Iterative image restoration using nonstationary priors

Abstract

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for image restoration based on fusing nonstationary edge-preserving priors. We develop a Bayesian modeling followed by an evidence approximation inference approach for deriving the analytic foundations of the proposed restoration method. Through a series of approximations, the final implementation of the proposed image restoration algorithm is iterative and takes advantage of the Fourier domain. Simulation results over a variety of blurred and noisy standard test images indicate that the presented method comfortably surpasses the current state-of-the-art image restoration for compactly supported degradations. We finally present experimental results by digitally refocusing images captured with controlled defocus, successfully confirming the ability of the proposed restoration algorithm in recovering extra features and rich details, while still preserving edges.