Video segmentation of unknown static background using min-cut

In this report we introduce an algorithm for foreground layer extraction based on EM learning and min-cut. The background is unknown but assumed to be static, and the foreground is therefore defined as the dynamic part of the frame. From a single video stream our algorithm uses color cues as well as information from image contrast, that is, the color differences between adjacent pixels, to cut out the foreground layer. Experimental results show that the accuracy is good enough for most practical uses.
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