1. A method of image processing, comprising: applying an initial low pass filter to an image to reduce noise and high frequency variations prior to edge smoothing; identifying an edge in the image, the edge having an associated set of edge characteristics, the associated set of edge characteristics comprising a gradient magnitude of the edge and an edge direction of the edge; determining the gradient magnitude; determining the edge direction; assigning a confidence level to each of a plurality of pixels located on the edge, the confidence level corresponding to accuracy of the edge direction that is detected; assigning a bin direction to the edge direction; applying a low pass filter to a pixel of the edge in the bin direction to generate a second image based on the image, wherein the edge in the image is smoothed in the second image; and generating a third image based on the second image and the first image.