Range performance models of infrared imaging systems: developmental background and view into the future

This paper provides an overview of the development of different models to determine the range performance of infrared imaging systems. It starts with the grassroots of the motivation of these models to be able to compare the detection, recognition and identification ranges of different infrared imaging systems. With the development of these imaging systems further progress of the performance models were needed and will be described. The rapidly evolving complexity of imaging systems leads to a more divers approach to the comparison of these new systems. I will supply some examples to conquer the new challenges in the development of image enhancement procedures.