Using image processing to improve semaphore communication

Abstract

Currently, the training of semaphore communication of younger signalmen on ships has been canceled due to a lack of hours for training. However, according to statistics, a quarter of accidents at sea occur due to a lack of coordination between vessels. They are due to the complexity of using radio links in close interaction, when a ship can get into the "dead zone". An alternative may be optical communication. At the same time, signal floodlights are not always visible in bright sunshine. An alternative is semaphore communication. This article discusses the possibility of replacing the signalman with technical means using digital image processing. The main issue under consideration is the use of RGB color histograms to determine the transmitted signal.