Object Discrimination by Infrared Image Processing

Signal processing applied to pixel by pixel infrared image processing has been frequently used as a tool for fire detection in different scenarios. However, when processing the images pixel by pixel, the geometrical or spatial characteristics of the objects under test are not considered, thus increasing the probability of false alarms. In this paper we use classical techniques of image processing in the characterization of objects in infrared images. While applying image processing to thermal images it is possible to detect groups of hotspots representing possible objects of interest and extract the most suitable features to distinguish between them. Several parameters to characterize objects geometrically, such as fires, cars or people, have been considered and it has been shown their utility to reduce the probability of false alarms of the pixel by pixel signal processing techniques.