UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
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April 1989
UC SAN DIEGO LIBRARY
3 1822 04429 6697
Ol
YSTEMS GROUP
Offsite
(Annex-JOL NOTE NO. 213
rnals)
QC
974.5
. T43
no. 213
HORIZON SCANNING IMAGER
(PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS MANUAL)
M. E. Karr
R. W. Johnson

UNIVERSITY
OF
CALIFORNIA
SAN DIEGO
The material contained in this note is to be considered
proprietary in nature and is not authorized for distribution
without the prior consent of the Marine Physical Laboratory
and the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory
SITY O
INIVS
Contract Monitor, Dr. H. A. Brown
Atmospheric Sciences Division
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Prepared for
The Geophysics Laboratory, Air Force Systems Command
United States Air Force, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts 01731
under contract NO. F19628-88-C-0154
OCEANOGRAPHY
MARINE PHYSICAL LAB San Diego, CA 92152-6400
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3 1822 04429 6697
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
2.0
3.0
INTRODUCTION.......
HARDWARE SETUP INFORMATION......
VISIBILITY SYSTEM SOFTWARE ....
3.1 Utility Programs ...
3.2 Main Programs...
.............
4.0
SETUP PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATIC
VISIBILITY DETERMINATION........
.............................
4.1
4.2
4.3
Establishing a home reference position..
How to Select Areas...
SETUPVIS - Setting up location files and target files .....................17
4.4
AUTOVIS - Automatic visibility determination program .......
Appendix
A.
Tech Note 209 The determination of atmospheric visibility
with a digital image acquisition system
1
Sample SETUPVIS run
Sample AUTOVIS run
Sample utility program runs
Maintenance and trouble shooting guide
Visibility system component info
Area/Target Selection Worksheet
FIGURE INDEX
1
1-1
1-2
1-3
2-1
2-2
3-1
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
TVICII
Automatic Visibility System, As-Built
As-Built Exterior Sensor Configuration
As-Built Interior Control Console
Horizon Scanning Imager Housing (Rear View)
Rear View, Accessory Control Panel and TMI Rear Panel
AVS Main Menu
Setup Procedures for Automatic Visibility Determination
Establish Home Reference Position
Select Areas for SETUPVIS and AUTOVIS
Setup Location and Target Files
SETUPVIS Main Menu
Target Visibility Table and Target Manipulation Menu
Target Manipulation Menu Number 2
Sample Scene With Targets Selected
AUTOVIS Main Menu
4-5
4-6
4-7
4-8
4-9
TABLE INDEX
1-1
3-1
AUTOVIS Horizon Scanning Imager (HSI)
PRINTVIS instructions
1.0
INTRODUCTION
The Optical Systems Group at the Marine Physical Laboratory has produced a
compact and reliable system for the automatic acquisition and archival of local horizon
imagery specifically tailored to the determination and assessment of daytime sector
visibilities, and subsequently their spatial and temporal variabilities.
The as-built configuration for the system currently in operation at the Marine
Physical laboratory in San Diego is illustrated schematically in Figure 1-1 and
photographically in Figures 1-2 and 1-3. The hardware listing appropriate to the illustrated
configuration is given in Table 1-1.
The exterior sensor assembly shown in Figures 1-1 and 1-2 is a relatively compact,
weatherproof housing which contains several inter related components and sub-systems.
The detector component is the CIDTEC (formerly General Electric) model 2710 solid state
video camera. This small, all solid state monochrome camera is well suited to this horizon
scanning task. The CID sensor has a 512V x 776H pixel array yielding excellent angular
resolutions particularly using the 100mm efl optical system which yields an approximate
field of view of 5.4 degrees.
The associated sub-assemblies most important to the reproducibility of the systems
suite of selected target scenes are the Precision Rotary Table itself and the Microstepper
Motor Drive. These two components which are now co-located in the external housing,
were originally isolated with the ustepper motor drive located within the accessory control
panel (ACP). A variety of cabling and signal quality problems in the prototype
configuration were resolved by this relocation and no further operational peculiarities hav
developed.
control console illustrated in Figures 1-1 and 1-3 contains a computer
configuration identical in most respects with that in the wspcloud system. In a like
manner the majority of the systems primary control and archival processes are enclosed
within the AT class micro computer. They include the video frame grabber which
accommodates a 1024x1024 image memory, the 80286 based CPU card, and the 8mm
cartridge tape system whose 2.2 Gigabyte storage capacity enables an extended automatic
duty cycle for the fully automatic system.
