Hyperspectral remote sensing systems and methods using covariance equalization

Abstract

A method and apparatus for detecting a target or targets in a surrounding background locale based on target signatures obtained by a hyperspectral imaging sensor used the hyperspectral imaging sensor to collect raw target signature data and background locale data during a first data collection mission. The data is processed to generate a database including a plurality of target signatures and background data relating to the background locale. The hyperspectral imaging sensor is later used to collect further background data during a further, current data collecting mission so as to provide continuously updated background data, in real time. A covariance equalization algorithm is implemented with respect to the background data contained in the database and the updated background data collected during the current mission to effect transformation of each target signature of the database into a transformed target signature. A detection algorithm which employs the resultant transformed target signature is used to produce detection information related to the target or targets.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to hyperspectral detecting or sensing systems for detecting military and intelligence targets for other uses. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The detection of military and intelligence targets by airborne autonomous electro-optical reconnaissance systems is an important evolving capability associated with the maturation of hyperspectral (HS) camera technology. In recent years it has become clear that the primary factor limiting the effectiveness of these systems is no longer hardware performance, but rather the absence of useful knowledge about the in situ spectra of the targets. A similar problem exists in commercial applications. Laboratory reflectance spectra of materials sought by remote sensing systems must be translated into the spectral intensities measured in the field with an imaging spectrometer. [0003] The HS detection algorithms that have been exercised by numerous researchers over the past decade basically f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a new system for detecting targets in hyperspectral images. It uses a special method to generate useful spectral signatures that can be used to detect targets. The system is able to compensate for changes in the sensor and atmosphere, which can affect the image quality. This makes it easier to detect targets in different images. The system also uses a compensation algorithm called Covariance Equalization, which is derived from data collected on remote sensing missions and does not require detailed models of the environment or the sensing system. Overall, the invention improves the performance of target detection in hyperspectral images and makes it easier to detect changes in the image.

Problems solved by technology

However, CE requires no detailed models of either the environment or the sensing system.

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