Aberystwyth
University
Institute
of Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Object
at Sea Imaging/Tracking Project
The aim
here is to detect, track and image objects at sea out to distances of 30 km or more,
depending upon viewing geometry, atmosphere and refraction below the horizon.
As an example, large tall ships in the sea have been detected in front of St Davids Head some 75 km away from the top of the IMAPS
building. Closer objects, within 30 km are easily detected and resolved. Some
considerable data collection took place during the recent Dolphin Watch by the
Biological Sciences Department and several sightings of Dolphins were captured
close range at 2 km distance.
This image is taken in the near IR and shows a
dolphin at 2-3 km distance on the
right hand side. The sea is darker in the near IR
and dolphin skin is more reflective
-
hence the image contrast is good. To see a video
click here.
This image was taken in red light at a range of
2-3 km – note
the difference in contrast between the dolphin and
the sea.
To see a video click here.
Here are a
range of captured images of boats from a few km away out towards the horizon at
30 km away. Note that these are single frame captures from video and have under
gone no processing other than minor sharpening and contrast enhancement,
This was captured when sea conditions were slightly choppy and the boat was
rocking back an forth a lot. Atmospheric conditions are turbulent, and so the
image and video are both slightly blurry. At least two sea gulls can be seen
flying around the trawler. To see a video of this click here
In this example the boat is further away still, but atmospheric
turbulence is a lot less than the previous image. Possibly this is
a lobster boat? To see a video click here
.
Here we have two boats fairly close to the horizon.
The light band across the middle of the image represents
a different set of sea surface conditions to what the
boats are in. To see a video click here.
Finally this image, captured on 8th Apr
2008, shows a boat on the horizon, at about
31 km distance away. There are a couple of booms
sticking out and presumably it is either bow or stern
facing to the land. The sea surface conditions are
sparkling due to sun glint. For a full video click here.
Click on this link here to find out more.
Institute
of Maths and Physical Sciences
Institute
of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
The
University of Aberystwyth