Advanced Algorithms for Point Target Detection

New developments in neuromorphic concepts permit massively parallel signal processing co-located with the cryogenic focal plane detector array. The Wave Process is a low-contrast moving point target detection algorithm that is efficiently implemented in acompact analog VLSI circuit. It reduces the data rate to downstream sensor processing, while providing data with a higher density of target information than the scene as a whole, resulting in smaller, lighter sensors with improved mission performance.Tanner Research proposes to dramatically increase the Wave Process signal/noise by adding Elementary Motion Detection as a pre-processing function. We will also make major improvements in Wave Process detection of stealth targets by adding Optical Flow andshape-finding post-processing functions.In Phase I, Tanner Research will develop and demonstrate these extensions to the Wave Process algorithm, using an existing high-fidelity simulation and validated imagery data sets representing scenarios relevant to AFRL. We will quantify the improvedtarget detection capability, and establish goals and approaches for the Phase II effort.Compact, low-cost, high performance sensors for point target detection will provide new space-based surveillance capabilities, reliable cruise missile detection, advanced miniature seekers, and collision avoidance for manned and unmanned aircraft. We willpursue technology insertion opportunities with existing sensor platform and seeker primes.