How to replicate Photoshop filters and actions into MATLAB?

Question

How can I use MATLAB to replicate [Photoshop filters and actions][1]? Is there something in the image processing toolbox already that I can use? Or will I have to start from scratch, research each filter, and make a function for it? Thanks! =) [1]: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/20/the-ultimate-collection-of-useful-photoshop-actions/

Answer 1

1. Direct Integration (Command-Based)

If you have both programs installed, you can call Photoshop commands directly from the MATLAB command prompt.

1. Set the Path: In MATLAB, use the Set Path dialog to add the Photoshop/MATLABfolder.
2. Verify: Run testall in the Photoshop Tests folder to ensure the link is active.
3. Execute: This allows you to leverage Photoshop's engine for complex filters while using MATLAB for data analysis.

2. Manual Replication of Common Filters

For standalone MATLAB code, you must replicate the mathematical logic of the specific filter:

1. Gaussian Blur: Use the imgaussfilt function. Note that Photoshop uses an integral image approximation, which may result in slight visual differences compared to a standard Gaussian kernel.
2. Unsharp Mask: Use the imsharpen function. In Photoshop, the formula is effectively sharpened = original + (original - blurred) * amount.
3. High Pass: Create this by subtracting a blurred version of the image from the original: high_pass = image - imgaussfilt(image, radius).
4. Layer Blending: Standard MATLAB does not have built-in "Overlay" or "Soft Light" modes. You must implement the blending formulas manually or use the community-developed Image Manipulation Toolbox (MIMT) which includes an imblend function for Photoshop-style blending. 

3. Replicating Actions (Automation)

Photoshop "Actions" are essentially macros. To replicate them in MATLAB: 

1. Code Generation: Use MATLAB GUIs like ImadjustGUI to visually tune effects, then click Export to generate the equivalent script automatically.
2. Batch Processing: Instead of recording an action, write a for loop that applies your sequence of imfilter or imadjust commands to every file in a directory