A Local Region-Based Level Set Method With Markov Random Field for Side-Scan Sonar Image Multi-Level Segmentation

Side-scan sonar is widely utilized in the field of underwater exploration. Accurate segmentation of the side-scan sonar images is an essential part of sonar image processing. To improve the accuracy of image segmentation and reduce the occupancy of computing resources, a new active contour model for image segmentation is proposed in this article. Firstly, we make the energy function of each pixel determined by itself and its neighbors. This article embeds the local texture neighborhood region system and define its structure to against the noise and object boundary pollution of the image. Further, we introduce a Bayesian framework that embeds the Markov Random Field model and local texture information to counteract the problem of intensity inhomogeneity, improve the accuracy of segmentation, and reduce computational cost. Finally, according to this model, we customize a new multi-class energy function which applied to the level set function. By minimizing this energy equation, we can divide the image into three classes: object, shadow, and seabed background. The experimental results show that this method has a good effect on the synthesized high-noise sonar images and real sonar images, and also have significantly increased the accurate recognition of underwater targets.