Nonlinear Enhancement of Visual Target Detection

For Phase II, the objectives are threefold. The first objective is to utilize the insights gained in Phase I regarding the established fundamental analytical detection framework and optimization solutions for stochastic resonance. These insights will now be utilized to broaden the scope of the research into several major categories including a.) extensions to the optimized SR detection and estimation framework, b.) optimal decision processing by the decision region transformation method, c.) stochastic resonance in image processing and visualization, and d.) stochastic resonance in distributed systems. The second objective is to investigate the optimized stochastic resonance framework in specific application areas. Possible application areas include, but are not limited to (a) enhanced imagery for human visual interpretation using both gray scale as well as red, green, blue (RGB) imagery, (b) enhanced imagery for hyperspectral / multispectral imagery, (c) a communications problem, and (d) a biomedical application. The third objective is to design and implement a proof of principle demonstration to clearly reveal the potential of the SR enhancement methodologies developed in Phases I and II. This will be achieved by selecting a specific application area to focus the goals of the demonstration. Selection of the demonstration shall be made to determine end product requirements to achieve the goal of obtaining Phase II commercial applications.