Image processing method and device for adaptive image enhancement

An image processing method comprising:

• determining whether an image is artificial by using two or more different determination criteria for determining whether the image is artificial on a basis of an input image signal, and determining whether an image of each pixel in an input image represented by the input image signal represents an artificial image on a basis of a function or logical combination of results determined under the determination criteria,
• wherein the determination criteria comprise any one or more of:
• a first determination criterion for determining whether a current pixel is an artificial image by using pixel values of pixels in a predetermined area in which the current pixel and neighboring pixels around the current pixel are present in a matrix arrangement, and by determining whether the predetermined area represents a flat area;
• a second determination criterion for determining whether the current pixel represents the artificial image by using gradation values of the pixels comprised in the predetermined area to determine whether the predetermined area represents a gradation area;
• and
• a third determination criterion for determining whether the current pixel represents the artificial image by determining a color change for each of three primary colors of light in the predetermined area based on a dynamic range of a gradation value for each of the neighboring pixels.

A program storage device executable by a computer for allowing a computer to function as an artificial image determining apparatus for determining whether an image is artificial by using two or more different determination criteria to determine whether the image is artificial on a basis of an input image signal, and to determine whether an image for each pixel in an input image represented by the input image signal represents an artificial image on a basis of a function or logical combination of results determined under the determination criteria,

• wherein the determination criteria comprise any one or more of:
• a first determination criterion for determining whether a current pixel is an artificial image by using pixel values of pixels in a predetermined area in which the current pixel and neighboring pixels around the current pixel are present in a matrix arrangement, and by determining whether the predetermined area represents a flat area;
• a second determination criterion for determining whether the current pixel represents the artificial image by using gradation values of the pixels in the predetermined area to determine whether the predetermined area represents a gradation area;
• and
• a third determination criterion for determining whether the current pixel represents the artificial image by determining a color change for each of three primary colors of light in the predetermined area based on a dynamic range of a gradation value for each of the neighboring pixels.