Low-memory low-complexity inverse dithering

Shiufun Cheung; Robert A. Ulichney

doi:10.1117/12.334598

22 December 1998 Low-memory low-complexity inverse dithering

Shiufun Cheung, Robert A. Ulichney

Proceedings Volume 3648, Color Imaging: Device-Independent Color, Color Hardcopy, and Graphic Arts IV; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.334598
Event: Electronic Imaging '99, 1999, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Dithering an image decreases the pixel bit depth and reduces the storage space required in the image buffer while largely preserving the perceptual quality. In some application it is desirable to reconstruct the original image; that is, restore the dithered image to its original bit-depth, for further processing or display. In this paper, we present a new color inverse dithering system designed for low-cost implementation. Our algorithms is based on edge-sensitive adaptive low-pass filtering. In order to prevent excessive blurring from low pass filtering, the system uses edge detection methods so that the filters are applied only to regions of constant color or gray level in the original image. One such method explores the fact that pixel values are only one level away from each other in a constant color region of a dithered image. Another method exploits a priori knowledge of the dither masks. By limiting the number of possible filters, and by restricting the region of support of the filters in to single image line, tremendous implementation advantages can be gained. Our prototype system uses a set of five filters, including a pair that are asymmetric about the origin specifically for application to object edges. In our implementation, the need for multipliers is eliminated by using bit replication for up- multiplication, and by using lookup tables with relatively small numbers of entries for filtering. We have found that our inverse dithering system can restore to a significantly degree a dithered image to its original form. It is especially effective for graphics and synthetic images.

Citation Download Citation

Shiufun Cheung and Robert A. Ulichney "Low-memory low-complexity inverse dithering", Proc. SPIE 3648, Color Imaging: Device-Independent Color, Color Hardcopy, and Graphic Arts IV, (22 December 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.334598

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