2D fuzzy spatial relations and their applications to DICOM medical images

Abstract

In this paper we propose a model of fuzzy spatial relations, which can be used to describe imprecise spatial data on 2D images. This model defines relations very similar to those existing in natural language and reasoning, like "on the left side of the image", "in the center of the image", "right/left of", "above/below of", "(very) close to", "(very) far from", "at distance of", etc. Composition operators and, or, not and subtract are defined in order to combine these basic fuzzy spatial relations into more complex ones. In addition, formula for calculating membership value of imprecise region to fuzzy spatial relation is defined. Proposed model is verified through the example of practical application on DICOM medical images. © 2013 IEEE.