Visibility Enhancement

For more than 15 years, INO has been developing solutions to problems caused by low visibility. Operating in low-visibility conditions can not only endanger vehicle and equipment operators, but also those in the vicinity. Low visibility can also have negative impacts on operational efficiency. For example, in the case of automated process monitoring using optical information, system performance can be jeopardized by visibility conditions that impede proper operation.

INO’s solutions usually combine imaging systems (cameras, sensor arrays, special optics), special illumination systems (LEDs, pulsed lasers, special optics), image enhancement through image and data processing techniques, and, in some cases, augmented reality display. These capabilities are combined to meet different application requirements based on operating range, targeted visibility range, and the type of visual environment (indoor, outdoor, day/night…).

Our expertise: Custom systems for low-visibility operations

• Active imaging (combining application-specific illumination systems with imaging systems to create self-adapting imagery that adjusts to visibility conditions)

• Pulsed eye-safe illumination systems (LED or laser based) enabling daytime and nighttime operation

• Very fast camera shutter synchronized with pulsed illumination to freeze aerosol movements for sharper images (dusty, rainy, and snowy conditions)

• Active stereoscopic system for 3D vision systems used in low-visibility conditions

• NIR and thermal imaging capabilities to improve penetration depths in fumes, fog, and fine particulates

• Image processing optimized to enhance the operator’s visibility through adapted display of video images

Our strength: Diversified capabilities for developing custom hardware and software adapted to specific applications

Fields of application:

• Search and rescue teams and vehicles

• Driving in harsh conditions (blizzard and dust) 

• Mining operations: dust and fog

• Helicopter landing: brownout and whiteout 

• Firefighting

• Industrial monitoring 

• Dusty conveyor monitoring

• Reservoir level monitoring in dusty, foggy, or misty conditions 

• Docking area monitoring 

Plus…

INO has also developed full waveform lidar capabilities that could be combined with imaging systems or used in standalone systems for remote reservoir level monitoring in dusty or foggy conditions or to help ships or helicopters dock or land in low-visibility conditions.