Detection of Road Images Containing a Counterlight Using Multilevel Analysis

Abstract

In this paper, a method for detecting real-time images that include counterlight produced by the sun, is proposed. It involves applying a multistep analysis of the size, location, and distribution of bright areas in the image. In general, images containing counterlight have a symmetrically high brightness value at a specific location spread over an extremely large region. In addition, the distribution and change in brightness in that specific region have a symmetrically large difference compared with other regions. Through a multistep analysis of these symmetrical features, it is determined whether counterlight is included in the image. The proposed method presents a processing time of approximately 0.7 s and a detection accuracy of 88%, suggesting that the approach can be applied to a safe driving support system for autonomous vehicles.