SBIR-STTR Award

We propose to develop novel techniques that enhance the detectionand identification of cluttered targets using wavelet transform (WT)techniques. Two approaches will be explored. The first approachcharacterizes various clutters by suitably selected wavelet packets suchthat the WT coefficients are contributed mostly by clutter information butalmost not affected by the targets. Bu subtracting these WT coefficientsfrom the original signal, the clutters are effectively suppressed and thusthe target detection can be greatly enhanced. The second approach is thewavelet matched filter which is synthesized with reference data and waveletpackets that represent the features of the target. The wavelet matchedfilter incorporates the efficient feature detection and noise suppressioncapability of the WT and high discrimination ability of the matched filter.The clutter reduction and target identification operations are performed ina single step. The performance of the developed algorithms and the hardwareimplementations will also be investigated.

We propose to develop and apply novel techniques for enhancing the detection of cluttered targets using the wavelet transform. Since the feasibility of the algorithms and hardware implementations developed in Phase I have been demonstrated by computer simulation, the Phase II effort will be focused on experimental characterization and prototype development. Wavelet functions suitable for representing features of various classes of targets will be investigated. Wavelet processors for 1-D and 2-D target detection will be experimentally demonstrated in the laboratory. To ensure high performance, the functions of these wavelet processors may be limited to locating the regions of interest (ROIs) where targets may exist. The task of target identification and classification are left to post processing. Based on the results of experimental studies as well as the requirements of the contract sponsor, an optical implementation architecture will be identified for prototype development. A prototype system will be built, characterized, tested and delivered by the end of the Phase II period.