Patent ID: 8107760

Claim:
A method for enhancing multi-dimensional image data, comprising: scanning image data in a plurality of dimensions; first, performing the following steps for a first dimension of the plurality of dimensions: applying a first-dimension low pass filter to image data contained in the first dimension to generate a first-dimension filtered output, the first low pass filter having a, plurality of predetermined filter coefficients; delaying the image data contained in the first dimension using at least one first-dimension delay buffer; outputting at least one set of first-dimension buffer-delayed image data; applying at least one additional first-dimension low pass filter to said at least one set of first-dimension buffer-delayed image data to generate at least one additional first-dimension filtered output, said at least one additional first-dimension low pass filter having a plurality of predetermined filter coefficients; and accumulating the first-dimension filtered output and said at least one additional first-dimension filtered output to generate one-dimensional decimated image data; and second, performing he following steps for a second dimension of the plurality of dimensions: applying a second-dimension low pass filter to the one-dimensional decimated image data to generate a second-dimension filtered output, the second low pass filter having a plurality of predetermined filter coefficients; delaying the one-dimensional decimated image data by at least one second-dimension delay buffer; outputting at least one set of second-dimension buffer-delayed image data; applying at least one additional second-dimension low pass filter to said at least one set of second-dimension buffer-delayed image data to generate at least one additional second-dimension filtered output, said at least one additional second-dimension low pass filter having a plurality of predetermined filter coefficients; and accumulating the second-dimension filtered output and said at least one additional second-dimension filtered output to generate two-dimensional decimated image data.