Fifty-percent probability of identification (N₅₀) comparison for targets in the visible and infrared spectral bands

We describe a comparison of target identification performance between targets in the IR and visible bands. Increasing levels of Gaussian blur are applied to 12 varying viewpoint aspects of 12 targets in both the IR and visible spectra. Results are analyzed as a function of blur level and target size to give identification probability as a function of resolvable cycles on target. Probability curves for the IR and visible results are compared and the 50% probabilities of identification (N₅₀) are estimated for both cases. The results show that there is a significant difference in the target acquisition characteristics in the visible and IR wavebands.