Identification of handheld objects and human activities in active and passive imaging

The identification of human targets including their activities and handheld objects at range is a prime military and security capability. We have investigated this capability using active and passive imaging for video cameras, and sensors operating in the NIR and SWIR regions. For a limited data set we also compare sensor imagery from visible, NIR and SWIR sensors with that from a thermal imaging camera. The target recognition performance is studied vs. the gate position relative to the target, target range, turbulence conditions and target movement. A resolution chart is also included in the scene. The performance results from observer tests are compared with models and discussed from a system perspective.