Spatial median filter
AssigneeLucent Technologies Inc.
InventorHong Jiang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A spatial median filter determines a median of a plurality of values by dividing the plurality of values into a plurality of groups of values. The values in each of the groups are sorted to determine its median. Then, the medians of the plurality of groups are fully sorted. Certain of the sorted values are eliminated from prescribed ones of the groups in accordance with prescribed criteria based on the number of values in the group and the median value of the group values. The remaining values are sorted to determine the median of the plurality of values.
Claims28
A method of determining a median value of a plurality of values for use in a spatial median filter comprising the steps of:
- arranging said plurality of values into a prescribed number of groups of values;
- sorting the values in each group to arrange them in a prescribed order;
- determining the median value of each group of sorted values;
- and
- sorting the median values of the prescribed number of groups to determine the median of the plurality of values.
Apparatus for determining a median value of a plurality of values for use in a spatial median filter comprising:
- a first plurality of sorters, each for arranging a supplied group of values of said plurality of values in a prescribed order and for selecting a median value of said ordered values, said plurality of values being arranged into a prescribed number of groups of values and individual ones of said groups of values being supplied on a one-to-one basis to said first plurality of sorters;
- and
- at least one second sorter supplied with the median values of the prescribed number of groups for determining the median of the plurality of values.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.