Vision improvement system using image processing technique for adverse weather condition of opencast mines

This paper deals with a vision improvement system (VIS) developed using real-time image processing technique by CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad aiming at providing comparatively clear vision to the operators of HEMM (Heavy Earth Moving Machinery) in foggy weather condition in opencast mines. It can also be used in deteriorated visibility situation due to mist, haze, smog, etc. while driving other vehicles also. In adverse weather, mining processes cannot be carried out during one-third of a day due to problem of perceptibility which reduces production rate of opencast mines. The developed system amplifies colour, sets the brightness and contrast to the input video to make objects more visible by reducing the effect of fog, mist, haze and smog. In order to enable quick real time operation, a fast CPU with dedicated graphics processing unit is used which is well suited for intensive data processing; because of its high computational efficiency and robustness, the developed system is able to operate at high frame rate and it is suitable for real-time driving assistance in adverse weather condition.