Cuckoo Search Optimized Histogram Equalization for Low Contrast Image Enhancement

Image enhancement is a process to improve the visual standard of image so as to extract spatial features of image. Histogram Equalization is method by which image can be improved for better perception and interpretation by different automated image processing system and human beings. Although, for low-contrast images (with lower dynamic range) traditional histogram equalization deteriorate quality of the output image by introducing washed-out form caused by too much brightness change. This paper presents histogram equalization based image enhancement method which is optimized using cuckoo search algorithm. Foremost purpose of the proposed method is to control over and under enhancement by calculating clip limits of the image histogram before performing histogram equalization. This method uses cuckoo search algorithm to automatically control the clip limit according to the image nature using improved fitness function. Effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to other methods is analyzed using well known image quality metrics.