Camera Visibility Assessment Using Multi-Time Edge Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining visibility at aircraft takeoff and landing sites rely on manual visual observation, lacking automation and accuracy, especially in varying weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A visibility determination system using cameras to extract edges from multiple images, calculate a clarity index based on pixel ratios, and generate a planned route considering terrain heights and visibility conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual visual observation is used to determine visibility, then the system is simple to implement, but the automation level and measurement precision are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation (mechanical human operation) with an automated image processing system that uses cameras and computer algorithms to extract edge information and calculate clarity indices, achieving automation while managing system complexity through software-based solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses camera images as copies of the actual visibility conditions, processing these visual copies through edge extraction and clarity calculation to determine visibility without requiring direct human observation, thereby automating the process
2Measurement precision
If single image edge extraction is used, then the processing is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to temporal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary edge extraction on multiple images captured at different times before making the final visibility determination. By pre-processing multiple images and extracting edges from each, the system builds a more reliable basis for clarity calculation that accounts for temporal variations in visibility conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures images at periodic time intervals and processes them sequentially. By comparing edge information from images taken at different times, the system can detect changes in visibility conditions and calculate clarity indices that reflect temporal variations, improving measurement precision
3Reliability
If edge extraction from multiple images at different times is performed, then the visibility determination accuracy improves, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential edge information from multiple images rather than processing the entire image data. By focusing computation on edge pixels and using these extracted features for clarity calculation, the system reduces processing time while maintaining the reliability benefits of multi-temporal analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a visibility determination system, a visibility determination method and a program capable of determining visibility based on an image taken by a camera. A visibility determination system (1) determines a visibility condition based on an image taken by a camera (10). The visibility determination system (1) includes: an acquisition part (13), configured to acquire a first extracted image (T1) obtained by extracting an edge of an imaging target (S1) in a first image (G1) taken by the camera (10); and a determination part (14), configured to determine visibility based on the first extracted image (T1) and a second extracted image (T2) that is obtained by extracting the edge of the imaging target (S1) in a second image (G2) taken by the camera (10) at a different time from the first image (G1).