Evaluation Of Image Processing For Man-In-Loop Target Acquisition

A major operational need facing the next generation of Scout (ASH) and Attack (AAH) helicopters is to detect targets from nap-of-earth altitudes, on a realistic battlefield in a complex and cluttered scene. The targets of interest here are primarily the single, high threat target which will not be contained with the main body of target tanks and will not present many detection cues. Various image enhancement methods have been evaluated in terms of improved operator performance. Quantitative performance measures such as contrast, resolution and signal-to-noise ratio are computed for selected algorithms and related to observer performance probabilities. This paper presents analysis and simulation results for an image enhancement method known as local area gain control. It shows dependence on parameter selection and develops criteria for evaluation in terms relatable to detection probability.