Patent ID: 7181086
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A method of processing a digital image to improve tone scale, comprising the steps of: a) generating a multiresolution image representation of an original digital image including a plurality of base digital images and a plurality of residual digital images wherein: b) applying a texture reducing spatial filter to the base digital images to produce texture reduced base digital images; and c) combining the texture reduced base digital images and the residual digital images to generate a texture reduced digital image; d) subtracting the texture reduced digital image from the digital image to produce a texture digital image; e) applying a compressive tone scale function to the texture reduced digital image to produce a tone scale adjusted digital image having a compressed tone scale in at least a portion of the image; and f) combining the texture digital image with the tone scale adjusted digital image to produce an enhanced digital image, whereby the contrast of the enhanced digital image is improved without compressing the contrast of the texture in the original digital image.