On a new class of filters for the impulsive noise reduction in color images

In this paper, a new approach to the problem of impulsive noise reduction for color images is presented. The new image filtering technique is based on the maximization of the similarities between pixels in a predefined filtering window. The new method filters out the noise component, while adapting itself to the local image structures. In this way, the proposed algorithm is able to eliminate impulsive noise, while preserving edges and fine image details. Since the algorithm can be considered as a vector median filter driven by fuzzy membership functions, it is fast and computationally efficient. Experimental results indicate that the proposed filter outperforms other commonly used algorithms for impulsive noise reduction in color images.