Chapter 3 - Hardware and software based methods for underwater image enhancement and restoration

Abstract

Underwater photography is gaining attention in the current context due to many applications in the field of marine research and scientific applications, such as archaeology, geology, underwater exploration, long-distance plumbing, and network links across continents requiring geo-marine bedding and exploration of the ancient shipwreck. But underwater photographs are generally different, have darker colors and lower contrast. The diffusion and absorption of white light into water also has a profound effect on the quality of underwater images. Over the past few decades, restoration methods and underwater enhancements have been proposed to overcome the aforementioned underwater photography issues. However, a thorough and in-depth study of related achievements, limitations, and improvements still needs attention. The current paper reviews a variety of ways to improve and restore underwater images that deal with common underwater issues, including extreme degradation and distortion. It updates the major hardware and software methods considered to enhance or restore underwater images from the past few years. This current chapter focuses on the benefits and key aspects of existing approaches, identifies research gaps, and ultimately draws recommendations for future research in this area. This in-depth research continues to equip researchers with important background information to understand the challenges and prospects in this important field.