Probabilistic, Multi-Scale Fractional Tonal Correction Bilateral Filter-Based Hazy Image Enhancement

Abstract

This paper describes an algorithm utilizing a modified multi-scale fractional order-based operator combined with a probabilistic tonal operator, adaptive color enhancement and bilateral filtering to process hazy and underwater images. The multi-scale algorithm complements the tonal operator by enhancing edges, preventing overexposure of bright image regions, while enhancing details in the dark areas. The addition of a previously developed global enhancement operator removes color cast and improves global contrast in underwater images. The color enhancement function augments the color results of the dehazing algorithm without distorting image intensity. Furthermore, the bilateral filter suppresses noise while preserving enhanced details/edges due to the multi-scale algorithm. Experimental results indicate that the proposed system yields comparable or better results than other algorithms from the literature.