A Multi-Step Image Pre-Enhancement Strategy for a Fish Feeding Behavior Analysis Using Efficientnet

Abstract

To enhance the accuracy of lightweight CNN classification models in analyzing fish feeding behavior, this paper addresses the image quality issues caused by external environmental factors and lighting conditions, such as low contrast and uneven illumination, by proposing a Multi-step Image Pre-enhancement Strategy (MIPS). This strategy includes three critical steps: initially, images undergo a preliminary processing using the Multi-Scale Retinex with Color Restoration (MSRCR) algorithm, effectively reducing the impact of water surface reflections and enhancing the visual effect of the images; secondly, the Multi-Metric-Driven Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (mdc) technique is applied to further improve image contrast, especially in areas of low contrast, by adjusting the local contrast levels to enhance the clarity of the image details; finally, Unsharp Masking (UM) technology is employed to sharpen the images, emphasizing their edges to increase the clarity of the image details, thereby significantly improving the overall image quality. Experimental results on a custom dataset have confirmed that this pre-enhancement strategy significantly boosts the accuracy of various CNN-based classification models, particularly for lightweight CNN models, and drastically reduces the time required for model training compared to the use of advanced ResNet models. This research provides an effective technical route for improving the accuracy and efficiency of an image-based analysis of fish feeding behavior in complex environments.