Simulation of FLIR and LADAR data using graphics animation software

Presents an implementation of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and laser radar (LADAR) data simulation for use in developing a multi-sensor data-fusion automated target recognition (ATR) system. Through the use of commercial models and software, we can create a highly detailed scene model, which provides a rich data set for later processing. We embed our own modules within this software to extract data from the scene and then present it to the FLIR and LADAR sensor models. These models produce simulated range and temperature readings for objects within the scene. These data are used to create a variety of images to aid in the visualisation of the data and to test our ATR system. Frames from approach sequences show the LADAR and FLIR data in different formats. The simulated data and subsequent images are accurate and rapid to produce, and provide invaluable data resources for testing an ATR system.