Wavelet based active contour model for object tracking

We propose an integrated wavelet-based framework for an active contour model (snake) which is used for the motion tracking of deformable objects in a sequence of images. The input image frame is decomposed into a multiresolution representation using a wavelet transform. First, the wavelet transform coefficients are used in a multiresolution motion estimation process to find the initial contour in the frame. The presented multiresolution motion estimation method allows larger movement of the tracked object than the traditional image-based motion estimation. Secondly, the wavelet transform modulus at each scale is considered in the energy function of the active contour model. The application of biological cell tracking using the proposed method is shown as an example.