As illustrated in Table 1-1, as well as in Appendix F, the components selected for
use within the Horizon Scanning Imager system were selected from a broad variety of
commercial vendors.
The selection and use of the components discussed herein does not
imply endorsement or recommendation of the tested products by the Marine
Physical Laboratory or its sponsors to the exclusion of other products
which may be suitable.
This document describes how to set up and use the Marine Physical Lab's daytime
visibility system. It is divided into 4 main sections. The first section describes the physical
set up information. In general all of the system components have been assembled and all
that need be done is to install the various cables. The second section details what the
visibility system can do, what software is available and how to use this software. The next
section explains how to create location files and target files for use with the automatic

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Figure 1-3
· As-Built Interior Control Console
Table 1-1
AUTO-VIS HORIZON SCANNING IMAGER (HSI)
...
As-Built Sep 88
Exterior Sensor Assembly
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WXP Housing, EO3-3900
CID TEC, 2710 Video Camera
Daedal, 20801P, Precision Rotary Table
Daedal, MD23, uStepper Motor Drive
Cosmicar, C5018ES-4 Auto-Iris Lens
Cosmicar, EX-2, Video Extender
Recirculation Fan
15VDC Camera Power Supply
7.
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Seagate, ST-277R, 65MB Hard Disc
Western Digital, HCRA2, Disc Controller
Exabyte, EX-8200, 2.2GB Tape Streamer
Adv. Storage Concepts, ASC-88, SCSI Host
ICS Computer Products, DIO-96, TTL/IO Ports
ITI. FG-100-1024-U-AT-A, Video Frame Grabber
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visibility determination program. The last section is the appendix. Included in the
appendix are sample runs for selected visibility software, a trouble shooting guide,
visibility system component information and photographs.
2.0 HARDWARE SETUP INFORMATION
The horizon scanning imager (HSI) is installed by a field team from the Marine
Physical Lab. However, the user should be familiar with the system components and cable
connections.
The visibility system consists of 4 major components.
1. The computer rack, which contains the TMI computer, the accessory control
panel (ACP) and the image monitor.
The HSI housing, which contains the rotary table, rotary table motor/drive,
camera and power supplies.
3. Computer monitor
4. Cables
There are 4 cables connected to the HSI housing unit. See Figure 2-1. The cables are
connections to:
1. The ACP for Motor Control
2. Home/Limit Switch
3. Input Power Supply
4. Camera Video
There are also 4 cables connected to the ACP. See Figure 2-2. These cables are
connections for the:
1. Motor controller card
2. Input Power Supply
3. Output Power Supply
4. The HSI housing for motor control
On the back of the TMI computer there are 6 cable connections with an optional set of 2
cables for the EXABYTE tape cartridge system. See Figure 2-2.
These connections are for the:
1. FG100-AT Image processing board
2. Mouse system

Figure 2-1
Horizon Scanning Imager Housing
Figure 2-2
Rear View Accessory Control Panel
and TMI Rear Panel
3. Computer monitor
4. Printer
5. Motor/Drive controller
6. Home/Limit switch
3.0
VISIBILITY SYSTEM SOFTWARE
This section describes the set of programs that run the visibility system; what is
their purpose and how to use them. The section is divided into two subsections, the utility
programs and the main programs.
3.1
Utility Programs
The utility programs are special purpose programs that allow the user to move the
table to a specified azimuth, save images for later study, print visibility information files
and perform other specialized tasks. Sample runs for many of these utility programs can be
found in Appendix D.
MOVE:
The MOVE program will move the camera to a user specified azimuth from the zero
position. The zero position is where the table is resting when power is applied to the
system. This routine will rotate the camera in absolute increments, that is when the
command is given to move 5 degrees, it will move 5 degrees away from the zero position.
If commanded to move 5 degrees again, the table will not move. Use this program to view
certain azimuths or use before running the program AV5 (see below) to obtain target
visibilities at a particular azimuth. To use this program type MOVE then press return. At
azimuth prompt enter azimuth in degrees. The number entered must be a whole number
greater than zero. For this program, the Image monitor should be set to LINE A.
See Appendix. I to of the operating that the rations for the song Montor.
FIXHOME:
This program will fine tune the zero position so it is at the same home reference
position obtained during the initial set up procedures (See Section 4.1). The home position
is a permanent physical location on the rotary table. The zero position is not a permanent
position. The zero position is the position of the table when power is applied to the system
or it is the position set after using the FIXHOME command. The zero position can be set
so that it is co-located with the home reference position.
