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Compressive video measurements can save bandwidth and data storage. However, conventional approaches to target detection require the compressive measurements to be reconstructed before any detectors are applied. This is not only time consuming but also may lose information in the reconstruction process. In this paper, we summarized the application of a recent approach to vehicle detection and classification directly in the compressive measurement domain to human targets. The raw videos were collected using a pixel-wise code exposure (PCE) camera, which condensed multiple frames into one frame. A combination of two deep learning-based algorithms (you only look once (YOLO) and residual network (ResNet)) was used for detection and confirmation. Optical and mid-wave infrared (MWIR) videos from a well-known database (SENSIAC) were used in our experiments. Extensive experiments demonstrated that the proposed framework was feasible for target detection up to 1500 m, but target confirmation needs more research. 

The pixel-wise code exposure (PCE) camera is a compressive sensing camera that has several advantages, such as low power consumption and high compression ratio.Moreover, one notable advantage is the capability to control individual pixel exposure time. Conventional approaches of using PCE cameras involve a time-consuming and lossy process to reconstruct the original frames and then use those frames for target tracking and classification. Otherwise, conventional approaches will fail if compressive measurements are used. In this paper, we present a deep learning approach that directly performs target tracking and classification in the compressive measurement domain without any frame reconstruction. Our approach has two parts: tracking and classification. The tracking has been done via detection using You Only Look Once (YOLO), and the classification is achieved using residual network (ResNet). Extensive simulations using short-wave infrared (SWIR) videos demonstrated the efficacy of our proposed approach. 

Abstract Located on the campus of the Thacher School in Southern California, the Thacher Observatory has a legacy of astronomy research and education that dates back to the late 1950s. In 2016, the observatory was fully renovated with upgrades including a new 0.7 m telescope, a research grade camera, and a slit dome with full automation capabilities. The low-elevation site is bordered by the Los Padres National Forest and therefore affords dark to very dark skies allowing for accurate and precise photometric observations. We present a characterization of the site including sky brightness, weather, and seeing, and we demonstrate the on-sky performance of the facility. Our primary research programs are based around our multi-band photometric capabilities and include photometric monitoring of variable sources, a nearby supernova search and followup program, a quick response transient followup effort, and exoplanet and eclipsing binary light curves. Select results from these programs are included in this work which highlight the broad range of science available to an automated observatory with a moderately sized telescope.