Automated focus determination

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an IRAD study to develop a method for automating determination of best focus of electro-optical (E-O) sensors. A goal of this study was to develop a method compatible with automated E-O testers such as the Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) in production for the Navy. The automated E-O tester should possess, as a minimum, the following elements: 1) target sources-infrared for thermal imagers, and visual for television cameras, 2) a single-edge target, 3) video digitizer, and 4) processor for implementing algorithms. Algorithms must perform focus determination in the operational environment, with shipboard vibration and large sensor random and fixed pattern video noises.<>