Improving the Legibility of Informative Fragments of Monochrome Infrared Images
Purpose: We demonstrate the ways to improve the legibility of informative fragments of monochrome images in the infrared range. Methods: We increase the contrast and sharpness of the images, taking into account the parameter variability and the time necessary to process infrared images of various sizes. Results: After analyzing the local contrast of infrared images, algorithmic complexity and the possibility to implement various methods of automatically improving the legibility of the fragments, we conclude that the best way to improve the legibility is choosing proper hardware, optical systems and narrowband infrared filters. When necessary, the legibility can be improved by software tools, namely by the methods of improving the contrast by per-pixel conversion. Practical relevance: For infrared images obtained under difficult conditions, the legibility of informative fragments can be improved by fine-tuning the adjustable parameters of the methods used to enhance the contrast. This is demonstrated by the results of software-based improvement of the object legibility on the sample images.