Patent ID: 7053908

Claim:
A method for electronically capturing and processing image information comprising the steps of: (a) providing a two-dimensional array of discrete image sensing elements, each discrete element capable of providing an electronic information signal in response to incident illumination, said electronic information signal corresponding to the intensity of said incident illumination, each discrete element being specifically responsive to one of at least three predetermined colors; (b) obtaining first color image data by exposing the two-dimensional array to image-information bearing illumination such that each discrete element provides said electronic information signal, said first color image data comprising the collection of said electronic information signals; (c) recovering missing color information along a first dimension by (i) interpolating the first color image data along said first dimension to provide first-interpolated color data, (ii) forming a first difference channel between said first color image data and said first-interpolated color data, (iii) applying a first one-dimensional nonlinear filter to said first difference channel, whereby the first-recovered image data is obtained as a combination of the first color image data and the filtered first difference channel, and iv) forming second color data comprising the first color data and the first-recovered color data; and (d) recovering missing color information along a second dimension by (i) interpolating the second color image data along said second dimension to provide second interpolated color data, (ii) forming a second difference channel between said second color image data and said second interpolated color data, (iii) applying a second one-dimensional non-linear filter to said second difference channel, whereby the second-recovered color data is obtained as a combination of the second color data and the filtered second difference channel, and iv) forming final recovered image data comprising the second color data and the second recovered color data.