Real-time Model Based Target Recognition System Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-030 Topic Title: Real-time Model Based Target Recognition System Proposal No.: N051-030-1181 Firm: Vexcel Corporation 1690 38th Street Boulder, Colorado 80301 Contact: Mark Tabb Phone: (303) 583-0258 Web Site: www.vexcel.com Abstract: Vexcel proposes to develop a model based automatic target recognition system capable of accurate, real-time recognition rates even in the presence of limited physical training data. Potential targets include any object for which accurate 3-D CAD models can be derived including, but not limited to: tanks, troop carriers, Humvees, aircraft carriers, frigates, etc. The proposed system is envisioned as a slimmed down, real-time version of the existing DARPA MSTAR ATR system, which is a feature based ATR approach that addresses the limited training data problem through the use of a Predict module which can produce expected SAR images given a target CAD model and a number of radar parameters. Features from expected images are then matched against features from the acquired image. Employing a proven ATR paradigm minimizes a substantial amount of risk, and also allows us to use the existing Predict module, as this would be impractical to develop during a Phase I feasibility study. Benefits: Vexcel and its subsidiaries market a line of SAR image formation and exploitation tools, as well as a ship detection/maritime surveillance software package developed originally for the University of Miami. Current civilian spaceborne sensors have enough resolution to allow for accurate ship detection, but not recognition of ship type. The X-band TerraSAR-X SAR satellite scheduled to be launched in May 2006 should change this, as it will have a 1m resolution spotlight mode. The developed ATR system should provide a very useful extension to our current software package to allow for classification of ships as aircraft carrier, gunship, oil tanker, cruise ship, etc. Return