Infrared Enhancement for Water Surface Imaging Based on Theory of Radiative Transfer and Edge Weight Analysis

There always exist contrast reduction and details degradation when the infrared imaging system works on water surface because of fog and water mist. An image enhancement method is proposed based on radiative transfer theory. Firstly, the infrared enhancement model is built according to radiative transfer theory, with which we construct an optimization frame. Secondly, edge matrix is designed for weight analysis, which is particularly important for next estimation of fine transmissivity and optical path radiation. Finally, enhancement is achieved with edge matrix. The main contribution and novelty includes the derivation of enhancement based on radiative transfer theory, design of edge matrix, and estimation of fine transmissivity and optical path radiation. The experimental comparisons show the proposed method can generate results with a good visual effect, which is proved by both subjective and objective assessment. The experiments also indicate that the proposed algorithm runs fast to apply in real system.