Overview
Most of the equations apply to all electro-optical imaging systems (hence the name of this book). The primary difference is how the target/background signature is described:delta T for the infrared and by reflectivities in the visible and near infrared regions. The methodology used in the Night Vision Thermal Imaging Systems Performance Model (NVTherm) also applies to performance predictions of visible and near infrared sensors (Chapter 19). The new models are: Solid State Cameras (SSCAM), Image Intensifiers MRC (IIMRC), and Image Intensified Charge Coupled Devices (IICCD).The material in most chapters is the same. Where appropriate, clarifications have been supplied. Up-to-date references (1999 to 2002) have been added. The Preface to the First Edition and Preface to the Second Edition (Abridged) immediately follow this preface. This edition discusses the visible, near infrared, and infrared models. NVTherm now incorporates atmospheric turbulence, prediction of the National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS), and slant path atmospheric transmission calculated by MODTRAN.
Based upon numerous recognition and identification experiments, various squeeze factors were evaluated. As a result, the MTF squeeze factor changed over the last few years (Chapter 14). Target/background mean temperature and standard deviations are used to produce a modified delta-T (Chapter 17).