Image Segmentation Technique Used in Estimation of the Size Distribution of Rock Fragments in Mining

In this paper we describe a method for segmenting the image of fragmented ore into regions and estimating a size distrubution of the ore fragments. As the image grey level is inadequate for determining the rock boundary, we propose a two-step method for segmentation. First step, apply a region growing algorithm to construct a primary region division from the image grey level. Second step, use a set of rules to examine the region shapes and correct the division errors. Features of the regions, which are relative to the rock volume, are then measured. The method is simple and economic, while the precision is acceptable. within the rock extent. Segmentation method based on neighborhood grey level will not be able to outline each rock. Some progress has already been achieved in analyzing the ore fragment image. There are systems and methods proposed in U.S.A., Democratic Germany, Sweden et al. The University of Lulea (in Sweden) developed a system for automatic processing of fragment image