Decision tree based FPGA-architecture for texture sea state classification

The target detection process in sea clutter background involves the use of different types of CFAR (Constant False Alarm Rate) algorithms. These algorithms and their parameters should be configured to obtain the maximum detection probability and minimum false alarm probability at the current sea state (Beaufort scale). This paper present an FPGA-architecture for automatic classification based on texture recognition of sea states. The sea state texture classification will allow select the appropriate CFAR algorithm and its parameters for the target detection process. The paper is centered in the hardware implementation for sea state texture classification, based on decision tree. The rules for decision tree are obtained from the analysis of the grey levels co-occurrence matrix features applied in an image of the sea state obtained in a radar scan. Results with simulated and real data are presented and discussed.