Examination on the Effectiveness of an Image Processing Technology for the Visibility Enhancement of Firefighters in Fire

In the case of fire, it is important to enhance the visibility of firefighters for emergency activities (for example, fire extinguishment, rescue, and first-aid). In the present study, an image processing technology for visibility enhancement developed by the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute was used to improve the visibility of firefighters. Image processing technology for visibility enhancement is a technology that combines Multi-Scale Retinex and smoke concentration equalization processing. To examine the effectiveness of the image processing technology in thick smoke conditions, the visibility was classified depending on the smoke generation in an enclosed compartment. In addition, comparative before and after evaluation of image processing technology was performed quantitatively. The visibility was divided into seven levels depending on the recognizable distance of each number plate. Thus, the visibility was improved from a maximum of four levels. Additionally, an in-depth interview was conducted with field crews who are the consumers of this technology; a view of more than 3.5 m was required to use this technology in fire fields.