A.L. Vorobiov - Ph.D. (Eng.), Director General, CJSC «Technology Park Cosmonautics» Linkos» (Moscow) Yu.P. Zhurik - Senior Engineer, CJSC «Technology Park Cosmonautics» Linkos» (Moscow) A.M. Krasnov - Dr. Sc. (Eng.), Professor, Honored Scientist of Russia, laureate of the Russian Government, First Deputy General Director, Chief Designer, CJSC «Technology Park Cosmonautics» Linkos» (Moscow) A.V. Kudimov - Software Engineer, CJSC «Technology Park Cosmonautics» Linkos» (Moscow)

Methods of analysis of monitoring and evaluation based on their detectability characteristics of electro optical systems (EOS) are crucial in design, tests, as well as in planning the use of EOS in operations pose a risk to personnel. The last class of problems successfully solved with the use of available compact meteorological equipment and computational programs that allow a high degree of certainty to predict the nature of the radiation propagation in the atmosphere. When viewed with the help of the EOS basic visual tasks are: object detection; object recognition. Tactical characteristics of the problem of observation are: object detection (recognition) range; time of object detection (recognition). In some studies the object recognition is called by identification and detailed. So in the United States made four degrees of identification of objects: general identification (class definition purpose, for example, plane, car); precise identification (determining the type of target within the class, such as fighter aircraft, truck); descriptive identification (determination of the size, configuration-located elements of targets, such as Su-27); technical analysis (analysis of target elements, such as Su-27SM). Generally three levels of perception of the image of the object are used: detection (allocation of the spot corresponding to the object on the background); recognition (selection an object with sufficient clarity, and his assignment to a particular class); identification (selection an object with sufficient clarity, and his assignment to a particular type within a class). The most important factors influence the solution of the problem of observation in the operational environment using EOS are: image of the object quality produced on the screen of monitor; the amount of information known a priori, and allows to distinguish the object from the surrounding background (the signature of the object); the degree of preparation of the operational staff engaged in surveillance. The signature of the potential objects of observation, observation conditions (atmospheric conditions, movement observation platform, etc.) and the required tactical characteristics (distance and time of detection (recognition) define the parameters of the surveillance EOS, and the degree of training of operating personnel and the conditions of observation - the EOS interface. Obviously, the more detail is known object difference from the surrounding background, the more quickly it can be detected, provided the collection sufficient surveillance information. In the observation of remote objects the significantly critical factors which define the image quality are molecular, aerosol absorption and scattering of radiation-races, the turbulent distortion and refraction. Often, the determining factors are fog, natural disturbances (foliage, complicated background), masking, using of false objects. The rapid progress of microelectronics technology, photodetectors and display products has led to a situation where when the main limiting factor becomes a visual system of the observer. Today, it is clear that the definition of performance characteristics of the EOS should take into account the above factors, the signature of observation object and background characteristics of the atmosphere as the transmission path, the optical-signal characteristics of EOS, the visual system of the observer and the observational conditions. The analysis of the modern domestic publications devoted to this issue, and methods of field trials shows a lack of a unified approach and the use of outdated techniques based on assessments of the minimum resolvable temperature difference that are valid in the laboratory comparative tests. This situation leads to difficulties in the comparative analysis of the different surveillance systems, evaluation of the EOS performance at different stages of their creation and the success of their operation. This paper presents a summary of the results of different approaches in the form of a uniform methodology for the monitoring analysis of the problem and the performance characteristics of the EOS. Example of calculation of performance characteristics for real thermal EOS is shown.

 

1. Kovalev A.V., Kovalev A.A. Vozmozhnosti metodov nerazrushajushhego kontrolja // ZHurnal Mir i bezopasnost. 2007. № 2.
2. Holst G.C. Electro-Optical Imaging System Performance - fifth edition. JCD Publishing and SPIE Press. 2008.
3. Vollmerhausen R.H., Jacobs E. The Targeting Task Performance (TTP) Metric A New Model for Predicting Target Acquisition Performance. Modeling and Simulation Division Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate U.S. Army CERDEC Fort Belvoir. VA 22060.
4. Gerald C. Holst. Electro-Optical Imaging System Performance - second edition. JCD Publishing and SPIE Press. 2000.
5. Berk A., Anderson G.P., Acharya P.K., Hoke M.L., Chetwynd J.H., Bernstein L.S., Shettle E.P., Matthew M.W., Adler-Golden S.M. MODTRAN4 Version 3 Revision 1 USER-S MANUAL. 2003.
6. Barten P.G.J.Contrast Sensitivity of the Human Eye and Its Effects on Image Quality (SPIE Press Book). 1999.
7. Rachel Hughes.Sensor Model Requirements for TAWS/IRTSS Operation. Naval Postgraduate School. MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA. 2007.
8. Vollmerhausen R.H., Reago D.A. Jr., Driggers R.G. Analysis and Evaluation of Sampled Imaging Systems. Bellingham. Wash. SPIE. 2010.