Feature fusion methods of infrared and visible images for common data link

In order to solve the contradiction between common data link (CDL) bandwidth and large amount of image data, we introduce a feature fusion method in which homologous infrared and visible images are directly fused before transmission. This method can improve real-time transmission of image data in CDL and reduce the pressure of image data storage. One method is derived from the rattlesnake which is nominated for opponent processing and combines visible signals and infrared signals by instinct. The other method is wavelet. Experiments show that the opponent processing method is faster and functionally enough to be applied in real time CDL system.