In this section, we are going to learn how to equalize a color image. Image equalization, or histogram equalization, tries to obtain a histogram with a uniform distribution of values. The result of equalization is an increase in the contrast of an image. Equalization allows lower local contrast areas to gain high contrast, spreading out the most frequent intensities. This method is very useful when the image is extremely dark or bright and there is a very small difference between the background and foreground. Using histogram equalization, we increase the contrast and the details that are over- or under-exposed. This technique is very useful in medical images, such as X-rays.
However, there are two main disadvantages to this method: the increase in background noise and a consequent decrease in useful signals. We can see the effect of equalization in the...