Quasi-invariants for recognition of articulated and non-standard objects in SAR images

Abstract

Using SAR scattering center locations and magnitudes as features, invariances with articulation (i.e., turret rotation for the ZSU 23/4 gun and T72 tank), with configuration variants (e.g. fuel barrels, searchlights, etc.) and with a depression angle change are shown for real SAR images obtained from the MSTAR public data. This location and magnitude quasi-invariance forms a basis for an innovative SAR recognition engine that successfully identifies real articulated and non-standard configuration vehicles based on non-articulated, standard recognition models. Identification performance results are given as confusion matrices and ROC curves for articulated objects, for configuration variants, and for a small change in depression angle.