Partial differential equation-based hazy image contrast enhancement. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nnolim, Uche A.
• Is Part Of: Computers & electrical engineering. Volume 72(2018)
• Page Start: 670
• Page End: 681
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Local-global contrast enhancement -- Single image de-hazing -- Illumination correction -- Single- and multi-scale retinex-based operators -- Gradient-guided enhancement -- Partial differential equations; Computer engineering -- Periodicals; Electrical engineering -- Periodicals; Electrical engineering -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Ordinateurs -- Conception et construction -- Périodiques; Électrotechnique -- Périodiques; Électrotechnique -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Computer engineering; Electrical engineering; Electrical engineering -- Data processing; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.302854
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compeleceng.2018.01.041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-7906

Abstract

Abstract: This study describes a modified partial differential equation (PDE)-based algorithm for contrast enhancement of hazy images. The formulation is supported by similarities between haze and low light conditions. The proposed approach employs multi-scale, local-global enhancement of inverted log reflectance and illumination components. These multiple processes are combined in a suitable PDE framework for improved effectiveness. Furthermore, the de-hazing process is automated via gradient-based optimization, eliminating the manual determination of PDE stopping time. Solutions are also devised for visual halo effect, over-enhancement and colour distortion. Based on subjective and quantitative analysis, the proposed technique consistently outperforms several de-hazing algorithms from the literature.