Dichoptic fusion of thermal and intensified imagery
conference paper
Subjects used the dichoptic combination of a monocular image intensifier (NVG) and a monocular uncooled microbolometer (LWIR) to detect and localise both visual targets and camouflaged thermal targets while moving through a dimly lit complex environment. The NVG imagery enabled the subjects to move freely through the environment with high accuracy, but did not mediate the detection of camouflaged thermal targets. The LWIR mode mediated the detection of camouflaged thermal targets but did not allow the detection of visual targets, and provided insufficient detail to allow accurate movement through the environment. Subjects were quite capable to dichoptically fuse the individual LWIR and NVG images, enabling them to detect all (visual and thermal) targets while moving accurately through the environment. We conclude that dichoptic fusion of NVG and LWIR imagery is quite feasible and is a simple way to provide observers with enhanced situational awareness in nighttime operations.
Topics
Dichoptic fusionImage fusionIntensified imageryLWIRNVGThermal imageryChlorine compoundsData fusionElectron tubesImaging systemsImaging techniquesInformation fusionNuclear physicsSensor data fusionTargetsComplex environmentsDichoptic fusionHigh-accuracyImage fusionIntensified imageryInternational conferencesLWIRLWIR imageryMicro-bolometerMonocular imagesNighttime operationsNVGSituational awarenessThermal imageryUncooledVisual targetsFusion reactions
TNO Identifier
239732
ISSN
1424409535
ISBN
9781424409532
Article nr.
No.: 4086036
Source title
2006 9th International Conference on Information Fusion, FUSION, 10 July 2006 through 13 July 2006, Florence
Files
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