Patent ID: 7116800
Filing Date: 2006-10-03
Classification: B60R,G06K,G06Q,G06T

Abstract:
1. An image segmentation meted for use with an occupant, a sensor for generating sensor measurements, and an ambient image including an occupant and the area surrounding the occupant, said image segmentation method comprising the following steps: receiving an ambient image represented by a plurality of pixels and a plurality of initial pixel values, wherein each said pixel has at least one said initial pixel value; identifying one or more pixels as belonging to one of a plurality of pixel categories on the basis of one or more initial pixel values associated with the pixels being identified, wherein identifying one or more said pixels further includes generating an image threshold; establishing a first revised pixel value for one or more pixels, wherein each pixel in the same pixel category has the same first revised pixel value; setting a second revised pixel value for one or more of said pixels on the basis of one or more first revised pixel values that are associated with one or more pixels in the vicinity of the pixel being set, wherein setting the second revised pixel value includes a momentum-based heuristic; and deriving a segmented image of the occupant from said first revised pixel value and said second revised pixel value.