CIRCUIT REALIZATION OF MARKOV RANDOM-FIELDS FOR ANALOG IMAGE-PROCESSING

A methodological approach to the definition of nonlinear circuits for real-time image processing is presented. The image processing problem is formulated in terms of the minimization of a functional based on th e Markov random fields (MRFs) theory. The terms of such a functional a re related to the co-contents of proper nonlinear multiterminal resist ors, thus reporting the minimization process to the achievement of an equilibrium solution in a circuit made up of these multiterminal resis tors and of linear capacitors. Coupled image restoration and edge extr action in the presence of additive Gaussian noise are the specific pro blems addressed in this paper. Simulations shap the ability of the pro posed circuits to yield real-time solutions for these problems. (C) 19 98 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.