Demonstration of multispectral target locator using collocated RF antenna/LWIR joint sensor system and datacube

Recently, we configured RF antennas and a LWIR camera connected to an actuator system to form a collocated sensor system. We also developed a GUI which directly controls both RF and IR systems, azimuth motion, as well as performs post-processing for data integration and location finding. RF range data and LWIR images were collected simultaneously by using our configured sensor system as azimuth was varied from 0 to 70°. Series of collected RF data was transformed into a single 2-D radar image showing range profile of targets against azimuth. For LWIR, data was aligned into a single panoramic image as a function of azimuth by incorporating shift parameters observed in the measurements. Both RF/IR images were then arranged into a 3-D datacube, having azimuth as a common domain, and this datacube directly provided locational information of targets. For demonstration, we successfully located objects such as a corner reflector and a blackbody source under a dark background. In addition, we highlight some additional features available in our sensor system including target classification using both Euclidean and SVM based multi-classifier techniques, and tracking capability for region of interest on moving targets. Future work would be to improve the current system for outdoor measurement to locate distant targets.