Unsharp masking-based approach for color image processing

In this paper, we present an unsharp masking-based approach for noise smoothing and edge enhancing. And apply it to color image processing. The proposed structure is similar to the conventional unsharp masking structure, however, a nonlinear function is added to control the behavior of the operator. The proposed scheme enhances the true details, limits the overshoot near sharp edges and attenuates the noise in flat areas. Moreover the use of the control function eliminates the need for the subjective coefficient λ used in the conventional unsharp masking technique. Simulations show that the processed image presents sharp edges which makes it more pleasant to the human eye. Moreover, the amount of noise in the image is clearly reduced.