Image Posterization Using Fuzzy Logic and Bilateral Filter

TL;DR

This paper introduces a fast, fuzzy logic-based image posterization method that simplifies images by reducing color complexity while preserving human detection performance.

Contribution

It presents a novel combination of fuzzy logic and bilateral filtering for efficient image posterization without impairing face detection.

Findings

The filter effectively reduces color complexity in high-contrast images.

It does not negatively impact human face detection accuracy.

The method is suitable for creating vivid, posterized images.

Abstract

Image posterization is converting images with a large number of tones into synthetic images with distinct flat areas and a fewer number of tones. In this technical report, we present the implementation and results of using fuzzy logic in order to generate a posterized image in a simple and fast way. The image filter is based on fuzzy logic and bilateral filtering; where, the given image is blurred to remove small details. Then, the fuzzy logic is used to classify each pixel into one of three specific categories in order to reduce the number of colors. This filter was developed during building the Specs on Face dataset in order to add a new level of difficulty to the original face images in the dataset. This filter does not hurt the human detection performance; however, it is considered a hindrance evading the face detection process. This filter can be used generally for posterizing images, especially those have a high contrast to get images with vivid colors.