Dynamic speckle image segmentation using self-organizing maps

The aim of this work is to build a computational model able to automatically identify, after training, dynamic speckle pattern regions with similar properties. The process is carried out using a set of descriptors applied to the intensity variations with time in every pixel of a speckle image sequence. An image obtained by projecting a self-organized map is converted into regions of similar activity that can be easily distinguished. We propose a general procedure that could be applied to numerous situations. As examples we show different situations: (a) an activity test in a simplified situation; (b) a non-biological example and (c) biological active specimens. The results obtained are encouraging; they significantly improve upon those obtained using a single descriptor and will eventually permit automatic quantitative assessment.