Infrared Autonomous Acquisition and Tracking

Abstract

In order to demonstrate lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) capability, imaging infrared missile systems of the future require the ability to autonomously identify and track targets of interest. A robust algorithm architecture must have the flexibility to accommodate fluid system requirements driving its design. This paper describes a method to autonomously acquire and track an extended range target through its whole flight scenario. A proven ATR approach is used to detect and identify targets of interest, separating them into non-targets and clutter. The methodology uses a down selection strategic to nominate targets for terminal track. Once nominated, a Weighted Edge Tracker is employed. The tracker relies upon correlations of appropriately weighted edge directions from frame-to-frame images and reference templates. This combination of automatic target acquisition and terminal tracking provides a sophisticated yet simple approach to many challenging long range tracking problems.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA384928

Entities

People

  • Harry C. Lee
  • Teresa L. Olson

Organizations

  • Lockheed Martin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Algorithms
  • Armored Vehicles
  • Army Aviation
  • Automatic
  • Composite Images
  • Computer Vision
  • Contrast
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Data Sets
  • Extraction
  • Images
  • Machine Learning
  • Sequences
  • Target Acquisition
  • Target Detection
  • Template Patterns

Readers

  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Systems Analysis and Design