Contrast Analysis for Side-Looking Sonar
Abstract
The long-term goal of this project is to develop a high-fidelity model for side scan sonar image contrast that is well-documented and easy to use, thus encouraging broad application. This model is relevant to a wide range of Navy interests, some of which are listed below. ATR Enhancement: Provide contrast predictions to ATR algorithms for the purposes of improving ATR performance and estimating the expected reliability of the results. This type of collaboration will be used to help the hardware and image processing community better understand what drives ATR performance. Sonar Model Validation: The model provides a lower bound for shadow depth that can be used to validate modeling tools such as SWAT (Shallow Water Acoustics Toolkit). Adaptive Postprocessing: Tune image formation algorithms by trading image contrast against resolution in a predictable manner to achieve the best possible performance for any combination of bottom type and environmental conditions. Adaptive Mission Planning: Modify mission parameters (for example, track spacing and pulse duration) to optimize shadow contrast over the area to be mapped while using the minimum amount of battery power. Performance Comparison: The contrast model permits a direct comparison of real and synthetic aperture sonar performance. Therefore, this work could be used for developing system requirements for a variety of sonar systems. The model will be validated using SAS data collected against a shadow-inducing target developed under this grant. Other data will be used as appropriate. The model will also be compared to predictions based on SWAT developed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA598688
Entities
People
- Daniel C Brown
- Daniel Cook
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University