Introduction

Low resolution image optimization is an approach to enhance an image and produce an

output which is of higher quality and better overall appearance. This optimization is highly
invaluable and beneficial to law enforcement agencies and security institutions.
In image processing, there are several approaches and techniques that can be utilized.
These consist of image processing by enhancement, image processing by reconstruction and
image processing by compression. Image processing by enhancement is subdivided into two
approaches, Spatial filtering method and Contrast Enhancement method. Spatial filtering method
consists of a neighborhood and a predefined operation that is performed on the image pixels
encompassed by the neighborhood [6]. Contrast enhancements improve the perceptibility of
objects in the scene by enhancing the difference in brightness between objects and their
backgrounds [6]. Image processing by reconstruction minimizes the effect of degradations by
filtering the observed image[7]. The effectiveness of image restoration is dependent on the filter
design as well as on the extent and accuracy of the knowledge of degradation process [7]. Image
processing by compression involves discrete cosine transform (DCT) that converts data into sets
of frequencies and reducing the number of bits required and to represent an image [8].
There have been a numerous high grade image processing software that are being used in
different fields of science researches. However, each image processing has their limitations. The
cubic spline [11] is a general image interpolation function, but it suffers from lose of image
details and blurring edges. The recent attempts on developing on cubic-spline interpolation are
yet to be successful. Schreiber [13] proposed a sharpened Gaussian interpolation function to
lessen information spillover among pixels and enhance flatness in smooth areas. Schultz and

Stevenson [15] put Bayesian method to use for super-resolution but hypothesized the prior
probability. Liu et al. [16] proposed a more structured retargeting method that performs a nonlinear warp that accentuate interesting image features.
Research of Kui Jia and Shaogang Gong focused on learning-based super-resolution.
When employed to the human face, this is also widely known as hallucination [1]. Capel and
Zisserman [18] made use of Eigenface which is chosen from training face database as model
prior to constrain and super-resolve low-resolution face images.

Pasztor [17] approached

learning-based super-resolution differently. Learning from several general training images, they
tried to recover the lost high-frequency information from low-level image primitives. Baker and
Kanade [7] proposed a similar method of that with Capel and Zisserman, where they established
the prior based from a set of pixel of training face images by pixel using Gaussian, Laplacian and
feature pyramids. Liu and Shum [21] combined the image primitive technique of Freeman and
PCA model-based approach.
In this thesis research, we will try to incorporate the techniques of image noise reduction
and learning based super resolution and add another illumination algorithm to even out the
radiance. These three different methods will be used together to come up with an optimization
technique. We intend to use Fuzzy Filter for noise reduction, Illumination Correction based on
Tone Mapping for image illumination and lastly Hallucination by super resolution algorithm for
recovering of lost high-frequency information occurring during the image formation process.

Background of the Study

A lot of researches and techniques in image processing have already been developed.
Most of these studies came from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Bell Laboratories, University of Maryland and other research facilities [1]. Each
study proposes different types of algorithms and approaches.
One of these studies was from William T. Freeman, Thouis R. Jones and Egon G, Paztor.
According to them, there are many possible ways to make an image clearer and more distinct.
These can be done by sharpening and amplifying existing image details, gathering from multiple
frames and extracting a single high-resolution frame from a sequence of low-resolution video
images. It all depends on what formula you will use in the process.
Another study was from Andrea Polesel, Giovanni Ramponi and V. John Matthews[2]. In
2000, they proposed a new method in image enhancement using Adaptive Unsharp Masking.
Their proposed approach uses an adaptive filter that controls the contribution of the sharpening
path in such a way that contrast enhancement occurs in high detail areas and little or no image
sharpening occurs in smooth areas [2].
In a separate study by Padilla, Sarte and Quines about low resolution image
improvement, the results of the combination of the algorithms: Multi-Scale Retinex Algorithm,
Gaussian Filtering with Edge Preservation and Face Hallucination Super Resolution Algorithm
has significantly improved the quality of face images taken from a low resolution camera.
Gaussian Filtering with Edge Preservation reduces the noise of an image and at the same time
preserves the edges of the face which is a requirement for the next algorithm, Multi-Scale
Retinex. After Gaussian filtering has been applied, the difference in pixel value of the image was
significantly reduced by 2%. This means that the edges have been emphasized. Results also

showed that Multi-Scale Retinex algorithm makes the illumination of an image even. Even
illumination provides constant pixel value, which is very helpful in getting the average
brightness of the image.

Problem Statement
The purpose of this study is to improve low quality images taken from standard low
resolution cameras. The subjects of these low quality images may be blurry or unidentified due
to the noise, low pixel values, and uneven lighting of the image.
To address this problem, the proponents will combine three different algorithms namely,
Fuzzy Filter, Illumination Correction based on Tone Mapping, and Super Resolution Algorithm,
which will be used to reduce the noise, correct the uneven illumination, and reconstruct the facial
features of the subject of the low quality input image respectively. The output of this study is
expected to have reconstructed facial features and more recognizable subject of the input image.

Significance of the Study

The output of this paper will significantly improve low resolution images into high
resolution images. By doing such, subject of the images will be identified clearly and properly.
Thus, facial features and facial structures can be reconstructed which will make the subject of the
image clearer. This will be helpful to a lot of cases including but not limited to crime scene
investigation, surveillance cameras and other security related affairs.
Part of this study will improve existing algorithms since this paper will use different
algorithms such as Fuzzy Filer, Illumination Correction based on Tone Mapping and Super

Resolution Algorithm. These algorithms will be combined in order to test its capability to
improve the quality of the images. Furthermore, this study will also determine if the combination
of the used algorithms will enhance the quality of an image.

Scope and Limitation

Scope and limitations of the project are further explained at this part. Main objective of
this research work is to improve image the quality of snapshot image taken from a low resolution
camera. The proponents make this possible by introducing new combinations of algorithm.
First, the proponents must gather low resolution input images. For the resolution, the
proponents used 250x320 low resolution cameras for capturing input images. All gathered low
resolution images will undergo noise reduction process. After noise reduction process, image
illumination will be adjusted for better image clarity.
For gathering input data, subject person must be 1 meter away from the camera. The proponents
will also gather 100 different high resolution photos together with its corresponding 100 low
resolution images of different persons. The camera that was used for taking low resolution
pictures was a Nokia 3210 with a camera resolution of 240x320 at .1 megapixels. On the other
hand, the camera that was used for taking high resolution pictures was an Samsung S5 with a
camera resolution of 2448x3264 at 8 megapixels. *edit depending on the device to be used*
For the orientation, the proponents gathered images that are standing or sitting for
position and facing the camera, has center light for light source and people smiling or neutral for
emotions.

Gathered Face images from the databases have different area of image occupied and sizes
by face varies considerably.

For limitations, the proposed thesis cannot process images taken during bad weather
conditions, such as heavy rain and foggy environment. Images that have too much sunlight
exposure cannot be processed. Another limitation of the paper is subject person who wears hat,
scarf, hood and any face garments cannot be reconstructed and processed. Subject person must
be directly facing the camera and only one person can be processed in a given time.