Patent ID: 7386186
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A method of processing an input image, said method comprising: inputting said input image into a pixel array producing pixel output signals having luminance intensity values; executing an image edge detection routine on said pixel output signals, said image edge detection routine detecting pixels defining an image edge; grouping said edge defining pixels into a predetermined plurality of regions based on luminance intensity values of said edge defining pixels; using said grouping to define a non-linear transform function operation over a range of luminance intensity values of said pixel array; applying said non-linear transform function to luminance intensity values of said edge defining pixels capturing said input image; and using the edge defining pixels having the applied non-linear transform function to produce an enhanced image from said input image; wherein the act of applying said non-linear transform function comprises: assigning a contrast enhancement value to each of said predetermined plurality of regions; normalizing each of said assigned contrast enhancement values; generating a transform function for each of said normalized contrast enhancement values; and extrapolating said non-linear transform function from said transform function.