Recursive weighted median filters admitting negative weights and their optimization

A recursive weighted median (RWM) filter structure admitting negative weights is introduced. Much like the sample median is analogous to the sample mean, the proposed class of RWM filters is analogous to the class of infinite impulse response (IIR) linear filters. RWM filters provide advantages over linear IIR filters, offering near perfect “stopband” characteristics and robustness against noise. Unlike linear IIR filters, RWM filters are always stable under the bounded-input bounded-output criterion, regardless of the values taken by the feedback filter weights. RWM filters also offer a number of advantages over their nonrecursive counterparts, including a significant reduction in computational complexity, increased robustness to noise, and the ability to model “resonant” or vibratory behavior. A novel “recursive decoupling” adaptive optimization algorithm for the design of this class of recursive WM filters is also introduced. Several properties of RWM filters are presented, and a number of simulations are included to illustrate the advantages of RWM filters over their nonrecursive counterparts and IIR linear filters.