A fast, accurate, cross-modality image geo-registration and target/object detection algorithm
Troy McKay, Herb L. Hirsch · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2013
CACI’s registration and target/object detection algorithm, called “TWIST” for “TWo-axis Image Sorting Technique,” departs from traditional methods. It does not analyze phase relationships or typical spatial features. Rather, it uniquely interprets image complexity, permitting cross-modality (SAR to Visual, for example) operation, and quickly extracts features which reveal the registration location of the sought target or object area. Registering sensor images to geo-referenced images achieves geo-location. It operates at video-rates with no special hardware. We define the algorithm mathematically, compare it to other registration or target/object recognition methods, and apply it to imagery to demonstrate its accuracy and speed. We also discuss anticipated future enhancements.