Abstract
The field performance prediction of infrared imaging system is an important subject in infrared imaging field. In this paper, a novel method for predicting TA (target acquisition) performance is proposed, which combines the TOD (triangle orientation discrimination) threshold curve with an improved contrast metric based on the temperature in target sub regions. Specifically, the target is first subdivided into some sub regions with different target/background differential temperatures according to its thermal structure distribution. The number of equivalent triangle patterns across each sub region is calculated utilizing its effective size, the apparent temperature difference line, and the TOD curve. Further, the total number of equivalent triangle patterns over the integral target is achieved. Combining the TOD criteria, the target acquisition ranges for different discrimination (detection, recognition, and identification) levels are obtained by solving a set of equations. Comparisons with the preliminary experimental results show that this new TA approach can provide reasonable prediction of field performance.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
T. Maurer, R. G. Driggers, R. Vollmerhausen, and M. Friedman, “NV Therm Improvements,” Proc. SPIE. 4719, 15–23 (2002)
R. H. Vollmerhausen, E. Jacobs, and R. G. Driggers, “New metric for predicting target acquisition performance,” Proc. SPIE 5076, 28–40 (2003)
R. G. Driggers, R. Vollmerhausen, and K. Krapels, “Target Identification Performance as a function of Temporal and Fixed Pattern noise,” Opt. Eng. 40 (3), 443–447 (2001)
P. Bijl, and J. M. Valeton, “TOD, the alternative to MRTD and MRC,” Opt. Eng. 37 (7), 1984–1994 (1998)
P. Bijl, and J. M. Valeton, “TOD, a new method to characterize electro-optical system performance,” Proc. SPIE 3377, 182–193 (1998)
J. Kostrzewa, J. Long, J. Graff et al., “TOD versus MRT when evaluating thermal imagers that exhibit dynamic performance,” Proc. SPIE 5076, 220–232 (2003)
M. A. Hogervorst, P. Bijl, and J. M. Valeton, “Capturing the sampling effects: a TOD sensor performance model,” Proc. SPIE 4372, 62–73 (2001)
P. Bijl, and J. M. Valeton, “Guidelines for accurate TOD measurement,” Proc. SPIE 3701, 14–25 (1999)
P. Bijl, J. M. Valeton, and A. N. de Jong, “TOD predicts target acquisition performance for staring and scanning thermal imagers,” Proc. SPIE 4030, 96–103 (2000)
P. Bijl, and J. M. Valeton, “Validation of the new triangle orientation discrimination method and ACQUIRE model predictions using observer performance data for ship targets,” Opt. Eng. 37 (7), 1984–1994 (1999)
G. C. Holst, Electro-optical Imaging System Performance, 3rd Ed. (JCD Publishing and SPIE Optical Engineering Press, America, 2000).
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank Prof. Zhaojin Yang and Prof.Tiemin Zhou for his experimental instruction and valuable suggestions.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Foundation Item: The project supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No: 60477038).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wang, Xr., Liu, X. & Zhang, Jq. Field Performance Prediction Method Based On Contrast Metric Of Target Sub Regions. Int J Infrared Milli Waves 28, 587–593 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-007-9239-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-007-9239-3