Computergraphical Model for Underwater Image Simulation and Restoration

Visual imaging under water is characterized by low range of visibility and poor image quality. Light interacts with water and its inherent particles in the form of absorption and scattering, causing image degradations, which have to by considered by underwater imaging systems. This can be done by optimizing the image acquisition and image post processing with respect to the properties of water and scene. Therefore a physically based computer graphical model is presented which describes the occurring effects of blurring, loss of contrast, color shift and brightening through backscattering. This model can be used for both: efficient simulation of underwater images and model based image restoration. Furthermore, the presented model can be used to answer theoretical questions on visibility range and imaging performance.