Auto-ranging Spatial Filtering for Tactical Imagery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tactical visual search scenarios, existing technologies face challenges in quickly and accurately identifying targets in complex digital imagery due to varying conditions like noise, clutter, and dynamic motion, requiring custom image corrections that are not optimally addressed by generic filters.
Innovation Solution
An image enhancement device and system that uses a rangefinder to measure distances and a CPU to apply dynamically adjusted two-dimensional Fourier-domain filters, tailored to both target and non-target areas, to enhance target detection and reduce clutter, allowing for real-time processing and display of filtered scenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If generic image correction filters are applied, then processing is simplified, but target detection accuracy deteriorates due to inability to account for varying spatial characteristics in different tactical scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic filter selection where the spatial filter parameters are automatically adjusted based on the detected target distance from the optical sensor. The system transitions from static generic filters to dynamic adaptive filters that change according to tactical conditions, resolving the contradiction between filter simplicity and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the spatial filter based on target distance measurements. Different filter characteristics are applied for different distance ranges, allowing the system to adapt to varying spatial characteristics in tactical scenes while maintaining automated processing.
2Measurement precision
If custom spatial filters are applied to enhance target visibility, then target detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases and real-time capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary target detection and distance measurement, then selects and applies the appropriate spatial filter in advance before the observer needs to analyze the image. This preliminary processing enables near real-time delivery of enhanced imagery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the appropriate filter based on target distance without requiring manual intervention or real-time adjustment during observation. The automated distance-based filter selection eliminates the need for observer involvement in filter configuration, maintaining real-time capability.
3Productivity
If multiple different filters are applied to target and non-target areas, then visual search efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct operations: target detection, distance measurement, and selective filter application. Different spatial filters are applied to different regions (target vs. non-target areas) based on the segmented information, improving visual search efficiency through structured processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from distance measurement to automatically select appropriate filters. The observed target distance feeds back into the filter selection process, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adjusts processing parameters without increasing operational complexity.
4Productivity
If spatial frequency filtering is applied to declutter scenes, then target identification is accelerated, but loss of spatial detail occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial frequency filters to different regions of the image based on local content characteristics. High-frequency filters are applied to regions with fine details where needed, while lower-frequency filtering is applied to cluttered regions, preserving spatial detail where important while accelerating target identification where appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable image enhancement device comprising an optical image sensor, a rangefinder, a parametric control, a central processing unit (CPU), and a user interface. The sensor receives image data for a target object in a tactical scene. The rangefinder continually measures distance from the device to the target object, which may be in motion relative to each other. The parametric control tunes a parametric variable (e.g., spatial frequency, filter shape, orientation) that the CPU uses, along with the potentially-changing target distance, to create custom spatial filters and apply them to create a filtered scene from the tactical scene. Each spatial filter is of a two-dimensional (2D) Fourier-domain type (e.g., high-pass, low-pass, band-pass, band-stop, orientation). A spatial filter, target distance, and parametric variable combination may be stored as a preset filter for subsequent retrieval and application to a newly-input tactical scene. The user interface displays dynamically-tunable filtered scene(s).