PERFORMANCES OF IMAGE MOTION TRACKING WITH OPTICAL CORRELATION

The paper tackles the problem of real-time image motion tracking as a baseline function for visual motion estimation. Motion tracking is performed using the principles of 2D area correlation and joint transform correlation. To cope with real-time requirements a compact embedded optical Joint Transform Correlator design is presented, which allows using image motion tracking in mobile applications, such as airborne and spaceborne remote sensing as well as mobile robot and satellite navigation. The paper presents the general principles of motion tracking and gives detailed simulation performance results showing the accuracy and robustness under different operational conditions. Airborne flight test results show the achievable performances for an optical correlator hardware model.