Impact of Scene Shadows on Target Acquisition.
Abstract
The performance of electro-optical weapon systems operating in the visible and near infrared (IR) spectra depends on the illumination of the target and background. Scene shadows can decrease the illumination level of the target scene and alter the contrast characteristics between the target and background. Shadows are also an important source of clutter in a target scene. The primary objective of this Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project was to examine scene shadow effects on the Army's target acquisition range prediction model, TARGAC. The research examined the effects of cloud shadows and large- and small-scale scene feature shadows on target acquisition by direct view, television, and image intensifier systems in the visible and near-IR. Particular emphasis has been placed on including partial cloud cover effects, using digital terrain databases, and incorporating a clutter algorithm in TARGAC. While documentation of the shadow algorithms and required TARGAC modifications is provided, it is assumed that actual software coding, algorithm verification, and validation will occur in a Phase II development effort. Target acquisition, visual sensors, near-IR sensors, solar shadows, visual clutter, lunar shadows, tactical decision aid, cloud shadows, terrain shadows.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA255053
Entities
People
- Melanie J. Gouveia
- Michael R. Snapp
- Paul F. Hilton