Cromaticity improvement in images with poor lighting using the Multiscale-Retinex MSR algorithm

Abstract

An important factor when realizing image capture using electronic means (photographic or video camera), is the lighting source type present at the capture moment. If the lighting is deficient, the information present in the image is hidden for the Human Vision System (HVS), such that the color and detail characteristics introduce values with low luminance. As a solution for this lighting problem, the Multiscale-Retinex (MSR) algorithm is proposed, based on the understanding of how the HVS interprets and adapts the perception of colors. This solution can be used as a preprocessing stage to correct the lack of an adequate lighting source like the standard illuminant D65 (light source with similar characteristics to midday sunlight). The MSR algorithm increase the chromatic content of the image, this improves the objects visibility in the scene. The lack effects of lighting are minimized and its magnitude content evaluates the resulting chromaticity vector to characterize the MSR.