1. A method for enhancing an input image comprising: (a) receiving an input image; (b) filtering said input image with a first non-linear smoothing filter to provide a first filtered output; (c) filtering said input image with a second non-linear smoothing filter to provide a second filtered output; (d) filtering said input image with a third non-linear smoothing filter to provide a third filtered output; (e) processing said input image and said first filtered output to determine a first detail layer; (f) processing said first filtered output and said second filtered output to determine a second detail layer; (g) processing said second filtered output and said third filtered output to determine a third detail layer; (h) filtering first detail layer with a fourth non-linear smoothing filter to provide a first smoothed layer based upon the content of said first detail layer; (i) filtering said second detail layer with a fifth non-linear smoothing filter to provide a second smoothed layer based upon the content of said first detail layer; (j) filtering said third detail layer with a sixth non-linear smoothing filter to provide a third smoothed layer based upon the content of said first detail layer; (k) adjusting said first, second, and third smoothed layers in such a manner that regions closer to an edge are enhanced to a lesser extent than regions farther from an edge; (l) combining said adjusted said first, second, and third smoothed layers to provide an enhanced output image.