A Framework For Single Image Dehazing Using DWT Based Cross Bilateral Filter Fusion of Generative and ASM Models

Abstract

Due to the latest advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning in image processing, computer vision, and their uses in various applications, there has been a lot of interest in the restoration of murky images. This paper gives a novel single-image dehazing (SID) framework for the restoration of single hazy image (SHI). The framework has three parts. The first part of the framework comprises three networks. A white-balanced auto-encoder network in the front, followed by a pair of sequential auto-encoder networks at the end for image dehazing (ID). A white balance auto-encoder network is used for correcting the white balance error in the input hazy image (HI). Pair of sequential auto- encoder networks gives haze-reduced output by taking corrected white balanced error image as input. The second part comprises an ASM-based model Dark Channel Prior (DCP) for ID. DCP produce haze-free images (HFI) by taking HI as input. The third part presents the fusion model for integrating the first and second parts of the framework. DWT-based cross bilateral filter model is the fusion model (FM) to get the final HFI. The first part of the framework is trained by using a hybrid loss function (perceptual loss function combined with MSE loss function) on O- HAZE, I-HAZE, and MRFID data sets. The proposed framework got considerably good result in terms of Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), Peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), compared with cutting-edge methods.