Remote image management system (RIMS)

Abstract

A data processing system is which enables an operator to rapidly perform object detection, identification, recognition, and location using remote imagery from Mini Unmanned Air Vehicles when sensor performance is severely limited due to size, weight, and power constraints. The system receives down linked images from an Unmanned Air Vehicle as well as vehicle geographic position and sensor attitude data. The imagery is processed on the ground using detection, identification, recognition and moving target detection algorithms to eliminate clutter and preselect potential objects of interest. The objects of interest are identified by the operator from the preselected list of objects automatically presented to him. The target location is simultaneously calculated for selected objects using the down linked vehicle location and sensor pointing angle and displayed to the operator.

I claim: 
     
       1. A remote image data processing system for use in an aircraft comprising:
 a. an image sensing means to receive an image of the an object of interest; 
 b. means for adjusting the sensing means line of sight (LOS); 
 c. means for determining and recording a geographical position of the image sensing means; 
 d. means for determining and recording LOS angle of image data relative to the image sensing means; 
 e. means for transmitting the image of the object, geographical position of image sensing means and LOS angle of image as data in an electronic format; 
 f. means for receiving transmitted images, sensor position, and the LOS angle as data; 
 g. means for storing image, geographic position and LOS angle data in a storing medium; 
 h. means for processing image data to identify potential objects of interest for subsequent operator review, to determine geographic location of the object and to track location of sensor relative to the object; 
 k. means to store processed image data; 
 l. means to retrieve processed images and object's geographic position from storage for display; 
 m. means to visually display processed image data to human operator; 
 n. an operator's ground control unit constructed for direct control of the air vehicle by the operator. 
 
     
     
       2. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the image sensing means is a low resolution infrared sensor. 
     
     
       3. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the image sensing means is a video camera. 
     
     
       4. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the image sensing means is a synthetic aperture radar. 
     
     
       5. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the image sensing means includes a means for resolving images. 
     
     
       6. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the means for resolving images is a telephoto lens. 
     
     
       7. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the means for adjusting the image sensing means line of sight is a one axis slewable mirror. 
     
     
       8. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the means for adjusting the image sensing means line of sight is a three axis pan and tilt mechanism. 
     
     
       9. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the image storing medium allows unfiltered, real time display of image data. 
     
     
       10. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the image processing means allows display of image data on a frame by frame basis. 
     
     
       11. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the means for processing image data allows means for operator control and adjustment of the speed of visual display of processed image data. 
     
     
       12. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the means for processing image data may be bypassed to allow real time review of images and image data by operator. 
     
     
       13. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the means for processing image data allows operator to select an object of interest and return the image sensor to the object's location. 
     
     
       14. A remote image data processing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the means for processing image data alerts the operator when the means for processing image data processor identifies an object of interest. 
     
     
       15. A remote image data processing system for use with an air vehicle comprising:
 a. an air vehicle and an operator's ground control unit (GCU); b. said air vehicle incorporating a line of sight (LOS) to receive an image of an object of interest; c. a positioning module with data storage capacity for determining and recording the geographical position of an image sensor; d. a module for determining and recording LOS angle of image data relative to the image sensor; e. a mechanism for adjusting the LOS angle relative to the image sensor; f. a flight management system or ground control unit (GCU) to control the air vehicle in flight; g. said air vehicle, being connected by a radio up/down link capable of transmitting images of the object, geographical position of image sensor and LOS angle of image as data in an electronic data format from the air vehicle to the GCU, said GCU incorporating a radio up and down link being capable of transmitting flight control, LOS adjustment and image processing instructions from an operator to the air vehicle; h. said GCU incorporating an image management unit capable of processing and storing images of received from the air vehicle identifying potential objects of interest for subsequent operator review, determining the geographic location of the object and tracking the object's location; i. said image management unit being connected to a display and control interface constructed to visually display images from the air vehicle to the operator in real time or store images for subsequent operator review; j. said display and control interface being constructed to allow direct control of the air vehicle, by the operator via the GCU radio uplink.