Simulation and analysis on laser range profiles for complex targets

Based on the laser range profiles (LRPs), the information of target geometry and movement coefficients can be detected and deduced. In this paper, the theoretical expression is given as well as the convolution model of the target’s LRPs. Primarily, a simulation method for obtaining complex target’s LRPs is introduced and illustrated, which is based on the 3-D modeling and OpenGL. The projection and shading process and the procedure of acquiring the normal of model facet are explained. By using this method the LRPs of complex target in different conditions are obtained conveniently and quickly, then the influences of target’s attitudes, shape, scattering characteristics of surface and emitted pulse width on target’s LRPs are simulated and analyzed. This work is useful to produce abundant LRPs data for target recognition, classification and reflection tomography imaging.