Multi-camera-based smoke detection and traffic pollution analysis system

This article studies the smoke and exhaust detection system that has been developed for monitoring exhaust gases to enforce environmental laws and regulations. In many highly populated countries the HSU (Hart ridge Smoke Unit) grade is used to impose penalties. In many cases, HSU values over 40 ... 50 are leading to legal actions. This paper proposes a method that adopts two cameras, a far infrared camera and a high-resolution visible wavelength camera, as a detection system for smoky vehicle detection. The far infrared camera is used for detecting the location of the vehicle exhaust fumes. This thermal information is fused with visible spectrum information from the high-resolution camera. An algorithm evaluates if the identified vehicles are causing visible exhaust smoke. If smoke is detected, the system stores evidence for further actions. The first prototype version of the system needed an automatic adaptation procedure in order to calibrate far infrared and high-resolution images together. Mechanically, the system can be set up quickly in the chosen roadside location. A developed prototype system is one step towards future tools for authorities to automatically detect and classify vehicles emitting smoke. If a permanent set-up is desired, the system can be installed on a lamp post, beneath an overhead bridge or on other similar structures.