초록 ▼

A passive electro-optical target recognition system which utilizes additional signature measurements of an active nature to enhance the discrimination of desired targets from detected candidate targets in the field of view thereof is disclosed. Candidate targets are detected by the passive target re

A passive electro-optical target recognition system which utilizes additional signature measurements of an active nature to enhance the discrimination of desired targets from detected candidate targets in the field of view thereof is disclosed. Candidate targets are detected by the passive target recognition system from passive image radiation received from the field of view of its one or more passive sensors. A laser beam generated substantially at a predetermined wavelength is positioned to illuminate individually each of the detected candidate targets. An active sensor tuned to the predetermined wavelength receives the active laser radiation separately reflected from the individually illuminated candidate targets. An active signature is derived for each of the detected candidate targets from its received active image radiation. Accordingly, a desired target is discriminated from the detected candidate targets in the field of view of the passive sensor based on the derived active target signatures thereof. To further enhance this discrimination process, polarizing properties of the laser beam may be used as an additional measurement for each candidate target beyond the derived active target signatures thereof.

대표청구항 ▼

An electro-optical target recognition system which operates on both active and passive radiation from the field of view thereof to discriminate desired targets from detected candidate targets, said system comprising: at least one passive sensor for receiving passive image radiation from the field of

An electro-optical target recognition system which operates on both active and passive radiation from the field of view thereof to discriminate desired targets from detected candidate targets, said system comprising: at least one passive sensor for receiving passive image radiation from the field of view thereof and converting said received image radiation into first electrical signals representative thereof; a passive target recognition means for operating on said first electrical signals to detect candidate targets in said field of view of said passive sensor; an active source for generating a laser beam substantially at a predetermined wavelength; means for positioning said laser beam to illuminate individually each of said candidate targets detected by said passive target recognition means; an active sensor tuned to said predetermined wavelength for receiving the active laser radiation separately reflected from said individually illuminated candidate targets and converting said separately received active laser radiation into respective second electrical signals representative thereof; means by deriving an active signature for each of said detected candidate targets from said respective second electrical signals; and means operative to discriminate a desired target from said detected candidate targets in said field of view of said passive sensor based on said derived active target signatures thereof prior to acquisition and tracking of said desired target.