Coloring high-resolution near-infrared images using chromatic cues from low-resolution references

Even with the availability of high-resolution color imaging sensors, there are certain limitations in using the visible light band. For instance, visible light easily scatters causing haze in images. The near-infrared (NIR) band offers a viable alternative for such applications. Previous work have demonstrated the uses of NIR in combination with high-resolution colored images. However, the use of two high-resolution imaging devices tend to be expensive and inconvenient to transport. This work proposes the transfer of color from a low-resolution colored image to a higher resolution NIR image. Initial tests have demonstrated the capability of the proposed algorithm in retaining NIR details while preserving the original color intent of the scene.