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Experimental Comparison of Segmentation Algorithms on Images of Heat-Emitting Objects and Methods for Their Accuracy Improvement
Tomasz Koszmider, Marcin Bkaa, Anna Fabijaska, Krzysztof Strzecha
Abstract In this paper problem of accurate segmentation of images presenting melted specimens of metal is considered. Firstly the theory of thermal phenomena influence on recorded images is explained. A review of most popular edge-based segmentation methods is provided. Results of applying drop shape analysis algorithm to segmented images are presented, analyzed and discussed. Keywords edge detection, image segmentation, gradient operators, high temperatures, drop shape, image processing.

The set of test images was taken from Thermo-Wet vision system during measurements of contact angle and surface tension of different metal probes (Fig. 2).

I. INTRODUCTION At high temperatures the strong thermal radiation causes an aura phenomenon or reflection effect in areas around the specimen and base-plate contact points (Fig. 1) [1]. It results with an incorrect classification of background pixels into a set of points representing the object.

Fig. 2 Image of melted metal in temperature above 1010C.

Fig. 1 Results of inaccurate approximation of probe edge.

The main goal of experimental comparison of segmentation algorithms was to choose the most suitable method to be applied in Thermo-Wet system which was developed to calculate surface tension and contact angle of melted specimens of metal [2]. II. METHOD OF COMPARISON The comparison of segmentation methods was performed using four most popular algorithms which were: Canny, Sobel, LOG and LOG2 (where LOG2 denotes LOG preceded by double Gaussian filtration).
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Fig. 3 Binary representation of probe edge.

The goal of segmentation process was to obtain binary representation of drop edge (Fig. 3). To verify accuracy of segmentation algorithms drop shape analysis was performed on edges segmented using the considered methods. It aimed at calculating drop maximum width and height (Fig. 4).

Tomasz Koszmider, Marcin Bkaa, Anna Fabijaska, Krzysztof Strzecha Department of Computer Engineering, Technical University of Lodz, 18/22 Stefanowskiego Str., Lodz, 90-924 Lodz, POLAND, E-mails: {t.koszmider, m.bakala, an_fab, strzecha,} @kis.p.lodz.pl

MEMSTECH2010, 20-23 April 2010, Polyana-Svalyava (Zakarpattya), UKRAINE

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Proper values Canny LOG LOG2 Sobel 116,67 124,77 292,01 124,74 124,22 61,8 66,81 21,26 65,74 66,17

TABLE IV PROBE OF STEEL IN 1400C

Proper values Canny LOG LOG2 Sobel Fig. 4 Drop geometric parameters: d - maximum width, h maximum height. Proper values 116,25 124,7 149,75 133,88 124,66 62,14 65,42 14,27 14,34 66,64

TABLE V PROBE OF GOLD IN 1080C

183 200,35 190,45 190,99 186,07 104,92 105,68 104,12 103,67 99,99 Canny LOG LOG2 Sobel

III. RESULTS Determined values of drop geometric parameters obtained for all tested segmentation algorithms for images of different specimens are presented in the Tables 1-5. The first column of each table contains the name of the segmentation algorithm used. The second and the third column contain determined values of drop maximum width and height respectively. The dimensions are given in pixels. The first row contains values of geometric parameters calculated on based on edge determined by segmentation algorithm implemented in the previous version of ThermoWet system measurement software. TABLE I PROBE OF COPPER IN 1000C
Proper values Canny LOG LOG2 Sobel 227,74 234,49 235,06 232,98 194,84 102,92 106,23 106,22 95,58 107,89

IV. CONCLUSIONS Unfortunately all tested segmentation algorithms have serious problem with proper identification of areas where strong aura effect occurs. In almost all cases these areas are identified as a part of probe and base. It results with higher values of calculated geometric parameters and in consequence increase the real size of the drops. The best results produces Sobel filtering algorithm which with some modifications could be the suitable solution for the ThermoWet system measurement software.

V. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This paper presents research sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland, project no. N N519 403037.

REFERENCES
TABLE II PROBE OF COPPER IN 1100C
Proper values Canny LOG LOG2 Sobel 222,1 230,73 229,76 229,7 230,81 101,95 104,19 94,8 94,22 104,45

TABLE III PROBE OF STEEL IN 1300C

[1] D. Sankowski, K. Strzecha, S. Jezewski, J. Senkara, and W. Lobodzinski, Computerised Device with CCD Camera for Measurement of Surface Tension and Wetting Angle in Solid-Liquid Systems, in 16th IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference IMTC, Venice, Italy, May 1999, pp. 164168. [2] A.M. Emelyanenko, and L.B. Boinovich, The Use of Digital Processing of Video Images for Determining Parameters of Sessile and Pendant Drops, Colloid Journal, vol. 63(2), pp. 159-172, 2001.

MEMSTECH2010, 20-23 April 2010, Polyana-Svalyava (Zakarpattya), UKRAINE