Abstract:Underwater image field-of-view (FOV) enhancement, as an emerging technology that integrates image processing algorithms with the unique characteristics of underwater scenes, can expand effective visual range in real underwater environments. It aims to effectively alleviating the problem of limited field of view of traditional underwater imaging, which is constrained to presenting blurred visual information within a limited area. By optimizing spatial extension and detail restoration of images, underwater FOV enhancement effectively compensates for narrow visual field and information loss inherent in conventional imaging. This paper provides a comprehensive review of underwater FOV enhancement technologies, which can be primarily classified into two main methods: underwater fisheye image correction, and underwater image stitching. It encompasses related technologies, system architectures, and future development trends. This survey organizes existing research results and conducts in-depth analyses of various approaches. The two types of technologies are comprehensively analyzed from the perspective of methodology and system architecture, providing a new perspective for subsequent research. Furthermore, this paper discusses key challenges faced by underwater FOV enhancement, and further explores potential directions for its future development.
