Research on vision system for degraded visual environment

Abstract

JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) has been conducting a research project named SAVERH (Situation Awareness and Visual Enhancer for Rescue Helicopter) since 2008. SAVERH aims at inventing a method of presenting suitable information to pilots to support search and rescue missions in Degraded Visual Environment. An integrated system comprising an Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) and some vison sensors were installed in JAXA research helicopters and series of flight tests conducted to evaluate the benefit of presenting synthetic and sensor images on the HMD. An effectiveness of images presented on an HMD for road following and landing was evaluated through the series of flight experiments. As results, both synthetic and sensor image were effective for recognizing targets, navigation features such as road and terrain.