Search by photo methodology for signature properties assessment by human observers

Gorm K. Selj; Daniela H. Heinrich

doi:10.1117/12.2176983

21 May 2015 Search by photo methodology for signature properties assessment by human observers

Gorm K. Selj, Daniela H. Heinrich

Proceedings Volume 9474, Signal Processing, Sensor/Information Fusion, and Target Recognition XXIV; 947411 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2176983
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2015, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Reliable, low-cost and simple methods for assessment of signature properties for military purposes are very important. In this paper we present such an approach that uses human observers in a search by photo assessment of signature properties of generic test targets. The method was carried out by logging a large number of detection times of targets recorded in relevant terrain backgrounds. The detection times were harvested by using human observers searching for targets in scene images shown by a high definition pc screen. All targets were identically located in each “search image”, allowing relative comparisons (and not just rank by order) of targets. To avoid biased detections, each observer only searched for one target per scene. Statistical analyses were carried out for the detection times data. Analysis of variance was chosen if detection times distribution associated with all targets satisfied normality, and non-parametric tests, such as Wilcoxon’s rank test, if otherwise. The new methodology allows assessment of signature properties in a reproducible, rapid and reliable setting. Such assessments are very complex as they must sort out what is of relevance in a signature test, but not loose information of value. We believe that choosing detection times as the primary variable for a comparison of signature properties, allows a careful and necessary inspection of observer data as the variable is continuous rather than discrete. Our method thus stands in opposition to approaches based on detections by subsequent, stepwise reductions in distance to target, or based on probability of detection.

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Gorm K. Selj and Daniela H. Heinrich "Search by photo methodology for signature properties assessment by human observers", Proc. SPIE 9474, Signal Processing, Sensor/Information Fusion, and Target Recognition XXIV, 947411 (21 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2176983

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KEYWORDS

Target detection

Camouflage

Statistical analysis

Photography

Visualization

Software development

Target recognition

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