Image enhancement segmentation and denoising by time dependent nonlinear diffusion processes

Abstract

Two nonlinear diffusion processes with time-dependent diffusion coefficients are presented. Both processes converge to nontrivial solutions, eliminating the need to impose an arbitrary diffusion stopping time, otherwise required in the implementation of most nonlinear diffusion processes. The two schemes employ nonlinear cooling mechanisms that preserve edges. One scheme is intended for general denoising, whereas the other is targeted for enhancement or segmentation of images. Simulation results indicate that the proposed schemes provide a stable and efficient tool for processing of noisy images.