Mr. Wendell R. Watkins Profile

Wendell R. Watkins

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Publications (23)

SPIE Journal Paper | 1 September 2001

Search and target acquisition: single line of sight versus wide baseline stereo

Wendell Watkins, Garrett Heath, Michael Phillips, J. Valeton, Alexander Toet

OE, Vol. 40, Issue 09, (September 2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.1390300

KEYWORDS: Target detection, Target acquisition, Chromium, Cameras, Databases, Optical engineering, Visualization, Goggles, Statistical analysis, Video

Proceedings Article | 24 July 2000 Paper

Paper

Sensor fusion: a preattentive vision approach

Wendell Watkins, V. Grayson CuQlock-Knopp, Jay Jordan, Anthony Marinos, Michael Phillips, John Merritt

Proceedings Volume 4029, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.392556

KEYWORDS: Image fusion, Sensors, RGB color model, Sensor fusion, Image sensors, Visible radiation, Infrared radiation, Human vision and color perception, Image processing, Infrared imaging

Read Abstract +

Because different imaging sensors provide different signature cues to distinguish targets from backgrounds there has been a substantial amount of effort put into how to merge the information from different sensors. Unfortunately, when the imagery from two different sensors is combined the noise from each sensor is also combined in the resultant image. Additionally, attempts to enhance the target distinctness from the background also enhance the distinctness of false targets and clutter. Even so there has been some progress in trying to mimic the human vision capability by color contrast enhancement. But what has not been tried is how to mimic how the human vision system inherently does this sensor function of our color cone sensors. We do our sensor fusion in the pre- attentive phase of human vision. This requires the use of binocular stereo vision because we do have two eyes. In human vision the images from each eye are split in half, and the halves are sent to opposite sides of the brain for massively parallel processing. We don't know exactly how this process works, but the results is a visualization of the world that is 3D in nature. This process automatically combines the color, texture, and size and shape of the objects that make up the two images that our eyes produce. It significantly reduces noise and clutter in our visualization of the world. In this pre-attentive phase of human vision tha takes just an instant to accomplish, our human vision process has performed an extremely efficient fusion of cone imagery. This sensor fusion process has produced a scene where depth perception and surface contour cues are used to orient and distinguish objects in the scene before us. It is at this stage that we begin to attentively sort through the scene for objects or targets of interest. In many cases, however, the targets of interest have already been located because of their depth or surface contour cues. Camouflaged targets that blend perfectly into complex backgrounds may be made to pop out because of their depth cues. In this paper we will describe a new method termed RGB stereo sensor fusion that uses color coding of the separate pairs of sensor images fused to produce wide baseline stereo images that are displayed to observers for search and target acquisition. Performance enhancements for the technique are given as well as rationale for optimum color code selection. One important finding was that different colors (RGB) and different spatial frequencies are fused with different efficiencies by the binocular vision system.

Proceedings Article | 23 June 2000 Paper

Paper

Navigation through fog using stereoscopic active imaging

Wendell Watkins, David Tofsted, V. Grayson CuQlock-Knopp, Jay Jordan, John Merritt

Proceedings Volume 4023, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.389357

KEYWORDS: Fiber optic gyroscopes, Cameras, Retroreflectors, Backscatter, Imaging systems, Visibility through fog, Visibility, Image fusion, Scattering, Patents

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Proceedings Article | 19 July 1999 Paper

Paper

Active imaging applied to navigation through fog

Wendell Watkins, David Tofsted, V. Grayson CuQlock-Knopp, Jay Jordan, Mohan Trivedi

Proceedings Volume 3749, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.354991

KEYWORDS: Fiber optic gyroscopes, Backscatter, Image fusion, Analytical research, Reflectors, Visibility through fog, Visibility, Radar, Laser scattering, Night vision

