Image fusion algorithm based on nonsubsampled Contourlet transform

The nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT)is a new multi-resolution transform, which can give an asymptotic representation of edges and contours in image by virtue of its characteristics of multidirection, flexible multiscale and shift-invariant simultaneity. A image fusion algorithm is proposed based on NSCT. Firstly, two regist-ered original images were decomposed using NSCT separately thus the low frequency subband coefficients and vari-eties of directional bandpass subband coefficients were obtained. Secondly the selection principle of the low frequen-tcy subband coefficients based on the contrast and the selection principle of the bandpass directional subband coefficients based on area character were presented respectively. Finally, the fused image was obtained by performing the inverse NSCT on the combined coefficients. The experimental results show that the fusion scheme is effective and the fused images are better than that of using the wavelet transform and the contourlet transform.