Stabilization of a forward looking bow camera using photogrammetric measurements

Stabilization of images is required for many applications, these include target identification and tracking. Many methods of performing this stabilization exist, primarily classifiable as either software techniques or mechanical stabilization using external information such as an inertial reference system or geo-pointing system. The aim of this work is to investigate the feasibility of using only photogrammetric data obtained from a bow-mounted narrow field of view camera to mechanically stabilize the resultant image in rough sea conditions. This will allow the exclusion of inertial measurement equipment with its accuracy/expense trade off, yet still be able to stabilize the image in the presence of sea surge that places the target outside of the camera's nominal field of view. The experimental results obtained using a 3 axis ship motion simulator showed a 20 dB and 30 dB attenuation for roll and pitch respectively.