Concealed object perception and recognition using a photometric stereo strategy

Abstract

Following a review of current hidden objects detection techniques in a range of security applications, a strategy based on an innovative, low-cost photometric stereo technique is proposed to reveal concealed objects. By taking advantage of information rapidly acquired under different illumination conditions, various enhanced real time images can be produced, free from the confusion of textured camouflage. The extracted surface normals can be used for the calculation of curvature and flatness attributes, and providing clues for subsequent hidden object detection and recognition tasks. Experiments on both simulated and real data have verified the strategy is useful for stealthy objects detection and may provide another modality of data for current monitoring system. The results demonstrate good potential application in the detection of concealed objects in security and military applications through the deployment of image enhancement and augmented reality devices. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.