A Cloud Detection Algorithm with Reduction of Sunlight Interference in Ground-Based Sky Images

Cloud detection for ground-based sky images has attracted much attention in cloud-related fields. In this paper, we proposed a cloud detection algorithm that reduced the sunlight interference in the image. The solar location method was introduced to track the sun in the image used for feature calcul...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Xin Li, Zhiying Lu, Qingxia Zhou, Zhengyang Xu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2019-10-01
Series:Atmosphere
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/10/11/640
Description
Summary:Cloud detection for ground-based sky images has attracted much attention in cloud-related fields. In this paper, we proposed a cloud detection algorithm that reduced the sunlight interference in the image. The solar location method was introduced to track the sun in the image used for feature calculation, which was suitable for the case where the camera could not be calibrated. Following this, the adjustable red green difference (ARGD) feature using red and green channels was proposed. The red weight in the feature was determined by the layering region division, which classified the degree of sunlight interference in the image, and the sky state, which discriminated whether there was sunlight interference in the image. Finally, a fixed zero threshold was applied to feature images in order to obtain the cloud detection results. Experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm performs better than the other algorithms and can effectively reduce the sunlight interference.
ISSN:2073-4433