On the reduction of impulsive noise in multichannel image processing

A new approach to the problem of impulsive-noise reduction for color images is introduced. The major advantage of the technique is that it filters out the noise component while adapting itself to the local image structures. In this way the algorithm is able to eliminate strong impulsive noise while preserving edges and fine image details. As the algorithm is a fuzzy modification of the commonly used vector median operator, it is very fast and easy to implement. Our results show that the proposed method outperforms all standard algorithms for the reduction of impulsive noise in color images. (C) 2001 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.