Outline extraction of microfossils in reflected light images

Abstract Microcomputer-based systems coupled with real-time video digitizers provide an efficient method of collecting shape data by extracting the outline of an object presented for viewing from a digitized video image. A system is described for outline extraction of microfossil specimens viewed in reflected light, focusing on software algorithms which are appropriate for the anticipated images. Implemented procedures draw heavily on standard techniques such as image segmentation based on thresholding, and edge extraction utilizing the method of heuristic search. The approach makes several assumptions about the images which limits its general applicability. However, it is considered readily adaptable to other images, such as those produced by a scanning-electron microscope, which have similar properties to those observed using reflected light, and which might be encountered by workers studying shape.

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