METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TARGET DETECTION USING AN INFRA-RED SENSOR

A target detection and tracking system provides dynamic changing of the integration time (IT) for the system IR sensor within a discrete set of values to maintain a high sensor sensitivity. The system changes the integration time to the same or a different sensor integration time within the discrete set based on the image data output from the sensor satisfying pre-determined system parameter thresholds. The system includes an IT-related saturation prediction function allowing the system to avoid unnecessary system saturation when determining whether an IT change should be made. The tracking portion of the system provides tracking feedback allowing target objects with a low sensor signature to be detected without being obscured by nearby uninterested objects that produce system saturation.