New regularization models for image denoising with a spatially dependent regularization parameter (Q2319033)

Summary: We consider simultaneously estimating the restored image and the spatially dependent regularization parameter which mutually benefit from each other. Based on this idea, we refresh two well-known image denoising models: the LLT model proposed by \textit{M. Lysaker} et al. [IEEE Trans. Image Process. 12, No. 12, 1579--1590 (2003; Zbl 1286.94020)] and the hybrid model proposed by \textit{F. Li} et al. [``Image restoration combining a total variational filter and a fourth-order filter'', J. Vis. Commun. Image Represent. 18, No. 4, 322--330 (2007; \url{doi:10.1016/j.jvcir.2007.04.005})]. The resulting models have the advantage of better preserving image regions containing textures and fine details while still sufficiently smoothing homogeneous features. To efficiently solve the proposed models, we consider an alternating minimization scheme to resolve the original nonconvex problem into two strictly convex ones. Preliminary convergence properties are also presented. Numerical experiments are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models and the efficiency of our numerical scheme.