Pixel replacement using five nearest neighbors

An image processing system for replacing values of a plurality of defective pixels adjacent to each other within a 3 row by 3 column region of an image, the image processing system comprising:

• a buffer for storing values of pixels located in a previous row above each respective defective pixel and a current row of each respective defective pixel;
• a selector for selecting a plurality of pixel values located in the previous row and the current row that are adjacent to the location of each respective defective pixel, without selecting a pixel value on a subsequent row below each respective defective pixel;
• and
• a calculator for determining a replacement value for the plurality of defective pixels from values of the selected pixels located in the previous row and the current row.

A method for replacing a value of a defective pixel located along a center row of a region in an image, the region including a center row, a previous row located above the center row and a subsequent row located below the center row, the method comprising the steps of:

• storing values of pixels located in the previous row and the center row;
• selecting a plurality of pixel values located in the previous row and the center row that are adjacent to the location of the defective pixel, without selecting a pixel value on the subsequent row;
• and
• determining a replacement value for the defective pixel from values of the selected pixels located in the previous row and the center row.