Blind Image Deconvolution Via Dispersion Minimization

Blind deconvolution is a classical image processing problem which has been investigated by a large number of researchers over the last four decades. The purpose of this monograph is not to propose yet another method for blind image restoration. Rather the basic issue of deconvolvability has been explored from a theoretical view point. Some authors claim very good results while quite a few claim that blind restoration does not work. The authors clearly detail when such methods are expected to work and when they will not. In order to avoid the assumptions needed for convergence analysis in the Fourier domain, the authors use a general method of convergence analysis used for alternate minimization based on three point and four point properties of the points in the image space. The authors prove that all points in the image space satisfy the three point property and also derive the conditions under which four point property is satisfied. This provides the conditions under which alternate minimization for blind deconvolution converges with a quadratic prior. Since the convergence properties depend on the chosen priors, one should design priors that avoid trivial solutions. Hence, a sparsity based solution is also provided for blind deconvolution, by using image priors having a cost that increases with the amount of blur, which is another way to prevent trivial solutions in joint estimation. This book will be a highly useful resource to the researchers and academicians in the specific area of blind deconvolution.

Blind image deconvolution is constantly receiving increasing attention from the academic as well the industrial world due to both its theoretical and practical implications. The field of blind image deconvolution has several applications in different areas such as image restoration, microscopy, medical imaging, biological imaging, remote sensing, astronomy, nondestructive testing, geophysical prospecting, and many others. Blind Image Deconvolution: Theory and Applications surveys the current state of research and practice as presented by the most recognized experts in the field, thus filling a gap in the available literature on blind image deconvolution. Explore the gamut of blind image deconvolution approaches and algorithms that currently exist and follow the current research trends into the future. This comprehensive treatise discusses Bayesian techniques, single- and multi-channel methods, adaptive and multi-frame techniques, and a host of applications to multimedia processing, astronomy, remote sensing imagery, and medical and biological imaging at the whole-body, small-part, and cellular levels. Everything you need to step into this dynamic field is at your fingertips in this unique, self-contained masterwork. For image enhancement and restoration without a priori information, turn to Blind Image Deconvolution: Theory and Applications for the knowledge and techniques you need to tackle real-world problems.

The book begins with an introduction of blind equalization theory and its application in neural networks, then discusses the algorithms in recurrent networks, fuzzy networks and other frequently-studied neural networks. Each algorithm is accompanied by derivation, modeling and simulation, making the book an essential reference for electrical engineers, computer intelligence researchers and neural scientists.

The term “Artificial Intelligence” has been used since 1956 and has become a very popular research field. Generally, it is the study of the computations that enable a system to perceive, reason and act. In the early days, it was expected to achieve the same intelligent behavior as a human, but found impossible at last. Its goal was thus revised to design and use of intelligent methods to make systems more ef- cient at solving problems. The term “Applied Intelligence” was thus created to represent its practicality. It emphasizes applications of applied intelligent systems to solve real-life problems in all areas including engineering, science, industry, automation, robotics, business, finance, medicine, bio-medicine, bio-informatics, cyberspace, and man-machine interactions. To endow the intelligent behavior of a system, many useful and interesting techniques have been developed. Some of them are even borrowed from the na- ral observation and biological phenomenon. Neural networks and evolutionary computation are two examples of them. Besides, some other heuristic approaches like data mining, adaptive control, intelligent manufacturing, autonomous agents, bio-informatics, reasoning, computer vision, decision support systems, expert s- tems, fuzzy logic, robots, intelligent interfaces, internet technology, planning and scheduling, are also commonly used in applied intelligence.

The concept of an inverse problem is a familiar one to most scientists and engineers, particularly in the field of signal and image processing, imaging systems (medical, geophysical, industrial non-destructive testing, etc.), and computer vision. In imaging systems, the aim is not just to estimate unobserved images but also their geometric characteristics from observed quantities that are linked to these unobserved quantities by a known physical or mathematical relationship. In this manner techniques such as image enhancement or addition of hidden detail can be delivered. This book focuses on imaging and vision problems that can be clearly described in terms of an inverse problem where an estimate for the image and its geometrical attributes (contours and regions) is sought. The book uses a consistent methodology to examine inverse problems such as: noise removal; restoration by deconvolution; 2D or 3D reconstruction in X-ray, tomography or microwave imaging; reconstruction of the surface of a 3D object using X-ray tomography or making use of its shading; reconstruction of the surface of a 3D landscape based on several satellite photos; super-resolution; motion estimation in a sequence of images; separation of several images mixed using instruments with different sensitivities or transfer functions; and much more.

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