Adaptive Spatial-Temporal Filtering Methods for Clutter Removal and Target Tracking

Abstract

In space-based infrared ballistic missile defense sensor systems, cluttered backgrounds are typically much more intense than the equivalent sensor noise or the targets being detected. Therefore, the development of efficient clutter removal and target preservation/enhancement algorithms is of crucial importance. To meet customer requirements, the advanced clutter rejection algorithms should provide more than 20 dB improvement in detection sensitivity. We propose an adaptive parametric spatial-temporal filtering technique together with the jitter compensation (scene stabilization). The results of simulations and processing of real data show that the developed adaptive spatial-temporal clutter suppression algorithms allow for efficient clutter rejection in all tested situations. Proposed algorithms completely remove heavy clutter in the presence of substantial jitter and do not require expensive sub-pixel jitter stabilizers. In contrast, spatial-only filters and temporal differencing methods can be used only for weak and relatively correlated clutter. A stand-alone simulator was developed to demonstrate capabilities and performance of various algorithmic approaches. Simulations model various geometries, resolutions, illuminations and meteorological conditions for space-based IR staring sensor systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA505646

Entities

People

  • Alexander G. Tartakovsky
  • James Brown

Organizations

  • University of Southern California

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Change Detection
  • Computational Complexity
  • Computational Science
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Data Processing
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Filtration
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Infrared Detectors
  • Military Research
  • Multitarget Tracking
  • Simulators
  • Target Detection
  • Target Tracking
  • Two Dimensional

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects