Optimal decomposition level of discrete, stationary and dual tree complex wavelet transform for pixel based fusion of multi-focused images

Abstract

The fast development of digital image processing leads to the growth of feature extraction of images which leads to the development of Image fusion. The process of combining two different images into a new single image by retaining salient features from each image with extended information content is known as Image fusion. Two approaches to image fusion are Spatial Fusion and Transform fusion. Discrete Wavelet Transform plays a vital role in image fusion since it minimizes structural distortions among the various other transforms. Lack of shift invariance, poor directional selectivity and the absence of phase information are the drawbacks of Discrete Wavelet Transform. These drawbacks are overcome by Stationary Wavelet Transform and Dual Tree Complex Wavelet Transform. This paper describes the optimal decomposition level of Discrete, Stationary and Dual Tree Complex wavelet transform required for better pixel based fusion of multi focused images in terms of Root Mean Square Error, Peak Signal to Noise Ratio and Quality Index.