초록 ▼

A system and method for target reacquisition and aimpoint selection in missile trackers. At the start of iterations through the process, distance classifier correlation filters (DCCFs) memorize the target's signature on the first frame. This stored target signature is used in a subsequent confidence

A system and method for target reacquisition and aimpoint selection in missile trackers. At the start of iterations through the process, distance classifier correlation filters (DCCFs) memorize the target's signature on the first frame. This stored target signature is used in a subsequent confidence match test, so the current sub-frame target registration will be compared against the stored target registration from the first frame. If the result of the match test is true, a patch of image centered on the aimpoint is used to synthesize the sub-frame filter. A sub-frame patch (containing the target) of the present frame is selected to find the target in the next frame. A next frame search provides the location and characteristics of a peak in the next image, which indicates the target position. The DCCP shape matching processing registers the sub-frame to the lock coordinates in the next frame. This process will track most frames, and operation will repeat. However, when the similarity measure criterion is not satisfied, maximum average correlation height (MACH) filters update the aim-point and re-designate the track-point. Once the MACH filters are invoked, the process re-initializes with the new lock coordinates. The MACH filters have pre-stored images which are independent of target and scene data being processed by the system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for tracking the position of a target in a sequence of image frames provided by a sensor, comprising a sequence of the following steps:(i) receiving an initial image frame with a preliminary set of target position data indicating a preliminary target position in

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for tracking the position of a target in a sequence of image frames provided by a sensor, comprising a sequence of the following steps:(i) receiving an initial image frame with a preliminary set of target position data indicating a preliminary target position in relation to the image frame;(ii) processing the image frame with a distance classifier correlation filter (DCCF) to register a sub-frame patch of said image frame using said set of target position data, wherein the target is centered in relation to said sub-frame patch;(iii) using said sub-frame patch to update a sub-frame filter used for searching a successive image frame for an updated location of said target in said successive image frame and providing an updated set of target position data;(iv) receiving a subsequent image frame and processing said subsequent image frame with said DCCF to register a successive sub-frame patch of said successive image frame, wherein the target is centered in relation to said successive sub-frame patch using said updated set of target position data; and(v) under a preselected set of conditions, performing an independent determination of the target position using a maximum average correlation height (MACH) filter to provide a fresh set of target position data.