Visual background extractor

The present invention relates to a VIsual Background Extractor ( VIBE ) consisting in a method for detecting a background in an image selected from a plurality of related images. Each one of said set of images is formed by a set of pixels, and captured by an imaging device. This background detection method comprising the steps of: - establishing, for a determined pixel position in said plurality of images, a background history comprising a plurality of addresses, in such a manner as to have a sample pixel value stored in each address; - comparing the pixel value corresponding to said determined pixel position in the selected image with said background history, and, if said pixel value from the selected image substantially matches at least a predetermined number of said sample pixel values: - classifying said determined pixel position as belonging to the image background; ; and - updating said background history by replacing the sample pixel values in one randomly chosen address of said background history with said pixel value from the selected image. The method of the invention is applicable a.o. for video surveillance purposes, videogame interaction and imaging devices with embedded data processors.