import cv2
import numpy as np


def detect_large_coherent_structures(image: np.array):
    """Detects large coherent structures on an image.

    References:
         https://stackoverflow.com/questions/60259169/how-to-group-nearby-contours-in-opencv-python-zebra-crossing-detection
    """
    if len(image.shape) > 2:
        image = cv2.cvtColor(image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY)

    image = cv2.threshold(image, 253, 255, cv2.THRESH_BINARY)[1]

    dilate_kernel = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_OPEN, (5, 5))
    dilate = cv2.dilate(~image, dilate_kernel, iterations=4)

    close_kernel = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_RECT, (20, 20))
    close = cv2.morphologyEx(dilate, cv2.MORPH_CLOSE, close_kernel, iterations=1)

    counts, _ = cv2.findContours(close, cv2.RETR_EXTERNAL, cv2.CHAIN_APPROX_SIMPLE)

    return counts