Image Quality Improvement of Underwater Images in Ideal HSI Color Space

Abstract

In the underwater circumstance, the light attenuates, and its attenuation rate depends on the wavelength. Long wavelength light is easily absorbed. Also, the light attenuation rate of blue and green component changes according to the water quality, thus, the white balance of images is lost. The attenuation of the light reduces colorfulness and contrast of images, furthermore, causes blurring. When photographing, the illumination becomes uneven for the subject, thus, brightness unevenness occurs in the acquired captured images. In this paper, an underwater image signal is converted to the ideal HSI color space and apply processing suitable for various deterioration factors to saturation and intensity independently. High quality improvement of underwater image was realized.