Status and developments in EOSTAR, a model to predict IR sensor performance in the marine environment

Gerard J. Kunz; Marianne A. C. Degache; Marcel M. Moerman; Alexander M. J. van Eijk; Filip P. Neele; Stephen M. Doss-Hammel; Dimitri Tsintikidis

doi:10.1117/12.563914

Translator Disclaimer

11 November 2004 Status and developments in EOSTAR, a model to predict IR sensor performance in the marine environment

Gerard J. Kunz, Marianne A. C. Degache, Marcel M. Moerman, Alexander M. J. van Eijk, Filip P. Neele, Stephen M. Doss-Hammel, Dimitri Tsintikidis

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5572, Optics in Atmospheric Propagation and Adaptive Systems VII; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.563914
Event: Remote Sensing, 2004, Maspalomas, Canary Islands, Spain

Abstract

The application of long-range infrared observation systems is challenging, especially with the currently available high spatial resolution infrared camera systems with resolutions comparable with their visual counterparts. As a result of these developments, the obtained infrared images are no longer limited by the quality of system but by atmospheric effects instead. For instance, atmospheric transmission losses and path radiance reduce the contrast of objects in the background and optical turbulence limits the spatial resolution in the images. Furthermore, severe image distortion can occur due to atmospheric refraction, which limits the detection and identification of objects at larger range. EOSTAR is a computer program under development to estimate these atmospheric effects using standard meteorological parameters and the properties of the sensor. Tools are provided to design targets and to calculate their infrared signature as a function of range, aspect angle, and weather condition. Possible applications of EOSTAR include mission planning, sensor evaluation and selection, and education. The user interface of EOSTAR is fully mouse-controlled, and the code runs on a standard Windows-based PC. Many features of EOSTAR execute almost instantaneous, which results in a user friendly code. Its modular setup allows its configuration to specific user needs and provides a flexible output structure.

Citation Download Citation

Gerard J. Kunz, Marianne A. C. Degache, Marcel M. Moerman, Alexander M. J. van Eijk, Filip P. Neele, Stephen M. Doss-Hammel, and Dimitri Tsintikidis "Status and developments in EOSTAR, a model to predict IR sensor performance in the marine environment", Proc. SPIE 5572, Optics in Atmospheric Propagation and Adaptive Systems VII, (11 November 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.563914

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE