Until now, most optical pattern recognition filters have been designed to process one image at a time. However, in image sequences, successive frames are highly correlated, so that it is useful to take this correlation into account while designing the filter. We develop a target tracking processor following this method. The images are assumed to consist of a moving object appearing against a moving background. A model that takes into account two successive frames is designed. From this model we determine the maximum-likelihood processor for tracking the object from one frame to the next. Since this processor is based on correlation operations, it could be implemented on a hybrid optoelectronic system that makes use of the rapidity of optical correlation. # 1997 Optical Society of America [S0740-3232(97)02412-5]
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