Crime Investigation System using CCTV Footage: A Novel Framework for Contrast Enhancement of Dark Images

In the realm of enhancing the low-light images, this project introduces a pioneering framework designed to revolutionize the image quality captured in suboptimal lighting conditions, with wide-ranging applications in surveillance, night-time photography, and medical imaging. The innovative approach synergistically combines advanced image processing techniques, including image denoising, patch-wise histogram equalization for nuanced contrast enhancement, adaptive tone mapping to calibrate image tones, and HDR imaging to extend the intricate visual detail in dark regions. These techniques work in concert to significantly elevate the fundamental aspects of image quality—brightness, contrast, clarity, while meticulously preserving intricate details even in challenging lighting. Furthermore, the project is distinguished by testing a people recognition module, which greatly enhances the utility of the framework in the domain of crime investigation by facilitating the identification of individuals in poorly lit conditions. The experimental results of this multifaceted framework are a testament to its efficacy, demonstrating a marked improvement in image quality and establishing its potential as a tool for aiding law enforcement through enhanced criminal identification. This framework not only addresses the immediate challenge of image enhancement but also fosters the groundwork for future exploration and development in the domain of image processing.