title: Hypercomplex Fourier transforms of color images.
abstract: Fourier transforms are a fundamental tool in signal and image processing, yet, until recently, there was no definition of a Fourier transform applicable to color images in a holistic manner. In this paper, hypercomplex numbers, specifically quaternions, are used to define a Fourier transform applicable to color images. The properties of the transform are developed, and it is shown that the transform may be computed using two standard complex fast Fourier transforms. The resulting spectrum is explained in terms of familiar phase and modulus concepts, and a new concept of hypercomplex axis. A method for visualizing the spectrum using color graphics is also presented. Finally, a convolution operational formula in the spectral domain is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Goodrich Sensor Systems, Burnsville, MN 55306, USA. t.ell@ieee.org
authors.forename: Todd A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Ell
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Sangwine
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003116:Color; D003124:Colorimetry / Q000379:methods*; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted