Dilated filters for edge-detection algorithms

Abstract

Edges are a basic and fundamental feature in image processing that is used directly or indirectly in huge number of applications. Inspired by the expansion of image resolution and processing power, dilated-convolution techniques appeared. Dilated convolutions have impressive results in machine learning, so naturally we discuss the idea of dilating the standard filters from several edge-detection algorithms. In this work, we investigated the research hypothesis that use dilated filters, rather than the extended or classical ones, and obtained better edge map results. To demonstrate this hypothesis, we compared the results of the edge-detection algorithms using the proposed dilation filters with original filters or custom variants. Experimental results confirm our statement that the dilation of filters have a positive impact for edge-detection algorithms from simple to rather complex algorithms.