Enhancing situation awareness by fusion of infrared and visible image using multiresolution transform

Fusion of infrared and visible images has been studied for enhancing the situation awareness of user in the surveillance sector during low lighting conditions. The fusion of content helps to produce a more informative image. The use of multi resolution transform (MRT) for fusion will be more beneficial as its operation is similar to the working of human visual system. Wavelet transform is a MRT technique apt for the purpose. The use of biorthogonal wavelet approach scores over conventional wavelet approach because of its merits like: symmetry, linear phase, flexibility and compactness. This work reports the application of biorthogonal wavelet transforms for fusion of registered visible and infrared images of the same scene. A comparison of various biorthogonal wavelet functions has also been made to select appropriate biorthogonal wavelet family suitable for fusion of infrared and visible images for surveillance.