Optical Multi-Target Sub-Pixel Detection And Track Initiation

Optical processing techniques are presented that provide the necessary input data for multi-target trackers. We detail optical processing techniques for the detection of sub-pixel targets. We also detail optical processing techniques for the processing of composite frames of data from the first stage processor to detect target tracks and to estimate the position/velocity parameters of all targets and the covariance of all target state parameters. The first stage processor employs optical correlation, shift, interpolation and subtraction techniques. This second stage processor employs optical feature extraction techniques. Both processors utilize hybrid optical/digital processing techniques. Simulated data for both processor stages is provided. A new thresholded Hough transform processor is shown to provide reduced false track detections.