Mark Randall Thurman

US Patent:

61044296, Aug 15, 2000

Filed:

Feb 23, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/393528

Inventors:

Mark Thurman - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

Raytheon Company - Lexington MA

International Classification:

H04N 530

US Classification:

348162

Abstract:

A tracking system (200) adapted to receive input imagery and provide standard television format video input signals in response thereto. The video input signals are processed (228) to provide intermediate analog and digital signals. The intermediate analog signals are further processed (239) to provide centroid tracking of a target. The intermediate digital signals are processed (236) to provide correlation tracking of the target. In a specific implementation, the standard television format video input signals are provided by a charge coupled device (214), a Vidicon camera, an infrared focal plane array, a Newvicon camera or other device which generates standard television format video signals. A video rotation circuit may be used to provide proper image orientation regardless of the mounting orientation of the system. The invention provides a tracking system which allows for the direct use of video signals from a camera or other signal by a digital processing system without the requirement for scan conversion.