A Background Subtraction Algorithm in Complex Environments Based on Category Entropy Analysis

• Main Authors: Sheng-Yi Chiu, Chung-Cheng Chiu, Sendren Sheng-Dong Xu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-05-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: computer vision; background subtraction; object detection; category entropy analysis; internet of things (IoT); dynamic background environments
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/8/6/885

Background subtraction is a mainstream algorithm for moving object detection in video surveillance systems. It segments moving objects by using the difference between the background and input images. The key to background subtraction is to establish a reliable initial background. In this study, we propose a background subtraction algorithm based on category entropy analysis that dynamically creates color categories for each pixel in the images. The algorithm uses the concept of a joint category to build background categories that can adapt to the color disturbance of the background. Furthermore, in order to overcome dynamic background environments, this paper proposes the concept of color category entropy to estimate the number of necessary background categories and establish sufficient and representative background categories to adapt to dynamic background environments. In addition, recent mainstream methods for background subtraction were implemented and analyzed in comparison with our algorithm.