Read Abstract +

Navigation, especially in aviation, has been plagued since its inception with the hazards ofpoor visibility conditions. Vehicular ground movement is also hampered at night or in low visibility even with night vision augmentation because of the lack of contrast and depth perception. For landing aircraft in fog, the visible and near-infrared have been discounted because of the large backscatter coefficients in favor of primarily radar that penetrates waterladen atmospheres. Aircraft outfitted with an Instrumentation Landing System (ILS) can land safely on an aircraft carrier in fog. Landing at an airport with an ILS is not safe because there is no way to detect small-scale obstacles that do not show up on radar but can cause a landing crash. We have developed and tested a technique to improve navigation through fog based on chopped active visible laser illumination and wide baseline stereo (hyperstereo) viewing with real-time image correction of backscatter radiation and forward scattering blur. The basis of the approach to developing this active hyperstereo vision system for landing aircraft in fog is outlined in the invention disclosure ofthe Army Research Laboratory (ARL) patent application ARL-97-72, filed Dec. 1997. Testing this concept required a matched pair of laser illuminators and cameras with synchronized choppers, a computer for near real-time acquisition and analysis of the hyperstereo imagery with ancillary stereo display goggles, a set of specular reflectors, and a fog generator/characterizer. The basic concept of active hyperstereo vision is to compare the imagery obtained from alternate wings ofthe aircraft while illuminating only from the opposite wing. This produces images with a backscatter radiation pattern that has an increasing gradient towards the side with the illumination source. Flipping the imagery from one wing left to right and comparing it to the opposite wing imagery will allow the backscattered radiation pattern to be subtracted from both sets of imagery. Use of specular reflectors along the sides of the runway will allow the human stereo fusion process to fuse the forward scatter blurred hyperstereo imagery of the array of specular reflectors with backscatter eliminated and allow the appropriate amount of inverse point spread function deblurring to be applied for optimum resolution of scene content (i.e., obstacles on the runway). Results of this testing will be shown.

Proceedings Article | 25 September 1998 Paper

Paper

Multispectral image processing: the nature factor

Wendell Watkins

Proceedings Volume 3545, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.323667

KEYWORDS: Image processing, Multispectral imaging, Human vision and color perception, Computing systems, Imaging systems, 3D image processing, Information visualization, Image analysis, Digital image processing, Neuroimaging

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Proceedings Article | 22 September 1997 Paper

Paper

Novel applications of hyperstereo vision

Wendell Watkins, Jay Jordan, Mohan Trivedi

Proceedings Volume 3110, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.281393

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Optical turbulence, Target acquisition, Video, Eye, Infrared imaging, Enhanced vision, Goggles, Target detection, LCDs

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Proceedings Article | 20 June 1997 Paper

Paper

Enhanced depth perception using hyperstereo vision

Wendell Watkins

Proceedings Volume 3062, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.276688

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Target acquisition, Enhanced vision, Eye, Video, Infrared imaging, Target detection, Visible radiation, Goggles, LCDs

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Proceedings Article | 17 June 1996 Paper

Paper

Wavelet analysis of dynamic effects of atmospheric turbulence on IR digital imagery

Jay Jordan, Wendell Watkins, Fernando Palacios, Daniel Billingsley

Proceedings Volume 2742, (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243024

KEYWORDS: Wavelets, Turbulence, Imaging systems, Atmospheric turbulence, Infrared imaging, Image filtering, Wavelet transforms, Fast wavelet transforms, Image processing, Discrete wavelet transforms

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Proceedings Article | 17 June 1996 Paper

Paper

Novel multiple wide-baseline stereo approach for target ranging

Mohan Trivedi, Gopalan Ravichandran, Wendell Watkins

Proceedings Volume 2742, (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243001

KEYWORDS: Cameras, Detection and tracking algorithms, Ranging, Algorithm development, Stereo holograms, Target detection, 3D image processing, Stereoscopic cameras, Imaging systems, 3D acquisition

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Proceedings Article | 17 June 1996 Paper

Paper

Dynamics of signature propagation

Ronald Meyers, Keith Deacon, Wendell Watkins

Proceedings Volume 2742, (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243025

