Extrema-based Anisotropic Diffusion for Multi-scale Edge-preserving Image Decomposition ⋆

We present a new algorithm for decomposing an image based on the modified anisotropic diffusion equation. Inspired by edge-preserving-smoothing technique and the relationship between bilateral filtering and the nonlinear diffusion equation, we use the local extrema and gradient of the input image to extract information detailly. Basing on the key assumption that the spatial detail are characterized by the density of local extrema and the norm of gradient, we develop a method for decomposing images into base layer which records the salient edge of the image, and detail layer which records the fine scale texture. The experimental results demonstrate the effective of the proposed filter in application of the high-dynamic-range images display when compared with existing edge-preserving filter algorithms.