When running SETUPVIS and AUTOVIS and allowing these programs to
terminate normally (that is not pressing the CTRL-C keys to break out of the cycle) the
rotary table will always return to the home position. If, however, these programs terminate
abnormally the rotary table will remain at the current azimuth. If the power to the HSI were
turned off at this point, on power-up the rotary table will need to be re-positioned so that
the zero position is at the original home reference position. To do this you will need to 1)
Type GOHOME 2) Use FIXHOME to fine tune this position. With FIXHOME the user
can move the table in 1 pixel steps. The instructions for using this program are as follows:
1. Type "FIXHOME" then press the enter key.
2. Enter the name of the home target file (See Section 4.1)
3. To go COUNTER-CLOCKWISE, press the "+" key and then the "ENTER"
key
4. To go CLOCKWISE press the "-" key and then the "ENTER" key
5. To continue in the same direction press the "ENTER" key
6. And finally, to exit press the "E" key
for this program the IMAGE monitor should be set to LinE REB.
GOHOME:
This program, when invoked, will send the table to the home position. To use,
type GOHOME then press ENTER. "To writy that the table was successiblin
reaching the home position, the user may set the IMAGE
GOZERO:
woontor Line A.
This program will send the table in the counter clockwise direction to the zero
position. The zero position is where the table was parked when the HSI system was
booted up. To invoke this program type GOZERO then press ENTER.
< also except
- Zuo position
PRINTVIS:
The purpose of this routine is to allow the user various ways to view or manipulate
the visibility data. The user can choose to view the data on the screen or printer. The
option to convert the data to a format that can be used by LOTUS is given. These options
can be applied to any of the sector, target and prevailing visibility files. The instructions
for using this program are shown in Table 3-1.
AV5:
.
*
.
This program is the original visibility program. The purpose of this routine is to
compute target visibilities at a single azimuth for a range of preselected values of inherent_ Tua ristas y table
contrast. To use this program type AV5 then press ENTER. The menu in Figure 3-1 will should be
appear. The options are:
- prepostioned at
the catimeth of interest
1. Create a target file
before in tiskly this
2. Read in a target file
3. Get visibility from an archived image
programa.
4. Exit
Option 1 - Create a target file. Note that target files created in AV5 are not
compatible with target files created in the SETUPVIS program. The procedures for
rget files are described in section 4.3.3 For each target the user will be
asked to enter the distance the target is away from the observation point (range) and
threshold contrast. The target visibility is computed using these parameters and a
range of inherent contrasts, from .05 to 1.0 in .05 unit increments.
Option 2 - Read in a target file. Modifications to the range and threshold contrast
can be made by reading in a previously created target file. Only target files created
by AV5 can be used.
The changes made will not affect any other target files.
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2. Create a target file
3. Get visibility from an archived image
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AV5 Main Menu
Figure 3-1
Table 3-1
PRINTVIS INSTRUCTIONS
To start the PRINTVIS program type PRINTVIS and then press ENTER. The first menu
shows 3 choices:
1. PRINT visibility info.
2. TRANSFORM visibility info to LOTUS form
3. Exit
Enter choice (1, 2, or 3)
If item 1 is chosen a second menu appears:
1. Print visibility info to SCREEN
2. Print visibility info to PRINTER
3. Exit
Enter choice (1, 2, or 3)
If the tables will be printed to the screen, 1 screen full of data at a time will be presented.
The user must press ENTER to get another screen full of data. The last menu displayed
asks the user what to print:
1. Print visibility TABLE as seen in AUTOVIS run
2. Print SECTOR visibility
3. Print PREVAILING visibility
4. Exit
Enter choice (1, 2, 3 or 4)
If in the first menu option 2 is selected, the following menu appears:
1. Transfer visibility TABLE to LOTUS form
2. Transfer SECTOR visibility to LOTUS form
3. Transfer PREVAILING visibility to LOTUS form
4. Exit
Enter choice (1, 2, 3 or 4)
If the user chooses option 2, one more decision must be made:
Enter sector of interest (NE, SE, SW, NW):
All files that are transformed into LOTUS format have a .PRN extension, for example
NESECT.PRN, PREVAIL.PRN and SAVDATA.PRN.
Option 3 - Get visibility from an archived image. Visibility can be determined
'after the fact' from an archived image. Live images can be saved with the
SAVIMG program.
