Background

Abstract

In general, a fire VID system consists of video-based analytical algorithms that integrate cameras into advanced flame and smoke detection systems. The video image from an analog or digital camera is processed by proprietary software to determine if smoke or flame from a fire is identified in the video. The detection algorithms use different techniques to identify the flame and smoke characteristics and can be based on spectral, spatial or temporal properties; these include assessing changes in brightness, contrast, edge content, motion, dynamic frequencies, and pattern and color matching. As an active area of research, there are multiple VID systems in development. However, there are only about five systems that are commercially available. The capabilities of these systems vary from being able to detect only flame or smoke to being able to detect both as well as providing motion detection and other surveillance/security features.