Enhancing Black and

White Images with

CNN
Introduction
How CNNs work for colorization
Challenges in colorization using CNNs
Applications of colorization using CNNs
Limitations of colorization using CNNs
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
• Black and white images have always been a
classic way of capturing moments in time.
However, adding colors to these images can
bring them to life and make them more
relatable to the modern viewer. In recent
years, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)
have emerged as a powerful tool for
colorizing black and white images.

• CNNs are a type of deep learning algorithm

that can learn to recognize patterns in data.
They have been successfully used in various
computer vision tasks such as image
classification, object detection, and
segmentation. With their ability to learn
from large datasets, CNNs have shown
promising results in colorization of black and
white images.
How CNNs work for
colorization
• Colorization using CNNs involves training a neural
network on a large dataset of colored images and their
corresponding black and white versions. During
training, the network learns to map the input black
and white image to its corresponding colored version.

• The network architecture typically consists of an

encoder-decoder structure with skip connections. The
encoder extracts features from the input image and
the decoder generates the output colored image. Skip
connections help in preserving details and improving
the quality of the output image.
Challenges in
colorization
using CNNs
• One of the main challenges in colorization using
CNNs is that the network needs to understand
the context of the image to accurately predict the
colors. For example, the color of the sky depends
on the time of day and weather conditions.
Another challenge is that the network may
produce unrealistic colors if the training dataset
is biased towards certain colors or objects.

• To overcome these challenges, researchers have

proposed various techniques such as
incorporating global and local context into the
network, using adversarial loss functions, and
fine-tuning the network on specific datasets.
Applications of
colorization using CNNs • Colorization using CNNs has numerous
applications in various fields such as art,
entertainment, and historical preservation. It
can be used to bring old photographs and films
to life, making them more accessible and
relatable to modern audiences. It can also be
used in the film industry to create visually
stunning effects and in the gaming industry to
enhance the realism of virtual environments.

• Moreover, colorization can be used as a tool for

artistic expression. Artists can use CNNs to
experiment with different color palettes and
create unique visual styles. It can also be used
as a form of social commentary by altering the
colors of an image to convey a particular
message or emotion.
Limitations of
colorization using
CNNs
• While colorization using CNNs has shown promising
results, it still has some limitations. One major
limitation is that it cannot accurately predict the colors
of objects that do not exist in the training dataset. For
example, if the network has never seen a purple
elephant before, it will not be able to accurately
colorize it.

• Another limitation is that the network may produce

inconsistent results if the input image is of low quality
or resolution. This can lead to artifacts and noise in the
output image. Furthermore, colorization using CNNs is
a computationally intensive task and requires high-
end hardware to achieve real-time performance.
Conclusion
• In conclusion, colorization using CNNs is a
fascinating area of research with numerous
applications in various fields. While it still
has some limitations, it has shown
promising results in bringing black and
white images to life. As technology
continues to evolve, we can expect further
advancements in this field.

• Colorization using CNNs has the potential

to change the way we view and interact
with old photographs and films. It can
provide new insights into our past and help
us connect with history in a more
meaningful way. Moreover, it can be used
as a tool for artistic expression and social
commentary, opening up new avenues for
creativity and self-expression.