Option 4 - Exit. To leave this program and return to DOS choose option 4.
SEEVIS:
Displays a 512 X 480 image saved in the SETUPVIS program or with the program
SAVIMG. To use this program type SEEVIS and then press ENTER. At filename
prompt, enter the name of the file containing the image to be displayed.
SAVIMG:
Saves a live image to hard disk. This saved image can be used in the program AV5
to compute visibility. To save an image, type SAVIMG and press the ENTER key. A live
image will be digitized and displayed on the RBG channel. To view the image, press the
RBG button on the image monitor. If you wish to save the image on the RBG line, choose
option 2 to save the image. The filename can be up to 15 characters long. It is
recommended that '.IMG' be used as the filename extension for ease in future reference.
To digitize another image choose option 1. To exit this program and return to DOS choose
option 3.
3.2
The Main Programs
SETUPVIS and AUTOVIS are the two principle programs of the visibility system.
The purpose of both of these programs is to provide daytime visibility measurements. In
addition to providing visibility information, the SETUPVIS program establishes data files
that the program AUTOVIS will use in order to run with a few initial user inputs. The next
section will discuss in detail how these programs are used.
- NEW PAGE
4.0 SETUP PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATIC VISIBILITY
DETERMINATION
In this section, the procedures for setting up the visibility system for automatic run
mode are detailed. Before running the AUTOVIS program, the user needs to do 3 things:
1. Establish a home reference position.
2. Select areas and targets from which visibility will be computed.
3. Create a visibility system data file which contains the set of locations, targets
and visibility parameters which will be used by AUTOVIS.
See Figures 4-1 to 4-4 for the SETUPVIS procedure flow.
4.1 Establishing A Home Reference Position (see Figure 4.2)
After the horizon scanning system has been set up, it is necessary to establish a
home reference position. We will use the "home position" and "zero position" terms
interchangeably, however, they can be 2 different positions. The home position is a
physical location on the rotary table, such that when a command is given to go home the
rotary table will move and search until it hits a switch indicating that it has reached home.
The zero position is the location of the rotary table on power up of the horizon scanning
imager. We want the zero position and home position to be co-located. To establish this
reference position, 3 programs will be used.
FRN
FIGURE 4-1
SETUP PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATIC VISIBILITY
DETERMINATION

ESTABLISH
HOME POSITION
SELECT AREAS
FROM WHICH
VISIBILITY WILL
BE COMPUTED
SET UP
LOCATION AND
TARGET FILES
UGLIO
5
FIGURE 4-2
ESTABLISH HOME REFERENCE POSITION

MOVE
TABLE
TO 30 DEGREES
GO HOME
SET UP HOME
REFERENCE TARGET
USING AV5
SAVE THIS
FILE. CALL IT
HOME.REF
FIGURE 4-3
SELECTING AREAS FOR SETUPVIS AND AUTOVIS
This procedure is also necessary in order to
become familiar with the surrounding area.

MOVE TABLE
5 DEGREES
USE AREA SELECTION
WORKSHEET TO
DESCRIBE THE SCENE
......
...
...
..
....
..
.......
.....
NO
HAVE WE
REACHED 360 DEGREES
IF YES
STOP
FIGURE 4-4
SET UP LOCATION AND TARGET FILES (1ST TIME RUN)

START
SETUPVIS
SEE SECTION 4.3
GENERATE A
LOCATION FILE
SEE SECTION 4.3.2
SET UP
TARGET FILES
SEE SECTION 4.3.3
EXIT
SETUPVIS
.
.
1. MOVE
2. GOHOME
Step
Step
3. AVS
1) Use the MOVE program to move out 30 degrees.
2) Type GOHOME, then press the ENTER key to send the table to
its home position.
Use the AV5 program to set up alignment targets.
Choose regions of interest where the edges are well defined, for example a
window, a corner of a building, a telephone pole, etc. Note the filename you
have assigned to this target set.
It is not necessary to enter a correct value for range or threshold contrast. We only want to
set up some home reference targets. It is necessary to have a home reference position with
selected targets because:
1.
The table can find its home position within £ 7 pixels. If in the
worst case, the table comes within 7 pixels of home, this would cause
problems with selected targets not being aligned with their target boxes.
2.
If the visibility housing is slightly moved or the system is turned off when
the table is not parked at home, we will have a reference position from which
to correct our current location.
The procedure for establishing a home reference position need only be performed during
the initial set up and every time the visibility housing is moved.
