Patent ID: 7570829

Claim:
An image enhancement method having first and second enhancement algorithms, said method comprising: executing by a data processing system the steps of: computing a regular enhancement function and an aggressiveness parameter based upon characteristics of a digital image; applying said first enhancement algorithm to said digital image using said regular enhancement function, when said aggressiveness parameter is in a predetermined high range; applying said second enhancement algorithm to said digital image using said regular enhancement function, when said aggressiveness parameter is in said predetermined low range; computing a modified enhancement function, when said aggressiveness parameter is in a predetermined medium range between said high range and said low range; applying said second enhancement algorithm using said modified enhancement function, when said aggressiveness parameter is in a predetermined medium range between said high range and said low range; wherein said first enhancement algorithm is relatively slow and said second enhancement algorithm is relatively fast; and wherein said aggressiveness parameter is based upon said digital image and said regular enhancement function.