Probability of target distinguishment by the contrast-limited thermal vision system of the drone

1Kolobrodov, MS, 2Lykholit, MI, 2Tiagur, VM, 1Vasylkovska, IO, 1Kolobrodov, MS
1National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Kyiv, Ukraine
2Special Device Production State Enterprise “Arsenal”, Kyiv, Ukraine
Space Sci. & Technol. 2023, 29 ;(5):020-032
https://doi.org/10.15407/knit2023.05.020
Publication Language: Ukrainian
Abstract: 
Equipping modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with thermal imaging cameras expands their potential utilization in various environmental conditions, enabling efficient aerial reconnaissance and execution of combat-related tasks. The primary objectives for target discrimination encompass detection, recognition, and identification. However, existing methods and algorithms for determining the probability of distinguishing targets do not offer an efficient and swift means of calculating these probabilities based on the target's distance.
       This article aims to develop a novel method for calculating the probability of detecting, recognizing, and identifying an object (target) using a thermal imaging surveillance system. The proposed approach involves an improved algorithm that utilizes the Johnson criterion, as per the NATO standard 4347, the Schultz approximation of the threshold contrast for the operator's perception of the image on the display screen, and incorporates the objective function of probability transfer along with probability transfer functions based on the target's distance. An example illustrating the calculation of the target discrimination probability is included to provide clarity. With the suggested algorithm, the probability of detecting, recognizing, and identifying the target through the contrast-limited thermal imaging system of the drone can be rapidly calculated.
Keywords: recognition and identification of the target; range to the target; threshold contrast perception; probability transfer function by distance to the target, unmanned aerial vehicle with a thermal imaging camera; probability of detection
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