Real-time Segmentation of Yarn Images Based on an FCM Algorithm and Intensity Gradient Analysis.

This paper presents a new method for real-time segmentation of yarn images which are captured by a real-time image acquisition device. The first frame of the images is clustered by the local average intensity and entropy of the image based on the FCM (Fuzzy C-means) algorithm to obtain a segmentation threshold value. The pixels with an intensity below the threshold value in each column of the image are convolved with a convolve template to construct an intensity gradient curve. The points of maximum value and minimum value in the curve are considered as the upper and lower edge points of yarn. A robust real-time segmentation algorithm of yarn images is obtained for evaluating yarn diameter more precisely. Finally two indices of SE (Segmentation Error) in% and ADE (Average Diameter Error) in % are proposed to evaluate the segmentation method, which is then compared with the manual method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]