Analog Image Processing Algorithms for Target Discrimination

During Phase I, Computational Sensors Corporation (CSC) will develop improved methods for discriminating among targets using an optimal wavelet filter bank architecture. Specifically, CSC will evaluate best basis search methods for choosing the optimalwavelet filters for target discrimination. Discrimination relies upon the ability to compute multiple useful target features based upon known target characteristics. To improve the discrimination results, the temptation is to calculate ever more specificfeatures that rely heavily on a priori target knowledge. In this project, CSC proposes an evaluation of a more general, complete set of features derived directly from the outputs of a large wavelet filter bank. In previous work, CSC has developed ananalog, massively parallel, real-time video processing system capable of bulk spatio-temporal filtering. The enabling device uses analog silicon retinas in multi-chip architectures for complex, agile, spatial-frequency filtering enabling the implementationof a wavelet-based filter bank. A good wavelet basis forms a filter bank that is a compromise between a completely specific, matched filter bank and a generic basis. In Phase I, methods for finding bases optimal for discrimination will be investigated.In Phase II, CSC will implement the most promising algorithms in hard-ware for hardware-in-the-loop testing. The spatio-temporal motion energy system previously developed by CSC has the potential to provide sophisticated wavelet discrimination of subtletarget characteristics both spatially and temporally with an extremely large computational capability. Target analysis capabilities using non-linear motion energy image processing techniques integrated in analog VLSI image proces-sors are ideally suitedfor compact, low power, military applications ranging from remote sens-ing platforms to micro-unmanned aerial vehicles. The spatio-temporal motion flow processor being developed is enabling to Missile Defense Agency (MDA) program algorithms that flow downto major missile defense systems. The company's primary goal is to move this core tech-nology into the military market with products using this technology marketed to military labora-tories and aerospace corporations for missile defense applications.