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Applications of image processing to FLIR systems include image enhancement, to improve the imagery displayed to the observer and automatic target cueing, to reduce the operator's search time. The Prototype Automatic Target Screener performs automatic real time detection, recognition and cueing of tactical targets. It also incorporates DC restoration to correct for artifacts introduced by the common module FLIR; and adaptive contrast enhancement to optimally use the display dynamic range and eliminate the need for continual operator adjustments. The PATS system is designed to interface to standard 525-line and 875-line TV formats and perform real-time processing. Decisions on target classification and location are updated every 1/10 second and displayed by means of symbology overlays on the operator's display. Three levels of classification provide optimum performance at low computational cost. The first level rejects clutter. Potential targets are further classified into one of six categories at the second level. These decisions are continually correlated over several frames and the combined decisions are displayed as cues. The PATS architecture features charge-coupled devices to perform many of the high speed functions required for image segmentation and first level feature extraction. It incorporates a bit-slice micro-programmable digital processor and frame memory for speed and flexibility in second level feature extraction and classification.
Soland et al. (Mon,) studied this question.