real-time image segmentation

Hi, i need to write an algorithm for image segmentation in real-time:
up to now, I have used cvPyrSegmentation with good result (10 ms for a
small image, that's what I need), but now I have to write an algorithm
from scratch. I've tried to ****t cvPyrSegmentation but code is very
cryptic, and it seems not to exist any good reference paper. Can you
suggest me an algorithm that can suit my requests?

Thanks in  advance
Giulio