KEYWORDS: Atmospheric propagation, Turbulence, Atmospheric modeling, Refraction, Radio propagation, Motion models, LIDAR, Meteorology, Systems modeling, Atmospheric physics

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Proceedings Article | 2 June 1995 Paper

Paper

Simplified simulation of dynamic effects of atmospheric turbulance on IR digital imagery

J. Jordon, Wendell Watkins, Fernando Palacios, Daniel Billingsley

Proceedings Volume 2469, (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.210631

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Infrared imaging, Turbulence, Atmospheric turbulence, Spatial frequencies, Thermography, Fourier transforms, Wavelets, Infrared radiation, Point spread functions

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 December 1994

Determination of continuous system transfer functions from sampled pulse response data

Jay Jordan, Wendell Watkins, Fernando Palacios, Daniel Billingsley

OE, Vol. 33, Issue 12, (December 1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/12.183409

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Modulation transfer functions, Error analysis, Black bodies, Signal to noise ratio, Infrared imaging, Signal processing, Digital signal processing, Video, Spatial frequencies

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 August 1994

Contrast transmission predictions versus far-infrared imager measurements for low-altitude horizontal paths

Wendell Watkins, Richard Dutro

OE, Vol. 33, Issue 08, (August 1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/12.177118

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Temperature metrology, Black bodies, Image filtering, Signal detection, Optical turbulence, Aerosols, Signal attenuation, Modulation transfer functions, Electronic filtering

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Proceedings Article | 15 June 1994 Paper

Paper

System and environmental conditions that impact an imaging system's optical transfer function (OTF)

Daniel Billingsley, Wendell Watkins

Proceedings Volume 2223, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177946

KEYWORDS: Optical transfer functions, Imaging systems, Sensors, Infrared imaging, Atmospheric sensing, Optical imaging, Optical filters, Infrared radiation, Telescopes, Black bodies

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 April 1994

Bandpass optimization for low-altitude long-path infared imaging

Frank Kantrowitz, Wendell Watkins

OE, Vol. 33, Issue 04, (April 1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/12.163203

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Target detection, Imaging systems, Atmospheric sensing, Atmospheric propagation, Infrared imaging, Signal to noise ratio, Doping, Near field, Earth's atmosphere

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Proceedings Article | 31 August 1993 Paper

Paper

Environmental bugs invade EO imaging systems

Wendell Watkins

Proceedings Volume 1969, (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.154737

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Thermography, Optical turbulence, Distortion, Modulation transfer functions, Sensors, Aerosols, Atmospheric particles, Calibration, Infrared imaging

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Proceedings Article | 13 August 1993 Paper

Paper

Characterization of atmospheric degradation of IR scene content (Invited Paper)

Wendell Watkins, Jay Jordan

Proceedings Volume 1971, (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.151027

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Atmospheric propagation, Black bodies, Spatial frequencies, Turbulence, Sensors, Modulation transfer functions, Temperature metrology, Scattering, Infrared imaging

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Proceedings Article | 21 September 1992 Paper

Paper

Atmospheric degradation of scene content: a new look

Wendell Watkins, Jay Jordan

Proceedings Volume 1687, (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.137846

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Cameras, Video, Sensors, Modulation transfer functions, Spatial resolution, Infrared cameras, Mirrors, Atmospheric sciences, Absorption

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Proceedings Article | 1 August 1992 Paper

Paper

Neural network for retrieval of indirectly measured information

Edward Measure, Young Yee, Teddy Barber, Wendell Watkins, Dick Larson

Proceedings Volume 1688, (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.137903

KEYWORDS: Neural networks, Temperature metrology, Microwave radiation, Neurons, Inverse problems, Computing systems, Humidity, Radiometry, Atmospheric propagation, Remote sensing

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SPIE Journal Paper | 1 October 1991

Characterizing atmospheric effects on target contrast

Wendell Watkins, Samuel Crow, Frank Kantrowitz

OE, Vol. 30, Issue 10, (October 1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/12.55977

