DEEP LEARNING-BASED IMAGE DEHAZING AND VISIBILITY ENHANCEMENT FOR IMPROVED VISUAL PERCEPTION

Abstract

In recent years, image dehazing has gained significant attention in the field of computer vision and image processing due to its crucial role in enhancing visibility and improving visual perception. The presence of haze in images captured under adverse weather conditions or polluted environments poses a challenge to various computer vision applications, such as autonomous driving, surveillance, and satellite imagery. Traditional image dehazing methods often struggle to achieve optimal results, particularly in complex scenes with varying degrees of haze and intricate details. The need for a robust and efficient dehazing approach has become imperative for addressing real-world challenges in computer vision applications. Despite the advancements in traditional methods, a research gap exists in developing a comprehensive solution that can handle diverse atmospheric conditions and complex scenes effectively. The integration of deep learning techniques presents an opportunity to bridge this gap, leveraging the power of neural networks to learn and adapt to intricate patterns in hazy images. This research proposes a novel deep learning-based approach for image dehazing and visibility enhancement. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture is designed to learn complex relationships between hazy and clear images, allowing the model to effectively remove haze and enhance visibility. The network is trained on a diverse dataset encompassing various atmospheric conditions and scene complexities to ensure generalization. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed deep learning approach compared to traditional methods. The model exhibits robustness in handling challenging scenarios, achieving significant improvements in image clarity, contrast, and overall visibility. The findings highlight the potential of deep learning in addressing the limitations of existing dehazing techniques.