An efficient edge detection algorithm for flame and fire image processing

Edge detection is one of the preprocessing steps in image analysis. Edges characterize boundaries and edge detection is one of the most difficult tasks in image processing. Digital image processing is playing an increasingly vital role in imaging based fire monitoring systems. Since flame images are special class of images, some of the unique features of a flame may be used to identify flame edges. There are some differences between flame images and other general images; the brightness of the flame is generally much higher than the other objects while the background is comparatively dark. The expected flame edge should be clear and uninterrupted. Several known edge detection methods have been tested to identify flame edges but the results achieved are disappointing. Hence this new edge detection algorithm has been proposed for the detection of flame and fire in fire alert systems. This is an improved method which identifies the edges of the flames correctly by removing all the noises in the flames. Some research work shows that the existing methods do not emphasize the continuity and clarity of the flame and fire edges. The proposed method identifies the continuous and clear edges of the flame/fire. This process detects outlines of an object and boundaries between objects and the background in the image. Experimental results for different flame images proved the effectiveness and robustness of the algorithm.