Image contrast enhancement based on the Schr\"odinger operator spectrum

Abstract

In this study, we propose a novel image contrast enhancement method based on projecting images onto the squared eigenfunctions of the two-dimensional Schr\"odinger operator. This projection relies on a design parameter, $\gamma$, which controls pixel intensity during image reconstruction. The method's performance is evaluated using color images. The selection of $\gamma$ values is guided by priors based on fuzzy logic and clustering, preserving the spatial adjacency information of the image. Additionally, multi-objective optimization using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is employed to determine the optimal values of $\gamma$ and the semi-classical parameter, $h$, from the 2D-SCSA. Results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively enhances image contrast while preserving the inherent characteristics of the original image, producing the desired enhancement with minimal artifacts.