Method for Image and Data Segmentation

Approaches to segmentation or detection of objects and their boundaries in images (or other data sets) do not rely on machine learning approaches that aim to minimize pixel-level agreement between a computer and a human. Optimizing such pixel-level agreement does not, in general, provide the best possible result if boundary detection is a means to the ultimate goal of image segmentation, rather than an end in itself. In some examples, end-to-end learning of image segmentation specifically targets boundary errors with topological consequences, but otherwise does not require the computer to “slavishly” imitate human placement of boundaries. In some examples, this is accomplished by modifying a standard learning procedure such that human boundary tracings are allowed to change during learning, except at locations critical to preserving topology.