Scanning imaging through the scattering medium based on the guided filter assisted by a WTMM and NLM

Area of Science:

• Optical Imaging
• Image Processing
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Scanning imaging through scattering media suffers from reduced image quality due to imperfect energy concentration and scattering noise.
• Conventional image processing methods often achieve only one goal (e.g., noise reduction or edge sharpening), failing to optimize overall image quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel scanning imaging method for scattering media that simultaneously achieves low noise, high contrast, and clear details.
• To improve the signal-to-noise ratio and overall image quality in challenging imaging environments.

Main Methods:

• A scanning imaging system through scattering media was developed.
• An adaptive guided filter assisted by wavelet transform modulus maximum (WTMM) and non-local mean (NLM) was employed for image post-processing.
• Transmissive imaging was conducted at various focal plane positions to validate the method.

Main Results:

• The proposed method significantly reduced background noise while maintaining good single-pixel response and edge continuity.
• Experimental results demonstrated clear details in the processed images.
• The method improved Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) by up to 10.68 dB and 0.75, and 5.34 dB and 0.72, respectively, compared to traditional and deep learning methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed method effectively enhances scanning imaging results through scattering media, offering superior performance over existing techniques.
• The approach holds promise for applications in fields like endoscopic imaging, particularly in high-noise environments.
• Future work may focus on real-time imaging applications and further method optimization.