Filters (Spatial): Regularized Isotropic (Nonlinear) Diffusion

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Regularized isotropic nonlinear diffusion is a specific technique within the general classification of diffusion filtering. Diffusion filtering, which models the diffusion process, is an iterative approach of spatial filtering in which image intensities in a neighborhood are utilized to compute new intensity values.

Background

Two major advantages of diffusion filtering over many other spatial domain filtering algorithms are:

  • A priori image information can be incorporated into the filtering process;
  • The iterative nature of diffusion filtering allows for fine-grain control over the amount of filtering performed.

There is not a consistent naming convention in the literature to identify different types of diffusion filters. This documentation follows the approach used by Weickert [1]. Specifically, since the diffusion process relates a concentration gradient with a flux, isotropic diffusion means that these quantities are parallel. Regularized means that the image is filtered prior to computing the derivatives required during the diffusion process. In linear diffusion the filter coefficients remain constant throughout the image, while nonlinear diffusion means the filter coefficients change in response to differential structures within the image.

Image types

You can apply this algorithm to all data types except complex and to 2D, 2.5D, and 3D images.

Applying Regularized Isotropic (Nonlinear) Diffusion

To run this algorithm, complete the following steps:

  1. Select Algorithms > Filter > Regularized Isotropic Diffusion. The Regularized Isotropic Diffusion dialog box opens (Figure 1).
  2. Complete the fields in the dialog box.
  3. When complete, click OK.
The algorithm begins to run, and a status window appears. When the algorithm finishes, the resulting image appears in a new image window.

Figure 1. Regularized Isotropic Diffusion dialog boxÂ

Number of iterations
Specifies the number of iterations, or number of times, to apply the algorithm to the image.
DialogboxRegularizedIsotropicDiffusion.jpg
Gaussian standard deviation
Specifies the standard deviation of the Gaussian filter used to regularize the image.
Diffusion contrast parameter
Specifies the inflection point in the diffusivity function, which dictates the shape of the function.
Process each slice separately
Applies the algorithm to each slice individually. By default, this option is selected.
OK
Applies the algorithm according to the specifications in this dialog box.
Cancel
Disregards any changes that you made in this dialog box and closes the dialog box.
Help
Displays online help for this dialog box.

See also: