or the existing image segment, respectively; (a) determining if only a single, previously scanned pixel adjacent to the pixel (adjacent pixel), that is not the single pixel, contains image information of significance; (b) determining if the adjacent pixel assigned to an image segment that does not include the pixel; in response to steps (a) and (b) being true, merging the new image segment or the existing image segment, respectively, that includes the pixel, with the image segment; and repeating all previous steps for a next sequential pixel of the plurality of pixels.