Creating a Mask

The default mask is in file /opt/dfn-software/basic_mask.png - the white (pixel value [255,255,255]) circle area is the default field of view of the lens, which is passed to fireball event detection. The black corners area (pixel value [0,0,0]) is masked out.

It is up to an operator of each specific camera system to decide whether the mask needs to be modified. Typically, the black area would be extended to cover objects in the field of view that cause numerous false positives. These could be antenna poles, trees, buildings etc. Photoshop, Gimp or similar are recommended tools to create site-specifc mask. The new mask needs to be the same pixel size and format (png). It needs to be saved into /data0 directory and its filename has to be '*mask*.png' (example: 'Perenjori_mask_01.png').

Please note that when the camera system is removed from the existing site where it got a specific mask installed, and later deployed on another site, the operator needs to delete the mask or replace it with a new one suitable for the new site.