Development of Real-time HABs Detection Technique Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

If HABs flow into the seawater desalination plant by surprise, it can inflict some serious damages on the plant such as plant contamination. A monitoring system capable of detecting and tracking HABs based on UAV has been developed in order to solve this problem. The monitoring system is based on the HSV Color Detection Image Processing Algorithm, which demonstrates an excellent price/performance ratio for monitoring the HABs behavior, as well as excellent monitoring range and maneuverability. The HSV color detection algorithm, which has a superior detection range under sunlight, was able to continuously track the HABs, extracting the velocity and direction data. Finally, these results were compared with those obtained by conventional technologies to verify its effectiveness.