Investigating the validity of the networked imaging sensor model

Abstract

The Networked Imaging Sensor (NIS) model takes as input target acquisition probability as a function of time for individuals or individual imaging sensors, and outputs target acquisition probability for a collection of imaging sensors and individuals. System target acquisition takes place the moment the first sensor or individual acquires the target. The derivation of the NIS model implies it is applicable to multiple moving sensors and targets. The principal assumption of the NIS model is independence of events that give rise to input target acquisition probabilities. For investigating the validity of the NIS model, we consider a collection of single images where neither the sensor nor target is moving. This paper investigates the ability of the NIS model to predict system target acquisition performance when multiple observers view first and second Gen thermal imagery, field-of-view imagery that has either zero or one stationary target in a laboratory environment when observers have a maximum of 12, 17 or unlimited seconds to acquire the target. Modeled and measured target acquisition performance are in good agreement.