RBFN restoration of nonlinearly degraded images

We investigate a technique for image restoration using nonlinear networks based on radial basis functions. The technique is also based on the concept of training or learning by examples. When trained properly, these networks are used as spatially invariant feedforward nonlinear filters that can perform restoration of images degraded by nonlinear degradation mechanisms. We examine a number of network structures including the Gaussian radial basis function network (RBFN) and some extensions of it, as well as a number of training algorithms including the stochastic gradient (SG) algorithm that we have proposed earlier. We also propose a modified structure based on the Gaussian-mixture model and a learning algorithm for the modified network. Experimental results indicate that the radial basis function network and its extensions can be very useful in restoring images degraded by nonlinear distortion and noise.