Abstract: Based on traditional filters and omnidirectional multiple structuring elements, a class of effective image detail preserving filters——omnidirectional multistage combination filters——are proposed in this paper. In the design stage of these filters, different filter units can be chosen automatically in accordance with different image regions, so that all kinds of filter units can be used effectively. A standard test image is filtered in noisy environment. The results of simulation show that the new filter performs better in noise suppressing and detail preserving.