A Hybrid Multi-focus Image Fusion Technique using SWT and PCA

This paper presents a new hybrid and parallel processing image fusion technique for multi-focus images. Here, two different methods are used i.e. Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) that are implemented on the input images in parallel. These two methods are applied on same input dataset. This method is although computationally bit slower than the compared method but still it shows better results. The fused images obtained from the SWT and PCA are later again fused using PCA method. This is a parallel processing technique. The result of proposed method is compared with other traditional and conventional methods like DWT, SWT and PCA. It is observed that the result of proposed method is better than the compared methods. The result of the proposed method is analyzed qualitatively (visual appearance) and quantitatively using CC (Correlation Coefficient), UIQI (Universal Image Quality Index), and PSNR (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio). The proposed technique will have the capability to be implemented in real time applications of Visual Sensor Network (VSN).