Multilevel component-based histogram equalization for enhancing the quality of grayscale images

Contrast enhancement is an important step in almost every image processing and computer vision application. Different applications demand different approaches to achieve the required level of enhancement. In consumer electronics, for example, any enhancement method should be able to enhance both global and local details but not at the expense of deterioration in image quality. In this paper we present our preliminary work on the development of a new method for image contrast enhancement called Multilevel Component-Based Histogram Equalization. This new method is simple and effective, and exploits the capabilities of the classical histogram equalization approach, multiple graylevel thresholding, and connected component analysis to allow for both global and local contrast enhancements with minimum distortion in image appearance. Visual and quantitative evaluation revealed the capability of the new method to achieve this goal.