Loral Aerospace Corp.

Mark A Conboy

Charles F Raasch

Gregory Allen Roberts

Ki H Baek

Richard Y Ichinose

A pre-processor (10) for target trackers is disclosed which allows several image analysis algorithms to be computed simultaneously so as to provide improved real-time target recognition. The pre-processor (10) is also equipped to compensate for the rapid rotation of the target image when the tracking aircraft performs abrupt turning maneuvers.

Multi-function pre-processor for target tracking

Edge definition in FLIR images is improved by assigning to each pixel (X) the average intensity value of that 3.times.3 pixel sub-matrix (30a-30i) containing the pixel (X) which exhibits the smallest edge value. Apparatus for obtaining that intensity value in real time is disclosed. This process can be iteratively repeated on the same image, with each iteration creating more enhanced edges and greater area smoothing between edges.

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Mission Viejo, CA, United States of America

Mark A Conboy