RAPID FILTERING OF LARGE MEDICAL IMAGES USING ONE-DIMENSIONAL CONVOLUTION-KERNELS

Many image enhancement algorithms can be implemented by convoluting th e image with a predefined kernel function. A class of such functions i s identified which has the property that a two-dimensional convolution can be exactly implemented using two successive one-dimensional convo lutions along the rows and columns of the image. This leads to a simpl e and rapid algorithm for image enhancement, which can be applied to i mplement both low pass and high pass filters. The technique enables la rge convolution masks to be used without excessive computation time an d without the need for large intermediate storage arrays. This approac h facilitates the interactive processing of high resolution digital me dical images.