4.2
How To Select Areas (see Figure 4.3)
"Meteorological visibility by day is defined as the greatest distance at which a black
object of suitable dimensions, situated near the ground, can be seen and recognized, when
observed against a background of fog or sky." With this in mind, we can select suitable
areas from which visibility can be computed.
The first step in this process is to run the program MOVE to become familiar with
the surrounding area. MOVE is a visibility utility program that moves the visibility camera
counter clockwise in user defined increments. Since the field of view of this camera is 5.4
degrees, the user should use the MOVE program to move in 5 degree increments until a
360 degree sweep is made of the surrounding region. Using the worksheet in Appendix
G, make notes on the following items.
1.
Is the horizon sky visible? For example are there any mountain
ranges, trees or tall buildings obstructing the view of the horizon?
2.
Targets should be dark. Examples of targets would be:
a. Dark sites on mountains.
b. Dark areas of a building. Do not choose shadows on a building.
c. Forests
3. How many targets are available in this section?
4. How far away is each target in this scene (in miles).
Once this worksheet is completed, we are now ready to run the SETUPVIS program.
4.3 SETUPVIS - Setting Up Location Files And Target Files (see Figure 4.4)
INSERT
The purpose of the SETUPVIS program is to set up a location file and target files
and to modify the parameters in each of these files when necessary for use with the
automatic visibility program AUTOVIS. The location file contains the list of azimuths at
which the rotary table will stop to determine visibility and the target files associated with
each azimuth. Each target file consists of the location of all targets for a given azimuth
including the horizon region of interest, the range for each target, the threshold contrast and
inherent contrast associated with each target. All of the parameters included in the target
file are user selected or modified during the SETUPVIS run.
Before we begin SETUPVIS note that in all prompts requiring a yes or no answer,
the user may use a "Y", "y" or "1" for yes and a "N", "n", or "O" for no. For prompts
requiring a letter response the user may use upper or lower case. Throughout this and
other visibility system software tutorials, prompts are displayed in all capital letters.
Sample or user responses (if any) are all lower case. Al responses must be followed by
the user pressing the ENTER key.
To start the SETUPVIS program type SETUPVIS and then press the ENTER key.
You should see the MARINE PHYSICAL LABORATORY logo followed by the main
menu. See Figure 4-5. The options from which to choose are:
0. Help
Generate a location file
2. Read in a location file
3. Go to a single stop
Go to all stops
. Add/delete a stop
6. Exit to DOS
At the following line, enter your response
PLEASE ENTER YOUR COMMAND:
4.3.1 Main Menu Selection: HELP Option )
This feature is not yet implemented.
4.3.2 Main Menu Selection: GENERATE A LOCATION FILE Coption D
For a first time run, the user must generate a location file.
The next prompt after choosing to generate a location file is:
ENTER VISIBILITY SYSTEM DATA FILENAME:
18

.
..
.
.
.
.
...
.
:
MP4
Marine Physical Laboratory
University of California, San Diego
Scripps Institute of Oceanography
La Jolla, California 92093
...
......
..
..
........
.
...
...
.
.......
..
.......
..
......
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.
. w
w wwwww
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Setupvis Program
.
...
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..
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..
.
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.
.
MAIN MENU
L
0. Help.
1. Generate a location file.
2. Read in a location file
3. Go to a single stop
4. Go to all stops
5. Add/Delete a stop
6. Exit to DOS.
Note: Enter the number preceding the command.
Figure 4-5
SETUPVIS Main Menu
tas
STOP RANGE
(2-106) (MILES)
THRESHOLD
CONTRAST
INHERENT
CONTRAST
APPARENT HORIZON
CONTRAST BRIGHTNESS
VISIBILITY
(MILES)
TARGETI
TARGET2
TARGET3
TARGET 4
25.00
15.00
6.00
3.00
.030
.030
.030
.030
.800
.800
.800
.800
< .030
< .030
.185
.349
161.
161.
161.
161.
25.0
15.0
13.5
11.9
Do you want to:
(R) Change the Range,
(T) Change the Threshold contrast,
(1) Change the inherent contrast,
(D) Use 20% of darkest pixels in target,
(A) Adjust the target(s)
(5) Save this image
(H) Get Help
(C) Continue the program,
(E) Exit the program.
