Segmentation by color coalition labeling for figure-ground segregation in decoration designs

Accurate figure-ground segregation of decoration designs allows for the computation of high-level design features for use in content-based retrieval and indexing systems, and may further serve as a basis for design understanding and various design manipulations. This paper outlines a method for figure-ground segregation that is particularly suitable for color design images generally encountered in the textile industry. We propose a strategy consisting of three main steps: (i) obtain initial candidates for the background by multi-scale detection of color texture regions; (ii) assess the appropriateness of the candidates by a classification algorithm based on visual cues such as relative size, connectedness and massiveness; (iii) integrate the results of the previous steps to produce a hierarchical description of the figure-ground structure of the design. The first step is performed by a novel algorithm for color texture detection based on an analysis of the local color structure of the design. The multi-scale nature of the algorithm allows for the detection of nested backgrounds. Results are presented for two databases of decorative design images, one of specialized type and one of general type.