Modular wavelet-based vector quantization for automatic target recognition

An automatic target recognition (ATR) classifier is constructed that uses a set of dedicated vector quantizers (VQs). The background pixels in each input image are properly clipped out by a set of aspect windows. The extracted target area for each aspect window is then enlarged to a fixed size, after which a wavelet decomposition splits the enlarged extraction into several subbands A dedicated VQ codebook is generated for each subband of a particular target class at a specific range of aspects. Thus, each codebook consists of a set of feature templates that are iteratively adapted to represent a particular subband of a given target class at a specific range of aspects. These templates are then further trained by a modified learning vector quantization (LVQ) algorithm that enhances their discriminatory characteristics. Finally, a path selector is designed to speed up the recognition process with a tolerable degradation in recognition rate.