Derivative Kernels: Numerics and Applications.

A generalized framework for numerical differentiation (ND) is proposed for constructing a finite impulse response (FIR) filter in closed form. The framework regulates the frequency response of ND filters for arbitrary derivative-order and cutoff frequency selected parameters relying on interpolating power polynomials and maximally flat design techniques. Compared with the state-of-the-art solutions, such as Gaussian kernels, the proposed ND filter is sharply localized in the Fourier domain with ripple-free artifacts. Here, we construct 2D MaxFlat kernels for image directional differentiation to calculate image differentials for arbitrary derivative order, cutoff level and steering angle. The resulted kernel library renders a new solution capable of delivering discrete approximation of gradients, Hessian, and higher-order tensors in numerous applications. We tested the utility of this library on three different imaging applications with main focus on the unsharp masking. The reported results highlight the high efficiency of the 2D MaxFlat kernel and its versatility with respect to robustness and parameter control accuracy.