Atmospheric visibility estimation and image contrast calibration

Patrik Hermansson; Klas Edstam

doi:10.1117/12.2241045

24 October 2016 Atmospheric visibility estimation and image contrast calibration

Patrik Hermansson, Klas Edstam

Proceedings Volume 9997, Target and Background Signatures II; 99970Q (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241045
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

A method, referred to as contrast calibration, has been developed for transforming digital color photos of outdoor scenes from the atmospheric conditions, illumination and visibility, prevailing at the time of capturing the image to a corresponding image for other atmospheric conditions. A photo captured on a hazy day can, for instance, be converted to resemble a photo of the same scene for good visibility conditions. Converting digital color images to specified lightning and transmission conditions is useful for image based assessment of signature suppression solutions. The method uses "calibration objects" which are photographed at about the same time as the scene of interest. The calibration objects, which (indirectly) provide information on visibility and lightning conditions, consist of two flat boards, painted in different grayscale colors, and a commercial, neutral gray, reference card. Atmospheric extinction coefficient and sky intensity can be determined, in three wavelength bands, from image pixel values on the calibration objects and using this information the image can be converted to other atmospheric conditions. The image is transformed in contrast and color. For illustration, contrast calibration is applied to sample images of a scene acquired at different times. It is shown that contrast calibration of the images to the same reference values of extinction coefficient and sky intensity results in images that are more alike than the original images. It is also exemplified how images can be transformed to various other atmospheric weather conditions. Limitations of the method are discussed and possibilities for further development are suggested.

Citation Download Citation

Patrik Hermansson and Klas Edstam "Atmospheric visibility estimation and image contrast calibration", Proc. SPIE 9997, Target and Background Signatures II, 99970Q (24 October 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241045

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