A hybrid wavelet and ridgelet approach for efficient edge representation in natural images

Wavelets, fundamental components of the latest image coding standard JPEG2000, have proven to be a very useful tool in representation and coding of 2D images. They are also a powerful instrument in catching zero-dimensional singularities, though less efficient in dealing with ´edge´ singularities. Ridgelets, by definition, are a powerful tool in catching and representing line singularities in bidimensional space. In this paper we propose a hybrid approach that combines both ridgelets and wavelets for a more efficient representation of 2D images with edges. Results confirm the potential of the combined use of wavelets and ridgelets as an efficient representation, showing substantial improvements when compared to only wavelets.