Abstract: An image processing system is capable of image compression including smoothing and edge detection for representing an image with a minimal amount of data and image reconstruction from the minimal data. The system comprises an array of pixel locations having intensity data representing the intensities of an image. The system also comprises a processor having a smoothing module for iteratively smoothing the intensity data to eliminate noise associated therewith. The processor also has an edge detection module for iteratively detecting pixel locations defining edges of regions of substantially constant intensity across the image. The processor further comprises a reconstruction module for reconstructing the image from the pixel locations defining edges and the intensity data associated with said pixel locations.