Hughes Aircraft Company

Jerry A Burman

James F Alves

Craig Charles Reinhart

Walter A Tackett

Victoria Gor

Gina Berry

Michele K Daniels

Brian J Birdsall

Walter W Tackett

Bruce A Berger

A high resolution imaging system having a wide field-of-regard. The wide field image generation system (10) of the present invention is operative to provide a composite digital representation of a scene within a field-of-regard. The invention (10) includes a sensor arrangement (12, 14, and 16) for generating first and second frames of image data. A scene correlator (18) registers the first and second frames of image data within the field-of-regard. A temporal filter (22) averages image data in the first frame with image data at a respective corresponding location in the second frame to provide a third frame of image data. When displayed, the third frame of image data provides a wide field-of-regard, high resolution image with minimal undesirable seams therein.

Apparatus for providing a composite digital representation of a scene

Image data compression is implemented by partitioning an image into relatively small blocks of pixels, matching each block to an orthogonal icon, and extracting attributes associated with the icon. A table of these orthogonal icons and attributes represents a data compressed image. Each block is processed separately from all other blocks. Orthogonal processing is used to preserve orthogonal features while attenuating non-orthogonal features. An optimum set of orthogonal icons and an optimum set of attributes for each icon further improves data compression and fidelity. The optimal set of orthogonal icons includes a flat icon, an edge icon, a ribbon icon, a corner icon, and a spot icon. An optimal set of attributes includes average intensities, intensity transition position and separation, and angle of the principal axes.

Data compression system and method

Image data is processed by a low level feature detection processor that extracts low level features from an image. This is accomplished by converting a matrix of image data into a matrix of orthogonal icons that symbolically represent the image scene using a predetermined set of attributes. The orthogonal icons serve as the basis of processing by means of a high level graph matching processor which employs symbolic scene segmentation, description, and recognition processing that is performed subsequent to the low level feature detection. This processing generates attribute graphs representative of target objects present in the image scene. High level graph matching compares predetermined attributed reference graphs to the sensed graphs to produce a best common subgraph between the two based on the degree of similarity between the two graphs. The high level graph matching generates a recognition decision based on the value of the degree of similarity and a predetermined threshold. The output of the high level graph matching provides data from which a target aimpoint is determined, and this aimpoint is coupled as an input to a missile guidance system that tracks identified targets.

Pattern recognition apparatus utilizing area linking and region growth

Data decompression of an image is implemented by reconstructing blocks of pixels from a table that stores orthogonal icons and related attributes representing a data compressed image. Each block of pixels is processed independently of all other blocks. Orthogonal processing is employed to reconstruct orthogonal features that relate to manufactured elements in an image. An optimum set of orthogonal icons and an optimum set of attributes for each icon are employed to further improve data decompression and fidelity. The optimal set of orthogonal icons includes a flat icon, an edge icon, a ribbon icon, a corner icon and a spot icon. The optimal set of attributes includes average intensities, intensity transition position and separation, and angle of the principal axis.

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Westlake Village, CA, United States of America

Jerry A Burman