Multi-focus image fusion algorithm based on pulse coupled neural networks and modified decision map

In this paper, we present a new approach for the multi-focus image fusion, which utilizes Orientation Information(OI) Motivated Pulse Coupled Neural Networks(PCNN) and modified decision map. First, the source multi-focus images are fused using the Orientation Information Motivated Pulse Coupled Neural Networks (OI-PCNN), and the initial decision map is obtained. Second, after analyzing the decision map, we modified the decision map by employing a mathematical morphology post-processing technique. Finally, based on the modified decision map, the final fused image is obtained by selecting the pixels in the focus areas. Objective performance evaluation criteria and visual observation demonstrate that the proposed method is better than various existing spatial domain and transform domain fusion methods, including NSCT, PCNN-NSCT, SF-PCNN-NSCT, and EOE-PCNN-NSCT method. (C) 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.