PROCESS FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETECTING AND LOCATING A TARGET FROM A PLURALITY OF TWO DIMENSIONAL IMAGES

摘要

A novel data processing technique is provided for detecting and locating a target from a plurality of two-dimensional images generated by an imaging sensor such as an imaging lidar system. This series of two dimensional images (made with one or more imaging detectors) is processed in an optimal statistical fashion to reliably detect and locate targets. The images are mathematically modified to reduce the deleterious effects of noise and thereby provide the highest possible probability of detection while simultaneously maintaining a very low probability of false alarm.