Multi-focus image fusion algorithm based on adaptive PCNN and wavelet transform

Being an efficient method of information fusion, image fusion has been used in many fields such as machine vision, medical diagnosis, military applications and remote sensing. In this paper, Pulse Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) is introduced in this research field for its interesting properties in image processing, including segmentation, target recognition et al. and a novel algorithm based on PCNN and Wavelet Transform for Multi-focus image fusion is proposed. First, the two original images are decomposed by wavelet transform. Then, based on the PCNN, a fusion rule in the Wavelet domain is given. This algorithm uses the wavelet coefficient in each frequency domain as the linking strength, so that its value can be chosen adaptively. Wavelet coefficients map to the range of image gray-scale. The output threshold function attenuates to minimum gray over time. Then all pixels of image get the ignition. So, the output of PCNN in each iteration time is ignition wavelet coefficients of threshold strength in different time. At this moment, the sequences of ignition of wavelet coefficients represent ignition timing of each neuron. The ignition timing of PCNN in each neuron is mapped to corresponding image gray-scale range, which is a picture of ignition timing mapping. Then it can judge the targets in the neuron are obvious features or not obvious. The fusion coefficients are decided by the compare-selection operator with the firing time gradient maps and the fusion image is reconstructed by wavelet inverse transform. Furthermore, by this algorithm, the threshold adjusting constant is estimated by appointed iteration number. Furthermore, In order to sufficient reflect order of the firing time, the threshold adjusting constant αΘ is estimated by appointed iteration number. So after the iteration achieved, each of the wavelet coefficient is activated. In order to verify the effectiveness of proposed rules, the experiments upon Multi-focus image are done. Moreover, comparative results of evaluating fusion quality are listed. The experimental results show that the method can effectively enhance the edge details and improve the spatial resolution of the image.