Multi-Scale Adaptive Contrast Enhancement (MSACE) for Color Images: A Comparative Analysis with Conventional Techniques

Abstract

This study introduces a novel contrast enhancement algorithm, Multi-Scale Adaptive Con- trast Enhancement (MSACE), which adapts contrast adjustments across multiple brightness scales in color images while preserving fine details. MSACE employs brightness segmenta- tion, adaptive scaling, and edge-based detail preservation to deliver enhanced contrast with- out overexposure or detail loss, addressing limitations found in conventional methods. Com- parative results between MSACE and traditional methods—Simple Contrast Scaling, Gamma Correction, Histogram Equalization, and Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE)—are validated through quantitative metrics and visual assessments. MSACE consistently outper- forms the other methods in delivering superior visual quality, preserving edge details, and achieving balanced contrast distribution.