Image enhancement and analysis with reaction-diffusion paradigm

Abstract

Used to model pattern development in biological and chemical systems, reaction-diffusion (RD) equations possess self-organising properties that are useful in processing many classes of images. Here we describe their use in processing two classes: images with quasi-zero-dimensional patterns (textures), and images with quasi-one-dimensional patterns (fingerprints). The paper presents details of linear and nonlinear analysis of RD equations, outlining their pattern-forming principles. Details of how to engineer RD systems are presented, together with examples and parameter sets.