Method and apparatus for imaging a target using cloud obscuration prediction and detection
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Corporation
InventorsWilliam Nichols, Randolph Farmer, Gerard LaColla
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Abstract
A method is provided for imaging targets using an unmanned air vehicle. The method comprises the steps of making a determination of cloud obscuration of a target, selecting an imaging sensor based on the cloud obscuration determination, and using the selected imaging sensor to produce an image of the target. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.
Claims17
A method of imaging targets using an unmanned air vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
- making a determination of cloud obscuration of a target;
- selecting an imaging sensor based on the cloud obscuration determination;
- and
- using the selected imaging sensor to produce an image of the target.
An apparatus for imaging targets from an air vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensing system for determining cloud obscuration of a target;
- at least two different imaging sensors;
- and
- a controller for selecting one of the target sensors for imaging the target, based on the determined cloud obscuration.
An apparatus for imaging targets from an air vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- means for making a determination of cloud obscuration of a target;
- means for selecting an imaging sensor based on the cloud obscuration determination;
- and
- means for using the selected imaging sensor to produce an image of the target.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.