Non-local approach to resolution enhancement

A method of smoothing edges in an image, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) reading a plurality of scan lines, each scan line including an array of pixels, each pixel having an intensity level;
• (b) in each scan line, measuring lengths of runs of adjacent pixels having like intensity levels;
• (c) based upon the measured lengths of runs, locating within the scan lines a defined pattern, wherein said defined pattern is of variable size and identifies two opposing intensity levels, and,
• (d) in response to locating the defined pattern, adjusting intensity levels of selected pixels to intermediate levels between the two opposing intensity levels.

An image processing system, said image processing system comprising:

• an image input terminal which reads in an input image;
• an image processing unit which samples scan lines from the input image and simultaneously stores a plurality of the scan lines in a buffer, each scan line including an array of pixels, wherein said image processing unit (i) detects patterns of variable size in the scan lines stored in the buffer, said patterns being defined by transition locations in the scan lines where pixels change output values from a list of output value to a second output value and runs of arbitrary length where a number of adjacent pixels extending along the scan lines have substantially matching output values;
• and (ii) adjusts output values of selected pixels to intermediate output values in-between the first and second output values based on the patterns detected;
• and,
• an image output terminal which supports the first and second output values and the intermediate output values, said image output terminal rendering scan lines output from the image processing unit in accordance with the output values prescribed thereby.