Single Image De-Hazing via Multiscale Wavelet Decomposition and Estimation with Fractional Gradient-Anisotropic Diffusion Fusion

Abstract

This paper presents algorithms based on fractional multiscale gradient fusion and multilevel wavelet decomposition for underwater and hazy image enhancement. The algorithms utilize partial differential equation (PDE)-generated low- and high-frequency images fused via gradient domain and anisotropic diffusion. Furthermore, wavelet multi-level decomposition, estimation and adjustment of detail and approximation coefficients are employed in improving local and global enhancement. Solutions to halo effect are also developed using compressive bilateral filters or other nonlinear/nonlocal means filter. Ultimately, experimental comparisons indicate that the proposed methods surpass or are comparable to several algorithms from the literature.