Enter either a R, T, 1, A, S, H, C, or E
Figure 4-6
Target Visibility Table
and Target Manipulation Table
The visibility system data file or location file contains, among other things, the user
selected azimuths and the target filenames for each azimuth. The location filename can be
up to 15 characters long. After all prompts for filenames the following question appears:
IS THIS CORRECT?
If you have made a typing error, answer no. You will be given another chance to enter the
filename.
The next few questions pertain to azimuth selections.
ENTER DELAY BETWEEN STOPS (in Seconds):
This delay is implemented in the AUTOVIS routine. It allows the user to view the digitized
scene along with its visibility table for an extended amount of time. In general, no more
than 1 second is needed unless the visibility system is being demonstrated or the user
wishes to study each image. The maximum delay is 99 seconds.
ENTER NUMBER OF STOPS DESIRED, (max = 32):
If you filled out the Azimuth/Target selection worksheet, enter the number of azimuths
which contained a suitable number of targets. In the main menu you can add or delete stop
locations, should any azimuth you have entered prove to be unsatisfactory. You must
choose at least 2 stop locations. Keep in mind that with more stops, the visibility system
takes longer to complete a cycle. With 8 stop locations it takes 1 minute to complete a 360°
cycle.
ENTER STOP LOCATION IN DEGREES:
The azimuths should be entered in ascending order and each azimuth must be a whole
number greater than zero. An entry of 92.2 for example will result in an error.
After the stop locations have been entered, a review of the user delay and user selected
azimuths will be presented.
ENTER NUMBER OF CYCLES YOU WISH TO MAKE:
Here a cycle is defined as 1 sweep counter-clockwise through the selected stop locations
and 1 sweep clock-wise back through the selected stop locations. If you wish to have more
than 2 opportunities to view and make changes at any of the stop locations, enter a number
greater than 1. There is no real maximum for the number of cycles to run SETUPVIS.
However, if you wish to run through many cycles, it is easier to go through them with the
AUTOVIS program. This is because in the AUTOVIS program you do not need to answer
any prompts between scenes.
4.3.3 Setting Up Target Files
The next step in SETUPVIS is to set up target files for each location. The target
files contain the location of the horizon region of interest, and the target locations, range,
threshold contrast and inherent contrast for each target. At each location the first area to be
selected is the horizon region of interest. To select the areas we use a mouse.
1. Using the mouse, select the horizon region of interest first. Slide the mouse
along the pad to move the cursor (a "+" plus sign) to the upper left hand corner
of the section you wish to use as the horizon. Quickly click the left button of
the mouse. To select the lower right hand corner of the horizon region of
interest, slide the mouse cursor to the lower right hand corner of the section to
be used as the horizon and quickly click the left button of the mouse. Note:
Choose the horizon region of interest as close to the horizon as possible
without having the horizon section overlapping with any mountain ranges or
other obstructions that may be in the area.
in addition to
2. Using the same method as above, select the dark targets from which visibility
will be computed. You may select up to 5 targets not including the horizon
region of interest. After each target is selected the user will be asked for:
a. The distance the target is away from the observation point.
b. The threshold contrast.
c. The inherent contrast.
The threshold contrast is the contrast needed to detect an object a certain percentage
of time or with a certain percentage of accuracy. For most situations the values for
threshold contrast range from .02 - .06. From laboratory experiments by Taylor it was
found that given a .33 second viewing period and an object of angular size equal to .5
degrees, a contrast threshold of .025 was needed for a 99 percent probability of detection.
From field experiments by Douglas and Young it is recommended that under field
conditions a threshold contrast in the range of .035 to .04 be used. When transmittance
measurements are used to determine the visual range equivalent to the range reported by
meteorologists a threshold contrast of .05 should be used. Arecommendation for
threshold content in forthomig
The inherent contrast is the ratio of the inherent radiance of the target to its inherent
horizon background radiance. Since the inherent radiance of a truly black object is zero,
the inherent contrast would be -1 regardless of the inherent radiance of the horizon
background. However, under field conditions it is unlikely that a non-reflecting truly black
target could be chosen. Typical values of inherent contrast for dark targets under field
conditions may range from .6 to 1.0. Figure 2 in Tech Note 209 shows the results of some
sample calculations of visibility/target range (V/R) using measured apparent contrast values
and several assumed values of inherent contrast. Note the divergence of V/R values from
an assumed inherent contrast of .8 in comparison to V/R values obtained using an inherent
contrast of .6 and 1.0. Also note the sensitivity of V/R measurements to inherent contrast
approximations with increasing apparent contrast.

