Image restoration method and image processing apparatus using the same

An image processing apparatus, for restoring a haze image based on an optical model formed by a transmission map, comprising:

• a storage unit, configured to store a plurality of modules;
• and
• a processing unit, coupled with the storage unit to access and execute the modules recorded in the storage unit, wherein the modules comprises:
• a haze thickness estimation module, executed by the processing unit to:
• receive the haze image comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the pixels has a plurality of color components corresponding to a plurality of color channels;
• detect whether a color cast phenomenon occurs on the haze image;
• if yes, calculate a plurality of Laplacian distribution values respectively corresponding to the color channels;
• determine a maximum distribution value and a minimum distribution value among the Laplacian distribution values, and generating a self-adaptive parameter by comparing the maximum distribution value and the minimum distribution value;
• and
• adjust the transmission map by the self-adaptive parameter so as to generate a adjusted transmission map;
• and
• an image visibility restoration module, executed by the processing unit to:
• calculate a plurality of color parameters respectively corresponding to the color channels according to the Laplacian distribution values;
• and
• restore the haze image by using the color parameters and the adjusted transmission map so as to obtain a restored image.