ATR RESEARCH

Abstract

This project evaluates automatic target recognition (ATR) research to enhance the effectiveness of Army systems while simultaneously reducing the workload on the Soldier. This project focuses on the fundamental underpinnings of aided and unaided target detection and identification techniques for land warfare scenarios including tagging, tracking, and locating (TTL) of non-traditional targets. This research enables Army systems that can act independently of the human operator to detect and track targets including clandestine tracking of non-cooperative targets. Such capabilities are needed for smart munitions, unattended ground sensors, and as replacements for existing systems, such as land mines. Critical technology issues include low depression angle, relatively short range, and highly competing clutter backgrounds. The resulting research will provide fundamental capability to predict, explain, and characterize target and background signature content, and reduce the workload on the analyst. This research is aimed at evaluating the complexity and variability of target and clutter signatures and ultimately utilizing that knowledge to conceptualize and design advanced ATR paradigms to enhance robustness and effectiveness of land warfare systems. ATR research strategies include emerging sensor modalities such as spectral and multi-sensor imaging. This research supports several technology efforts including multi-domain smart sensors, third generation Forward Looking Infrared, and advanced multi-function laser radar (LADAR). The cited work is consistent with the Director, Defense Research and Engineering Strategic Plan, the Department of Defense Basic Research Plan, the Army Modernization Strategy, and the Army Science and Technology Master Plan. Work in this project is performed by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Adelphi, MD.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
305_0601102A_1_2040_PB_2012

Tags

Readers

  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy

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