Hyperspectral Detector Enhancement Using Auxiliary High-Resolution Imagery

The deployment of hyperspectral and higher-resolution panchromatic imagers on the same platform provides the opportunity to use detailed spectral and spatial models for target detection. In this project, we address this opportunity by developing a system INV-SE that uses combined spectral/spatial information to advance the operational utility of target detection algorithms. INV-SE consists of a physics-based spectral detection algorithm in combination with an innovative spatial detection algorithm to provide a detection capability that is invariant to the illumination, atmospheric conditions, target pose, and viewing geometry. Target spectral and spatial models can be supplied by the user or recovered from airborne imagery using new algorithms. If specific target spatial models are unavailable, INV-SE will include support for the detection of generic classes of manmade objects. The algorithms have been derived for use with calibrated or uncalibrated spectral sensors. A Bayesian technique is used to rank detection results by integrating the spectral and spatial cues. INV-SE will be assessed using a large set of spectral and panchromatic image data that has been acquired over a wide range of conditions. The Phase II project will result in a real-time INV-SE implementation on tactically relevant hardware. We will also consider the transition of INV-SE for a range of applications.