CONFORMAL CURVATURE FLOWS - FROM PHASE-TRANSITIONS TO ACTIVE VISION

In this paper, we analyze geometric active contour models from a curve evolution point of view and propose some modifications based on gradi ent flows relative to certain new feature-based Riemannian metrics. Th is leads to a novel edge-detection paradigm in which the feature of in terest may be considered to lie at the bottom of a potential well. Thu s an edge-seeking curve is attracted very naturally and efficiently to the desired feature. Comparison with the Allen-Cahn model clarifies s ome of the choices made in these models, and suggests inhomogeneous mo dels which may in return be useful in phase transitions. We also consi der some 3-dimensional active surface models based on these ideas. The justification of this model rests on the careful study of the viscosi ty solutions of evolution equations derived from a level-set approach.