UMV sensors currently under development for Future Combat Systems (FCS) require imaging capabilities. System firmware limitations also limit onboard image processing capabilities. Data Modeling mitigates these limitations through robust image segmentation and image enhancement using simple equations. To illustrate, we present a novel real-time seeker imaging simulation comprised of empirically derived Data Models for all aspects of the simulation. This includes FPA uniformity, shot noise, target geometry and dynamics, as well as fast real-time image segmentation and image enhancement. We demonstrate image enhancement by conversion of non-linear image processing routines such as Van Cittert deconvolution and Sobel edge detection into a single pass equation without intermediate storage requirements.

Date Published: 12 May 2005
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 5784, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XVI, (12 May 2005); doi: 10.1117/12.603398

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5784:
Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XVI
Gerald C. Holst, Editor(s)