Whale blow detection in infrared video using fractal analysis as tool for representing dynamic shape variation

In this paper we propose a new method to detect characteristic shape variations in infrared video using the concept of fractals. The proof of the concept is presented in terms of an application to detect whale blows in infrared video. This application will be of immense use to researchers who study whale behavior like its migration patterns. Whale blows appear as characteristic patterns with relatively higher intensity when compared to its surroundings. The pattern of whale blow formation is detected using fractal analysis. We have been able to experimentally prove that the fractal dimension can be used as an efficient tool to detect the presence of whale blows subject to some thresholding constraints. The development of thresholding constraints based on the variation of the coefficient of variation is also explained in the paper. We have been able to detect whale blows in infrared video with a very high degree of accuracy irrespective of the size of the whale blow and its distance from the camera.