System and method for improving image quality in processed images

An image processing system suited for post-processing compressed and decompressed images, the system comprising:

• means for analyzing data associated with a plurality of picture elements comprising at least one image frame to identify portions of the at least one image frame that contain image artifacts;
• means for smoothing at least one data value associated with the plurality of picture elements in the identified sub-portion of the at least one image frame;
• and
• means for assembling an image artifact reduced image comprising smoothed picture elements.

A method for reducing image artifacts in a compressed and decompressed image, comprising:

• receiving picture element data associated with at least one image frame;
• segmenting the at least one image frame into a plurality of regions in accordance with a first viewer selected imaging parameter;
• analyzing the plurality of segmented regions to identify regions that contain an image artifact in response to a second viewer selected imaging parameter;
• processing the identified regions with an adaptive filter such that at least one picture element data parameter is adjusted in response to both a third and a fourth viewer selected imaging parameters;
• and
• inserting adjusted picture element data values into the at least one image frame.

A method for smoothing at least one data value associated with a plurality of picture elements containing image artifacts introduced in a compressed and decompressed image, comprising:

• setting a plurality of counters and a plurality of thresholds in response to a plurality of viewer selected imaging parameters;
• systematically comparing each of a plurality of picture element data values with a data value associated with an adjacent picture element in a first direction to generate a first interim result, further comparing the first interim result with a first viewer selected imaging parameter, selectively modifying the data value for a picture element of interest to generate a temporary picture element data value when the compared picture elements traverse a block boundary as defined by a second viewer selected imaging parameter;
• inserting temporary picture element data values;
• and
• systematically comparing each of the plurality of picture element data values, including the inserted temporary picture element data values with an adjacent picture element in a second direction to generate a second interim result, further comparing the second interim result with a first viewer selected imaging parameter, selectively modifying the data value for a picture element of interest to generate a final picture element data value when the compared picture elements traverse a block boundary as defined by a second viewer selected imaging parameter.

A method for identifying image artifacts introduced in a compressed and decompressed sub-region of an image, comprising:

• performing at least one statistical test over a plurality of picture element data values comprising the sub-region to generate a test result;
• determining an extrema element data value for the sub-region;
• and
• determining when a mathematical combination of the maximum picture element data value and the test result exceeds a predetermined threshold.