Hazy image enhancement based on the full-saturation assumption

In this paper, we present an algorithm that can successfully improve the quality of hazy images and offer visually-pleasant haze-free results with vivid colors. We propose the full-saturation assumption (FSA) based on the aesthetic photographic effect: photos of vivid colors are visually pleasant, and first recover the degraded saturation layer. The depth image is also obtained as a by-product. We then apply an example-based approach to avoid over-saturation. The proposed assumption can also serve as a criterion to evaluate the degree of haze removal. Results are shown on various images to demonstrate its competence.