In the framework of NATO task group SET 226 on turbulence mitigation techniques for OA systems, a trial was conducted in the premises of RDDC-Valcartier, using indoor and outdoor facilities in September 2016. Images data sets were collected under various turbulence conditions, both controllable (indoor) and natural (outdoor). The imagery of this trial was used in the Grand Challenge, where different experts were asked to process identical input data with state-of-the-art algorithms. The trial also provided a data-base to validate theoretical and numerical models. The paper will give an overview of the experiment set-up (target, sensors, turbulence screens generators…) and present some preliminary results obtained with the collected data in terms of effectiveness of image processing techniques, new methods for turbulence characterisation, modelling of laser beam propagation.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory wished to specify requirements for long range imaging systems that could be passed to system integrators. We were interested in facial identification and wanted a suitable metric. The UK Home Office produced a test to verify the setup of CCTV cameras based on facial identification. This used synthetic faces with a given number of pixels across the face. This is now part of British Standard EN 62676-4:2015. We were interested in how the number of pixels affected the probability of the faces being correctly identified. We ran an observer trial using the synthetic faces pixelated at different resolutions. It was found that the probability of correctly identifying the pixelated faces did not exceed ~60% however many pixels. This led to us suggesting that a pragmatic pixel count was at the 50% probability point (in-line with Johnson’s) of correctly identifying faces. We have christened this actionable surveillance identification (ASI).
The spatial and spectral characteristics of targets and backgrounds must be known and understood for a wide variety of reasons such as: synthetic scene simulation and validation; target description for modelling; in- service target material characterisation and background variability assessment. Without this information it will be impossible to design effective camouflage systems and to maximise the capabilities of new sensors. Laboratory measurements of background materials are insufficient to provide the data required. A series of trials are being undertaken in the UK to quantify both diurnal and seasonal changes of a terrain background, as well as the statistical variability within a scene. These trials are part of a collaborative effort between the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (UK), Defence Clothing and Textile Agency (UK) and the T.A.C.O.M. (USA). Data are being gathered at a single site consisting primarily of south facing mixed coniferous and deciduous woodland, but also containing uncultivated grassland and tracks. Ideally each point in the scene needs to be characterized at all relevant wavelengths but his is unrealistic. In addition there are a number of important environmental variables that are required. The goal of the measurement programme is to acquire data across the spectrum from 0.4 - 14 microns. Sensors used to include visible band imaging spectroradiometers, telespectroradiometers (visual, NIR, SWIR and LWIR), calibrate colour cameras, broad band SWIR and LWIR imagers and contact reflectance measurement equipment. Targets consist of painted panels with known material properties and a wheeled vehicle, which is in some cases covered with camouflage netting. Measurements have bene made of the background with and without the man- made objects present. This paper will review the results to date and present an analysis of the spectral characteristics fo different surfaces. In addition some consideration will be given to the implications of the data obtained for camouflage design.
Conference Committee Involvement (4)
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Defense Applications IV
6 September 2022 | Berlin, Germany
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Defense Applications III
13 September 2021 | Online Only, Spain
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Defense Applications II
22 September 2020 | Online Only, United Kingdom
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Defense Applications
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