Multilevel image fusion

Vladimir Petrovic

doi:10.1117/12.487286

1 April 2003 Multilevel image fusion

Vladimir Petrovic

Proceedings Volume 5099, Multisensor, Multisource Information Fusion: Architectures, Algorithms, and Applications 2003; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.487286
Event: AeroSense 2003, 2003, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Signal-level image fusion has in recent years established itself as a useful tool for dealing with vast amounts of image data obtained by disparate sensors. In many modern multisensor systems, fusion algorithms significantly reduce the amount of raw data that needs to be presented or processed without loss of information content as well as provide an effective way of information integrations. One of the most useful and widespread applications of signal-level image fusion is for display purposes. Fused images provide the observer with a more reliable and more complete representation of the scene than would be obtained through single sensor display configurations. In recent years, a plethora of algorithms that deal with problem of fusion for display has been proposed. However, almost all are based on relatively basic processing techniques and do not consider information from higher levels of abstraction. As some recent studies have shown this does not always satisfy the complex demands of a human observer and a more subjectively meaningful approach is required. This paper presents a fusion framework based on the idea that subjectively relevant fusion could be achieved in information at higher levels of abstraction such as image edges and image segment boundaries are used to guide the basic signal-level fusion process. Fusion of processed, higher level information to form a blueprint for fusion at signal level and fusion of information from multiple levels of extraction into a single fusion engine are both considered. When tested on two conventional signal-level fusion methodologies, such multi-level fusion structures eliminated undesirable effects such as a fusion artifacts and loss of visually vital information that compromise their usefulness. Images produced by inclusion of multi-level information in the fusion process are clearer and of generally better quality than those obtained through conventional low-level fusion. This is verified through subjective evaluation and established objective fusion performance metrics.

Citation Download Citation

Vladimir Petrovic "Multilevel image fusion", Proc. SPIE 5099, Multisensor, Multisource Information Fusion: Architectures, Algorithms, and Applications 2003, (1 April 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.487286

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