Integrated analysis of thermal and visual images for scene interpretation

An approach for computer perception of outdoor scenes is presented. The approach is based on integrating information extracted from thermal images and visual images, which provides information not available by processing either type of image alone. The thermal image is analyzed to provide estimates of surface temperature. The visual image provides surface absorptivity and relative orientation. These parameters are used together to provide estimates of heat fluxes at the surfaces of viewed objects. The thermal behavior of scene objects is described in terms of surface heat fluxes. Features based on estimated values of surface heat fluxes are shown to be more meaningful and specific in distinguishing scene components