Enhancement of Underwater Images using Multi-Scale Retinex, CLAHE and Unsharp Masking Techniques
Sridevi Gamini, Bhavya Prasanna Reddy Pothamsetti, Baby Gayathri Malla, Hanuman Podila, Manjusree Vuda, Satti Harichandra Prasad · 2024
Underwater environments present unique challenges for image capture and analysis due to factors like light attenuation, color distortion, and loss of detail. In this study, we propose a comprehensive strategy to underwater image enhancement employing Color Compensation, Detail Sharpening, Auto-level based Multi-Scale Retinex, Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE). Additionally, we integrate Unsharp masking technique to further improve image quality and enhance visual clarity. Through experimental validation using real-world underwater imagery datasets, this method demonstrates significant advancements in enhancing underwater scenes, effectively mitigating color distortions and restoring lost details.