Multi-focus image fusion by using a pixel-based SML comparison map

Abstract

The fusion of images which have different focal lengths can play important role for visual enhancement. It can also be used as a pre-processing step for various processing modules such as edge detection and feature extraction in order to improve the performances. In this paper, we propose a pixel-based algorithm which uses SML(Sum of Modified-Laplacian) as a focus measure for multi-focus image fusion. After the centers of focused areas in images are calculated, the 2-level SML comparison map is made by measuring the distance from the centers. And we adopt the median filter on the comparison map to reduce the effect of noise. Simulation results showed the proposed algorithm can successfully improve the visual quality of combined image subjectively as well as objectively.