Additional discussions of threshold and inherent contrast under overcast and partly
cloudy skies can be found in Tech Note 209 - Appendix A.
4.3.4 Changing Target File Information
After all targets and their input parameters have been entered, the visibility for each
target will be calculated and the results displayed. See Figure 4-6. At this time, the user
may change any of the input parameters such as the range, threshold or inherent contrast.
The user can also add, delete or move any of the targets.
To change the range, type "R" (without the quotes) and press the ENTER key. The
following prompt allows the user to verify his/her response:
21
The TARGET number is n and the range is x, where n and x are the user response.
IS THIS CORRECT?:
If the user responds no, or an invalid character is entered, the user will have the
opportunity to re-enter the target number and range. Similarly the user may change
threshold contrast and inherent contrast by typing T and I respectively. To Add, Delete or
change the location of any of the targets, press the A key and then the ENTER key.
Another menu will appear. See Figure 4-7.
By pressing R and thus choosing the option to re-register the targets you may re-
align any target boxes that are not aligned with their targets. After pressing R and then the
ENTER key the following prompt appears.
ENTER PRINCIPAL TARGET:
The principal target is the target you wish to use as a reference. As described earlier, use
the mouse to "click on the new target area. All remaining targets in the scene will then be
automatically realigned.
To add targets, press the "a" key. After the target has been selected you will be
prompted for the target's range, threshold and inherent contrast. Remember that you may
have a total of 6 targets including the horizon.
Press the "d" key to delete targets. Following the prompt: ENTER TARGET
NUMBER TO DELETÉ, enter the target number that appears above the target you want to
delete. (View the image on the RGB line on the image monitor.) You must keep at least 1
target, not including the horizon region of interest. To change the location of the horizon
region of interest, press the "S" key. As instructed earlier, use the mouse to select the new
horizon location. Once all desired changes have been made or you wish to review the
target visibilities, press "C" to continue.
After pressing "C" to continue, the menu in figure 2 will reappear along with the
target visibility table.
To handle situations where close target registration is not possible, the option to
USE 20% DARKEST PIXELS was added. By choosing this option.
pixels within each target will be sorted and the 20% darkest pixels will be used for
computations.
To save an image and its associated target visibility table, choose option "S". The
next 2 prompts are:
ENTER IMAGE FILENAME:
ENTER TABLE FILENAME:
The filenames should be 15 characters long or less. It is recommended that the extension
.IMG be used in the image file name and .TBL be used for the table filename.
When there are no more changes to be made, press the "C" key to continue the
program.
To exit the SETUPTVIS program, type "E".
22
Do you want to:
(R) Re-register targets,
(A) Add a target,
(D) Delete a target,
(S) Change sky target location,
(H) Get Help,
(C) Continue the program,
(E) Exit the program,
Enter either an R, A, D, H, C, or E:
Figure 4-7
Target Manipulation Menu No. 2
Do you want to:
(1) Change the delay,
(2) Change the horizon brightness coefficient,
(3) Change the save interval,
(4) Use 20% darkest pixels in each target,
(5) Continue the program with no further changes,
(6) Exit the program.
Enter a 1,2,3,4 or 5
Figure 4-9
AUTOVIS Program Main Menu
If you chose Option C, you can now refresh the image currently displayed and its
associated visibility table by answering yes to the next prompt:
REFRESH THIS IMAGE?
After answering this prompt you will be given the opportunity to save the target
information to a file. On a first time pass you must save the target file. You will be asked
for the name you want to assign the target file. The target file name can be up to 15
characters. It is recommended that the file name end with ":TAR" for easy identification.
The prompts that pertain to setting up targets will be repeated at each stop location.
The program ends when the number of cycles requested have been completed or when the
option "E" to exit has been selected. A sample scene with target selections is shown in
Figure 4-8.
4.3.5 Main Menu Selection: READ IN A LOCATION FILE
OPTION 2
The above sequence of questions demonstrates the steps necessary to create a
location file and target files. Now suppose one wants to make changes to these files. Once
again type "SETUPVIS" to invoke the setup program. Instead of choosing the option to
generate a file, choose the option to read in a file. At the filename prompt, enter the name
of the location file. A review of the contents in this file will be presented. To see the main
menu again, press the ENTER key when finished reviewing the list of pre-selected
azimuths.
