Rotation-invariant target recognition in LADAR range imagery using model matching approach

Shape index is introduced to explore the target recognition problem from laser radar (Ladar) range imagery. A raw Ladar scene range image is transformed into a height-range image and a horizontal-range image. Then they are compared with a model library in which every model target includes six selected samples based on the principles of raising recognition rate and shortening computation time. We experimentally demonstrate that the proposed recognition approach can resolve the out-of-plane and rotation-invariant target recognition problem with a high recognition rate.