Pulse-coupled neural network shadow compensation

The Pulsed Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) algorithm, when modified for use as an image processor, provides a unique method of multiplicative image decomposition (PCNN factorization). Because the factorization is ordered by levels of scene contrast, the first few factors contain the strong contrasts generally associated with shadows. The PCNN factorization effectively and automatically finds scene shadows. This is further developed here as a computationally effective shadow compensation algorithm with illustrative examples given, and is shown to be significantly more effective than histogram equalization. The advantage and disadvantages are discussed.