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Simulation of Active Imaging Systems

Better data could lead to systems that improve tactical target acquisition, particularly under adverse environmental conditions.

Active imaging systems offer the promise of significantly improved tactical performance compared to passive military systems operating in adverse ground, air, and underwater/ maritime environments. These improvements would include, but are not limited to:

Benefit of Active Imaging Sensor for Target ID, Especially in Night Operation.

  • Extending the ability to operate when passive sensors will not perform satisfactorily;

  • Improving target detection, recognition, and identification performance; and

  • Improving capability to determine the exact nature of the activity being pursued by individuals or vehicles at increased ranges.

The modern military battlefield could therefore greatly benefit from the use of active imaging systems.

Accurate modelling and simulation tools can aid in the design and development, as well as the performance assessment, of active imaging systems. Currently available imaging models are limited in their ability to accurately represent active imaging systems in full spectral simulations, particularly in the atmosphere's effect on laser beam propagation and corresponding radiometric phenomenology on advanced sensor systems. NATO SET-219 working group proposes to mitigate these limitations by advancing the modelling and simulation tools and techniques for state-of-the-art 1D/2D/3D active imaging systems. In this context, simulation is understood to mean the generation of synthetic image sequences that include laser illumination/environmental/sensor system parameters.

SET-219 began with the following set of objectives and goals that would advance the working group's understanding, leveraging much of what was learned through previous groups (SET-072 and SET-156), and provide situational awareness of the state-of-the-art in active imaging simulation tools and techniques:

  • Perform a robust review of existing active imaging system simulations currently being used throughout NATO SET community.

  • Evaluate high resolution physics-based simulations of active imaging system phenomenology, e.g., phase screen propagation and full spectral scene generation; evaluation concentrated on the block components of the simulations, viz.:

    • Laser interaction with atmospheric and underwater environments;

    • Target and background characterization;

    • Sensor system components and subcomponents, i.e., laser illuminator and detector; and

    • Performance limits and capability gaps.

  • Demonstrate and exercise simulations on 1D/2D/3D active imaging system applications.

  • Recommend improvements to active imaging system simulations.

The group was able to address and make progress in each of the main objectives listed above. The resulting enhancements to active imaging simulations will be a critical enabler for future sensor technology development and assessment.

This work was done by the members of SET-219 for the NATO Science and Technology Organization. NATO-0001

Topics:
Aerospace Data Acquisition Defense Imaging Imaging Imaging and visualization Lasers & Laser Systems Military vehicles and equipment Optics Sensors Simulation Software Simulation and modeling Vehicles
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Document cover
Simulation of Active Imaging Systems

(reference NATO-0001) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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    Aerospace & Defense Technology Magazine

    This article first appeared in the April, 2019 issue of Aerospace & Defense Technology Magazine (Vol. 4 No. 2).

    Read more articles from this issue here.

    Read more articles from the archives here.

    Overview

    The document titled "Simulation of Active Imaging Systems" (STO-TR-SET-219) is a comprehensive report published by the NATO Science and Technology Organization in December 2018. It focuses on the advancements and applications of active imaging systems, which are designed to enhance tactical performance in military operations compared to traditional passive systems.

    The report begins with an introduction to the relevance of active imaging technologies, emphasizing their potential to operate effectively in conditions where passive sensors may fail. Active imaging systems utilize various techniques, including electro-optical/infrared (EOIR) sensors and LIDAR, to improve target recognition, identification, and situational awareness at extended ranges.

    A significant portion of the document discusses the benefits of numerical simulation in the development and testing of these imaging systems. Numerical simulations allow for the modeling of complex scenarios and the evaluation of system performance without the need for extensive field testing, which can be costly and time-consuming. The report highlights how simulations can identify capability gaps and inform future research directions.

    The document also includes case studies that illustrate the practical applications of active imaging systems in various military contexts. These case studies provide insights into the effectiveness of different imaging techniques and their integration into existing military frameworks.

    Furthermore, the report addresses the current status of NATO's collaborative research efforts in this domain, outlining existing gaps in simulation capabilities and offering recommendations for future working groups. It emphasizes the importance of continued investment in research and development to keep pace with evolving threats and technological advancements.

    In conclusion, the report serves as a valuable resource for understanding the state of active imaging systems and their role in modern military operations. It underscores the necessity of leveraging advanced simulation techniques to enhance the effectiveness of these systems, ultimately contributing to improved defense capabilities for NATO nations and partners. The document is publicly available and contains no distribution restrictions, making it accessible for further study and application in defense research and technology development.

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