Glenn Robert Shaffer

Color-Based Signal Light Tracking in Real-Time Video

Tracking or detecting the position and color of signal lights has an important role in transport industry. Auto detection of signal light colors and their position using computer vision techniques provides or acts as a proof against a fraudulent claim losses. The current technology, such as vehicle mounted recording system, provides event recognition videos and the cause behind an accident. But it does not provide the complete information about color associated with signal lights. The detection of the color of a signal light under different illuminations is a critical issue. In this research, an intelligent method for tracking color of signal lights using La*b* color model combined with contour tracking is proposed. This research finds application in transportation, law enforcement and insurance claims. The system increases the efficiency of the accident investigation process and reduces the economic loss associated with automobile accidents of all types.

An Efficient Video Enhancement Method Using LA*B* Analysis

In this paper, an efficient technique is proposed for real-time enhancement of video containing inconsistent and complex conditions like nonuniform and insufficient lighting. Beyond providing digital tools for video enhancement, this method provides a better approach to enhance a video in low lighting conditions without any loss of color information. This approach is based on histogram manipulations on La*b* color model of the video frame. This algorithm provides an effective way for video enhancement with simple computational procedures, which makes real-time enhancement for homeland security application successfully realized. Simulation is done on videos taken under bad lighting conditions and results are presented.