Combined FIRE filters for image enhancement

FIRE (Fuzzy Inference Ruled by Else-action) operators are a recently proposed family of rule-based fuzzy operators which address image processing applications. Focussing on the enhancement of a noisy image, it is shown in this paper how a combination of FIRE filters, acting on different supports, can yield a noticeable advantage from the point of view of noise-suppression capability and detail preservation as well. The results of the combined approach are favourably compared to those obtainable with the previous design, and are also very favourably compared with those yielded by classical (non-fuzzy) operators available in the scientific literature