Investigation of image enhancement algorithms with application to target acquisition

Experimental investigation of selected image enhancement algorithms has been performed. Serial and parallel combinations of local area gain control, histogram modification, median filtering, adaptive low pass filtering, edge detection and convolutional windowing have been examined. Studies have been conducted on the candidate algorithms by digitally simulating proposed signal processors which would operate in a man-in-the-loop target acquisition environment.

Figures-of-merit were calculated for the signal-to-noise ratio, signal-to-clutter ratio, resolution and contrast. Evaluation of processor performance in terms of the probability of target detection has been executed using the above estimators of the system parameters.

Selected processors are recommended as operator controlled options for enhanced acquisition of small targets in a complex and cluttered background.