Multifocus image fusion using a convolutional elastic network

The aim of multifocus image fusion is to fuse two or more partially focused images into one fully focused image. To overcome the problem of a limited depth of field and blurred imaging of objects beyond the depth of field in optical imaging systems, a multifocus image fusion method based on a convolutional elastic network is proposed. Each source image is first decomposed into a base layer and a detail layer using the fast Fourier transform. Then, the convolutional elastic network performs fusion of the detail layers while applying the "choose-max" fusion rule to the base layers. Finally, the fused image is reconstructed by a two-dimensional inverse discrete Fourier transform. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, we applied it and seven other popular methods to sets of multifocus images. The experimental results show that the proposed method overcomes the shortcomings of low spatial resolution and ambiguity in multifocus image fusion and achieves better contrast and clarity. In terms of both subjective visual effects and objective indicators, the performance of our method is optimal in comparation with other state-of-the-art fusion methods.