Understanding Image Slicing
In image and statistical processing, the goal of smoothing is to produce an approximate equivalent function which tries to accurately capture important trends in the image data, by leaving out or removing other fine-scale structure or rapid phenomena. In computer graphics it’s used to decrease noise in images, or to make it more aesthetically pleasing. In real-world applications, it can be used for anything from adding realism to computer games to enhancing picture quality in DVD movies.
While a numerical process can be useful, in image and statistical processing it is a much more abstract one. The problem of image smoothing is that the end result does not necessarily look right. It is an art, since the end results depend on many variables. Let’s examine some of the common types of smoothing available in today’s computer graphics world.
The first one is known as low-frequency noise. The image is first taken at the original location, and then a series of random numbers are generated that go through the lens and onto the display screen. A smoothing algorithm is then used to remove all of the random noise, leaving a sharp, clean image. If you have noticed that there are a lot of pixels in your picture, this is caused by low-frequency noise. This is the most common type of smoothing used in digital imaging and video.
A second type of smoothing algorithm works by removing all of the high-frequency noise from the image. High-frequency noise is created by light and other moving objects in the scene, such as stars, airplanes, or moving vehicles. It can also be created by shadows and reflections in the image. By removing high-frequency noise, you make your image appear clearer and sharper. Many computer graphics applications offer this type of smoothing, but only certain types are used often enough to make them worth the effort. For example, computer games use low-frequency smoothing, which is used heavily in modern games such as Half Life.
The third type of smoothing is called high-frequency smoothing. The algorithm works by removing any image noise that is found in high frequency regions of the image. This can include such things as motion, sun light, or airplane engines. In fact, these types of noise are so common that a whole class of algorithms have been created to deal with them, called high-frequency anti-aliasing. algorithms. The problem is that because high frequencies have less distortion than lower frequencies, it is sometimes difficult to get high-frequency smoothing algorithms to remove enough of it to remove all of the low-frequency noise.
In general, smoothing is a complicated process, since it involves getting rid of the high and lower frequencies from an image. It requires knowledge about image processing theory and the nature of the image. For those who wish to learn more about this, there is a wealth of information available online.
