Image filtering, edge detection, and edge tracing using fuzzy reasoning

We characterize the problem of detecting edges in images as a fuzzy reasoning problem. The edge detection problem is divided into three stages: filtering, detection, and tracing. Images are filtered by applying fuzzy reasoning based on local pixel characteristics to control the degree of Gaussian smoothing. Filtered images are then subjected to a simple edge detection algorithm which evaluates the edge fuzzy membership Value for each pixel, based on local image characteristics. Finally, pixels having high edge membership are traced and assembled into structures, again using fuzzy reasoning to guide the tracing process. The filtering, detection, and tracing algorithms are tested on several test images. Comparison is made with a standard edge detection technique.