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Atmospheric propagation, Near field, Aerosols, Atmospheric modeling, Signal attenuation, Modulation transfer functions, Infrared imaging, Image processing, Databases

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Proceedings Article | 1 July 1991 Paper

Paper

Technique for measuring atmospheric effects on image metrics

Samuel Crow, Wendell Watkins, Fernando Palacios, Daniel Billingsley

Proceedings Volume 1486, (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45777

KEYWORDS: Atmospheric propagation, Near field, Turbulence, Clouds, Imaging systems, Camouflage, Atmospheric sciences, Atmospheric optics, Target acquisition, Optical turbulence

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Proceedings Article | 1 July 1991 Paper

Paper

Characterization of the atmospheric modulation transfer function using the target contrast characterizer

Wendell Watkins, Daniel Billingsley, Fernando Palacios, Samuel Crow, Jay Jordan

Proceedings Volume 1486, (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45748

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Infrared imaging, Black bodies, Turbulence, Infrared radiation, Atmospheric propagation, Sensors, Modulation transfer functions, Cameras, Thermography

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Proceedings Article | 1 September 1990 Paper

Paper

Characterization and optimization of infrared-imager detector response for long-path research

Frank Kantrowitz, Wendell Watkins, Daniel Billingsley, Fernando Palacios

Proceedings Volume 1311, (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.21860

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Imaging systems, Atmospheric propagation, Curium, Infrared radiation, Infrared imaging, Infrared sensors, Atmospheric sensing, Infrared detectors, Fourier transforms

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Showing 5 of 23 publications

Proceedings Volume Editor (17)

SPIE Conference Volume | 3 May 2006

Targets and Backgrounds XII: Characterization and Representation

SPIE Conference Volume | 25 May 2005

Targets and Backgrounds XI: Characterization and Representation

SPIE Conference Volume | 5 August 2004

Targets and Backgrounds X: Characterization and Representation

SPIE Conference Volume | 5 September 2003

Targets and Backgrounds IX: Characterization and Representation

SPIE Conference Volume | 6 August 2002

Targets and Backgrounds VIII: Characterization and Representation

Showing 5 of 17 publications

Conference Committee Involvement (17)

Targets and Backgrounds XII: Characterization and Representation

17 April 2006 | Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States

Targets and Backgrounds XI: Characterization and Representation

28 March 2005 | Orlando, Florida, United States

Targets and Backgrounds X: Characterization and Representation

12 April 2004 | Orlando, Florida, United States

Targets and Backgrounds IX: Characterization and Representation

21 April 2003 | Orlando, Florida, United States

Targets and Backgrounds VIII: Characterization and Representation

1 April 2002 | Orlando, FL, United States

Targets and Backgrounds VII: Characterization and Representation

16 April 2001 | Orlando, FL, United States

Targets and Backgrounds VI: Characterization, Visualization, and the Detection Process

24 April 2000 | Orlando, FL, United States

Targets and Backgrounds: Characterization and Representation V

5 April 1999 | Orlando, FL, United States

Targets and Backgrounds: Characterization and Representation IV

13 April 1998 | Orlando, FL, United States

Targets and Backgrounds: Characterization and Representation III

21 April 1997 | Orlando, FL, United States

Targets and Backgrounds: Characterization and Representation II

8 April 1996 | Orlando, FL, United States

Targets and Backgrounds: Characterization and Representation

17 April 1995 | Orlando, FL, United States

Characterization and Propagation of Sources and Backgrounds

6 April 1994 | Orlando, FL, United States

Characterization, Propagation, and Simulation of Sources and Backgrounds III

12 April 1993 | Orlando, FL, United States

Characterization, Propagation, and Simulation of Sources and Backgrounds II

21 April 1992 | Orlando, FL, United States

Characterization, Propagation, and Simulation of Sources and Backgrounds

2 April 1991 | Orlando, FL, United States

Characterization, Propagation, and Simulation of Infrared Scenes

16 April 1990 | Orlando, FL, United States

Showing 5 of 17 Conference Committees

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