A real-time contrast enhancement algorithm for infrared images based on plateau histogram

In this paper, a new self-adaptive contrast enhancement algorithm based on plateau histogram equalization for infrared images is presented. By analyzing the histogram of image, the threshold value is got self-adaptively. This new algorithm can enhance the contrast of targets in most infrared images greatly. The new algorithm has very small computational complexity while still produces high contrast output images, which makes it ideal to be implemented by FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) for real-time image process. This paper describes a simple and effective implementation of the proposed algorithm, including its threshold value calculation, by using pipeline and parallel computation architecture. The proposed algorithm is used to enhance the contrast of infrared images generated from an infrared focal plane array system and image contrast are improved significantly. Theoretical analysis and other experimental results also show that it is a very effective enhancement algorithm for most infrared images.