The Use of Multi-Spectral Images Integration in On-Board Helicopter Information Support Systems During Search and Rescue Operations

In order to ensure flight safety during search and rescue operations in difficult meteorological conditions, for example, in the Arctic zone, to generate messages and signals about an approaching obstacle, for the purpose of information support for the crew, it is necessary to provide visualization of the behind-the-cockpit environment by integration of the environment images obtained by cameras in different spectral ranges. The integral indicator of image quality is applicable to assess the information content of both the entire image and its individual parts of interest, obtained automatically or selected by the operator. It is advisable to use this indicator to assess the information content of the channels of technical vision systems for the purpose of adaptive adjustment of video image integration algorithms, in particular, as part of the hardware and software complex for search and rescue operations in difficult meteorological conditions. The implementation of the image integration procedure with subsequent visualization requires the presence of hardware, video cameras, television, long-wave and short-wave infrared ranges. It should be noted that each range requires certain shooting conditions, and, accordingly, is characterized by a given quality of the resulting images. The article shows the advantages and disadvantages of using cameras in the indicated spectral ranges, presents the results of their practical use, describes the procedure for image integration, and provides parameters for assessing their quality. It should be said that today, a very relevant area of research is the synthesis of complexes for supporting air search and res-cue operations with modules and hardware and software that implement procedures for ensuring the integration of initial data, which are often formed by a laser television module (LTM), including television video cameras (TV), long-wave infrared cameras (LWIR), short-wave infrared cameras (SWIR), laser-ranging module and forward view radar.