Color correction for faded image using classification in LCybCrg color space

Digital scanners transfer the image data from color photo prints or documents into digital images that are similar to the input data. However, when scanning faded images, there is sometimes a need to restore the original image. Most correction methods for faded images use illuminant estimation algorithms, such as the gray world assumption and white patch Retinex methods, as the phenomenon of color fading is regarded as an illuminant effect. However, this induces inaccurate faded color correction, as images fade at different rates according to the ink property, temperature, humidity, and illuminant. Therefore, this paper presents a color correction method for faded images using classification in LCybCrg color space. The input faded image is first separated according to the chromaticity based on LCybCrg opponent color space. The faded color correction is then performed based on the gray world assumption in RGB color space. Thereafter, weights calculated from CybCrg values are applied to reduce contour artifacts. As a result, the proposed method provides better color correction for faded images than previous methods.