A Fast Hybrid k-Means Level Set Algorithm For Segmentation

In this paper, we first draw a connection between a level set algorithm and k-Means plus nonlinear diffusion preprocessing. Then, we exploit this link to develop a new hybrid numerical technique for segmentation that draws on the speed and simplicity of k-Means procedures, and the robustness of level set algorithms. The proposed method retains spatial coherence on initial data characteristic of curve evolution techniques, as well as the balance between a pixel/voxel’s proximity to the curve and its intention to cross over the curve from the underlying energy. However, it is orders of magnitude faster than standard curve evolutions. Moreover, it does not suffer from the limitations of k-Means due to inaccurate local minima and allows for segmentation results ranging from k-Means clustering type partitioning to level set partitions.