Application Of Mathematical Morphology To FLIR Images
Craig H. Richardson, Ronald W. Schafer · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 1987
This paper presents an application of morphological systems to the problem of locating man-made objects in Forward Looking Infra Red I FUR) images. The FUR images, consist of compact light concentrated heat) regions corresponding to the object with a darker (cooler) background with some light distractions such as trees, or a forest. The images generally have poor contrast because of the nature of heat sensitive imagery. The goal of this research is to isolate the object (when present) from its background and to provide its exact loca tion within the imaging window. The research focuses upon the selection of the morphological operations, the choice of the shape and size of the structuring elements and the sequence in which the operations are applied. Preliminary experimental results indicate that morphological transformations may be well suited for this application. The compact light areas representing man-made objects are readily separated from the larger light ridges representing trees, or forests.