A prototype PC-based system of giving color estimation ability to monochrome security cameras

A prototype PC-based system of giving color estimation ability to monochrome security cameras has been developed based on the novel concept. The novel concept can be divided into 3 stages. First, space-variant color filter is put onto the lens of the monochrome security camera. Secondly, when a crime takes place, the camera records suspected person. Finally, just after the crime, characteristics of the space-variant color filter are measured by the police, and the color of the clothes of the suspected person is estimated. As the core of the system, Windows-based software with graphical user interface (GUI) has been developed in Microsoft Visual C++. This software allows user to estimate color easily, rapidly and precisely. In order to verify the performance of the developed system, color estimation experiment was conducted and colors of three color plates were estimated. If this study will be put to practical use, it will give much benefit to criminal investigation and social security.