Patent ID: 7129976

Claim:
Digital image enhancing system for processing pixel contour data, comprising a contour filter, means for edge processing and for local noise reduction to reduce the amount of noise in a pixel luminance or color signal (Sin), means to apply a control signal (Ghpf) indicating the gain of a contour signal, and means to apply a control signal (Gcntr) indicating the gain of the contour as a function of local noise in a picture, characterized in that the means for edge processing and local noise reduction are arranged such that an output signal (Sout) is supplied in response to said input signal (Sin), to a low pass filtered input signal (Slpf) derived therefrom, and to the contour filter output signal (contour) and the above control signals according to the relation: S out= G cntr* Ghpf ( S in− Slpf )+ Slpf if G cntr* Ghpf< 1, and S out= S in+( Ghpf*G cntr−1)*contour else.