PTHH Estimation using Stochastic Analysis

The goal of this project is, as stated in the STTR topic, to ``develop candidate digital image processing algorithms for determining the physical centroid of ballistic missiles hard body in presence of their rocket plumes'', to ``test the algorithms against simulated target digital image sequences'', and to ``compute the ballistic missile body centroid and preferred target aim point''. In achieving this goal we have to keep in mind that the developed technology should be applicable to ``detection and tracking objects in presence of background clutter'' as stated in the STTR topic. The Phase I will identify and develop models and algorithms for detection and tracking of missile's hard body in presence of its rocket plume on simulated sequence of digital images. The major objectives will be: (1) simulate target and plume IR digital images addressing the diversity of aspect angles, altitude, rocket fuel types, different ranges from sensor to the target, background clutter, and transient and anomalous events; (2) develop and formulate analytical model of states, noisy observations, and unknown parameters; (3) address, identify, and develop algorithms for parameter estimation, detection, and tracking; (4) test and compare the performance of the algorithms in different scenarios; (5) develop a detailed plan for further analysis and implementation in Phase II effort. The proposal team includes Scientific Systems Company, Inc., the University of Southern California, and MZA Associates Corporation.