Polynomial filters for higher order correlation and multi-input information fusion

An apparatus for detecting a pattern within an image, said image being associated with at least one spectral quantity, comprising:

• an input device for receiving image data representative of said image;
• an optimizer connected to said input device for determining filter values which substantially optimize a first predetermined criterion, said first predetermined criterion being based upon said image data and said spectral quantity wherein said spectral quantity is related to the combination of an average correlation energy, and an average similarity measure, and an output noise variance;
• and
• a correlation filter connected to said optimizer for determining a correlation output which is indicative of the presence of said pattern within said image data, said correlation filter generating said correlation output based upon said determined filter values and said image data, said correlation output having a non-linear polynomial relationship.

A method for detecting a pattern within an image comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving image data which is representative of said image;
• (b) determining filter values which substantially optimize a first predetermined criterion, said first predetermined criterion being based upon said image data;
• and
• (c) using a non-linear polynomial relationship to generate a correlation output based upon said determined filter values and said image data, said correlation output being indicative of the presence of said pattern within said image data, wherein said first predetermined criterion is an optimal trade-off performance criterion, said spectral quantity is related to the combination of average correlation energy, and average similarity measure, and output noise variance.