Optimization of gray scale morphological opening for noise removal in texture images

Application of opening, which is a basic operation of mathematical morphology, often yields undesired results like the occurrence of artifacts. This problem can be avoided by using a gray scale structuring element resembling the objects in the target image. Since a texture image is composed of an arrangement of similar small objects, it is possible to derive such a gray scale structuring element by estimating one representative gray scale object from those arranged in the texture image. In this paper, an estimation method of the optimal gray scale structuring element using "primitive, grain, and point configuration (PGPC)" texture model is proposed.