Layered Scene Models from Single Hazy Images

This paper describes the construction of a layered scene model, based on a single hazy image that has sufficient depth variation. A depth map and radiance image are estimated by standard dehazing methods. The radiance image is then segmented into a small number of clusters, and a corresponding scene plane is estimated for each. This provides the basic structure of a layered scene model, without the need for multiple views, or image correspondences. We show that problems of gap filling and depth blending can be addressed systematically, with respect to the layered depth structure. The final models, which resemble cardboard `pop-ups', are visually convincing. An implementation is described, and subjective depth preferences are tested in a psychophysical experiment.