Hybrid neural networks for automatic target recognition

The paper presents a hybrid neural network system for automatic target recognition, or ATR. The ATR system uses a hybrid of a biological inspired neural net called the Pulse Coupled Neural Net, PCNN, and traditional feedforward neural nets. The PCNN is an iterative neural network in which, for example, a grey scale input image results in a 1D time signal invariant to rotation, scale and translation alternations. The PCNN can also extract edges, perform object segmentation and extract texture information. The PCNN pre-processor generates a 1D time signal that is input to a feedforward pattern recognition net.