Two-dimensional finite impulse response filter arrangements

Abstract

A two-dimensional finite impulse response filter arrangement for filtering a signal which represents an image and which comprises a sequence of digital words comprises a two-dimensional finite impulse response filter operative during each of a plurality of successive clock periods to effect filtration over a predetermined area of the image by multiplying each of a set of the digital words in a spatial array by a respective weighting coefficient in a corresponding set of weighting coefficients, and summing the resulting products to produce therefrom an output filtered digital word. The filter includes a store storing weighting coefficient data defining a profile which when rotated about an axis generates a three-dimensional representation of the values of weighting coefficients corresponding to a required two-dimensional response characteristic of the filter, first calculating means operative in response to each of the digital words to calculate the radius from the axis of the position of the corresponding weighting coefficient in the representation, whereby the value of the respective weighting coefficient corresponding to each of the positions in the array can be derived from the store in dependence on the value of the corresponding radius, and second calculating means to multiply each digital word by the respective weighting coefficient of the corresponding set of weighting coefficients, and to sum the resulting products to derive the required output filtered digital word.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.