Abstract

Computer generation of infrared imagery for automatic target recognizer (ATR) evaluation and human perception studies is discussed in this presentation. Initially a videotape with driving vehicles and observer motion is shown. A comparison of forward-looking infrared radiometer (FLIR) imagery and computer generations demonstrates achieved realism. A computer-generated FLIR search pattern with an approaching tank demonstrates a motion that is difficult to detect by humans, but ATRs programmed for center of hot spot detection and frames subtraction might detect the tank motion. Finally, a simulation of the imagery seen by a FLIR mounted in a helicopter shows low overflight of trees before a serpentine approach to a tank column; it illustrates the difficulties of distance estimates of FLIR imagery and the degrees of freedom of sensor motion that were programmed.

© 1986 Optical Society of America