Task 1: Automated GADS (Graphic Attitude Determination System) Feasibility
Abstract
GADS is the Graphic Attitude Determination System currently in use at Eglin Air Force Base for manually reducing stores separation data from 16mm film. This process involves the manual matching of a wireframe model to the projected image of the weapon for each frame of the film. Using the information from the matched wireframe model, the camera location and optical characteristics, it is possible to determine the position of the store as a function of time. While the technique has been very successful, it is labor intensive and a fatiguing process for the operator. Manual operation also raises the challenge of consistent matching within a film sequence and between operators. Finally, a quantitative criteria for determining model position cannot be assessed with the present manual system. As such, assistance for the operator in the form of additional information, options on how information is presented, and ideally and automatic matching capability is highly desirable. This paper outlines upgrades to the manual operation at the algorithmic level, focussing on the feasibility of automatically matching model data to images from film. The following technical report gives the results of a feasibility study for automatic Graphic Attitude Determination System (GADS) processing. A prototype algorithm utilizing distance potential fields was developed for matching wireframe model data to single frames of short focal length imagery. Encouraging results were obtained for estimating the six degrees of freedom for target position and attitude.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 04, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA208531
Entities
People
- Charles D. Lake
- James W. Sherman
Organizations
- Environmental Research Institute of Michigan