Experimental set up for generating database for recognition of aircraft images

This paper describes an experimental set up for generating database of model aircraft images. The database thus obtained is useful in validating image processing algorithms used in aircraft image recognition. The physical models are prepared from the three dimensional (3D) Computer Aided Design (CAD) models of aircraft by using Rapid Prototyping (RP) Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) machine. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic material is used for the physical models. Five types of models are printed for the sample database, viz., Mirage 2000, P51 Mustang, F-16 Fighting Falcon, G1-Fokker and MIG25-F. The experimental set up for generating database of model aircraft images consists of a 89C2051 microcontroller based 3D-movement controlling mechanism for capturing images of the aircraft models. Three stepper motors are used in the system to simulate yaw, pitch and roll movements of aircraft model. These motors can be rotated clockwise or anticlockwise independently to any desired angular position. A program has been developed in the assembly language of AT89C2051 microcontroller using Keil software to activate the stepper motors. A digital camera is mounted at predefined location to capture the 3D maneuvering of the aircraft models. Finally, validation of both phase correlation and colour based image detection algorithms are made using this experimental set up.