Sharpening vector median filters

A sharpening vector median (VM) filter for simultaneous denoising and enhancing vector-valued signals is introduced. This filter uses the trimmed aggregated distance minimization concept and robust vector order statistics to enhance edges and image details while retaining the noise removal characteristics of the standard VM operator. The procedure accommodates various design, implementation and application objectives by enhancing the vector-valued signals depending on the local image statistics and/or the user's needs. The filter properties discussed in this paper are proven and suggest that the proposed solution is a robust vector processing operator. The performance and efficiency of the filter are analyzed and commented upon. Examples from its application to color image filtering and virtual restoration of artworks are provided. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.