Abstract: A method of object detection in an image uses a background anomaly approach that searches for anomalies of a particular size and shape that are distinguishable from the image's local background. Included is a geometric classifier used to distinguish regularly-shaped objects from irregularly-shaped objects.

Abstract: A rendering method converts three-dimensional streak tube imaging lidar (STIL) data to two-dimensional contrast and range maps thereof. A temporal portion of the STIL data is processed for each pixel of the three-dimensional image. Each temporal portion includes a Gaussian-like portion and non-Gaussian-like portions. Processing for each pixel includes: (i) removing noise from the temporal portion using the non-Gaussian-like portions wherein a filtered form of the Gaussian-like portion is formed, (ii) determining a non-integer center of mass of the filtered form of the Gaussian-like portion with the non-integer center of mass being indicative of a range value, and (iii) applying a mathematical interpolation function to determine amplitude of the filtered form of the Gaussian-like portion at the range value defined by the non-integer center of mass. The amplitude so-determined is indicative of a contrast value. The process is repeated for all pixels to thereby produce range and contrast maps.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing two-dimensional contrast and range images rendered from three-dimensional STIL data. A series of sequential steps are provided for each of the rendered contrast image data and rendered range image data. Briefly, the rendered contrast image data is scaled based on a mean intensity value of all pixels of data therein, stretched to a predetermined dynamic range, modified to compensate for jitter and CCD array effects associated with the STIL camera system, normalized using an exponential decay function that describes contrast intensity roll-off associated therewith, and has a histogram clip routine applied thereto.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing two-dimensional contrast images rendered from three-dimensional STIL data. Briefly, the rendered contrast image data is scaled based on a mean intensity value of all pixels of data therein, stretched to a predetermined dynamic range, modified to compensate for jitter and CCD array effects associated with the STIL camera system, normalized using an exponential decay function that describes contrast intensity roll-off associated therewith, and has a histogram clip routine applied thereto.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing two-dimensional range images rendered from three-dimensional STIL data. Briefly, the rendered range image data is modified to compensate for jitter effects associated with the STIL camera system, has background portions of the resulting data modified to compensate for CCD array effects and range intensity roll-off associated with the STIL camera system, has a “salt and pepper” noise reduction routine applied thereto, and has a histogram clip routine applied thereto.

Abstract: A method is presented for detecting a body at sea. A lidar system provided nboard an aircraft transmits radiation at a wavelength in the blue/green region of the energy spectrum towards the surface of the sea. The lidar system is tuned to receive return reflections occurring over a specified wavelength range. A shaped area located near the body is designed to inhibit any return reflections that would be detectable by the lidar system. The shaped area defines a shape that is abnormal for the area of the sea being searched and defines a size that is larger than the body. The presence of the body is indicated by a null return corresponding to the shape and size of the shaped area.