4.3.6 Main Menu Selection: GO TO A SINGLE STOP
OPTION}
To make changes at a single stop, choose option 3 and at the stop location prompt
enter the number of the stop location at which you want to make changes. The camera will
go to the azimuth you selected, display the pre-selected targets and the corresponding target
visibility table. At this point you may change the range, threshold contrast, inherent
contrast, and location and number of targets. When finished, choose the option "C" to
I will be asked whether or not you wish to save the changes. After you
have answered yes or no, the SETUPVIS program will return to the main menu.
4.3.7 Main Menu Selection: GO TO ALL STOPS
Options
In this option you may experiment with modifications to the target parameters such
as range, threshold and inherent contrasts and location and number of targets at all of the
azimuths. Any modifications made will not affect the original target files since changes will
not be saved. At any time you wish to exit, choose "E" to exit and you will be brought
back to the main menu at which point you may 1) Choose to go to a single stop (apply any
changes made above and save those changes); 2) Add or delete a stop; 3) Exit the
program.
4.3.8 Main Menu Selection: ADD OR DELETE A STOP OPTIONS
By choosing Option 5, you may add up to 32 azimuth selections or delete stops.
Remember that you must have at least 2 stops. To get target visibilities for 1 location, use
the program AV5.
4.3.9 Main Menu Selection: EXIT TO DOS
OPTION 6

24
Sample Scene With Target Selections
Figure 4-8
23
All of the options when completed will return you to the main menu. This feature
allows the user to re-read in a location if, for example, the wrong stop number was deleted
or modifications performed in option 4 should be applied permanently.
4.4 AUTOVIS • Automatic Visibility Determination Program
AUTOVIS will use the information in the location file and target file along with the
information from each digitized image to compute target, sector and pre
measurements. All information in each AUTOVIS session is saved to a file for future
reference in addition to displaying visibility information to the screen. To invoke this
program type AUTOVIS and press the ENTER key. The following message will appear:
OPENING SAVDATA FILES
It will take a few seconds to open these files. After the SAVDATA files have been opened,
the prompt for the location filename will appear:
ENTER VISIBILITY SYSTEM FILENAME:
Enter the name of the location file created during the SETUPVIS run. As in the
SETUPVIS program you will be given a chance to correct the input filename with the
following prompt:
IS THIS CORRECT?
When the filename has been correctly entered, a review of the location file is presented
followed by a list of options. (See Figure 4-9)
1. Change the delay
2. Change the horizon brightness coefficient
3. Change the save interval
4. Use 20% for darkest pixels in each target
5. Continue with no further changes
6. EXIT
To increase or decrease the delay between stops, choose option 1. This is the delay
(selected in the SETUPVIS run) which commands the table to pause at each azimuth. This
pause allows the user to study each image and corresponding visibility table.
Option 2, CHANGE THE HORIZON BRIGHTNESS COEFFICIENT, is a feature
for future use, and need not be changed..
Choose Option 3 to change the interval at which data will be saved. Visibility
information is saved to the output data files every 15th minute of the hour. For example
9:00, 9:15, 9:30, 9:45 for 1 cycle. The user may change this interval from 1 to 59 minutes
where, if the user enters 1 minute, all information will be saved.
15ih minute of the hour. For example
Option 4 allows the user to use the 20% darkest pixels for each target when
computing visibility. This feature is explained in section 4.3.4.
When all desired changes have been made, use Option 5 to continue with the
program.
The next prompt displays the current time in 24 hour format followed by a prompt
for stop time. The stop time prompt reads:
ENTER TIME TO STOP COMPUTING VISIBILITY
(In 24 hour format)
Once the stop time has been entered the program will cycle and compute visibility until the
time to stop has been reached.
The AUTOVIS program creates 6 output data files:
1. SAVDATA
NESECT.VIS
3. SESECT.VIS
4. SWSECT.VIS
update
NWSECT.VIS
PREVAIL.VIS
The SAVDATA file contains all visibility data gathered during the AUTOVIS run.
NESECT.VIS contains the sector visibility data for the first section (0-90 degrees).
SESECT.VIS contains sector visibility data for the second sector (91 - 180 degrees).
SWSECT.VIS has data for the third sector (181 - 270 degrees) and NWSECT.VIS holds
data for the fourth sector (271 - 360 degrees). PREVAL.VIS contains only the prevailing
visibility data. To see and or print these files, use the program PRINTVIS. The
PRINTVIS program allows the user to review the last AUTOVIS run or prepare the output
files for use by LOTUS. See Section 3.1 and Table 3-1 for PRINTVIS run instructions.