Ulf Ekblad has worked with studies and analysis of military space problems and issues in order to assess threats and possibilities with space technology. It concerned various areas: image processing and analysis of satellite imagery, satellite communication, space-based verification techniques, observation of objects and activities in space, etc. In that capacity, he was adviser to the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. About 80 articles and reports on military space problems and issues are among his production. In 2006, he became Deputy Research Director at the National Defence Research Establishment. The same year, he was member of a Ph.D. examination committee. Later work concerns history of science, microhistory, and genealogy.
Raketdelar, skruvar och färgflagor ökar risken för krockar. Hur svärmen av uttjänta satelliter, r... more Raketdelar, skruvar och färgflagor ökar risken för krockar. Hur svärmen av uttjänta satelliter, raketdelar och skrot påverkar den framtida användningen av rymden runt jorden diskuteras. Likaså argumenteras för att utvecklingen av den accelererande ökningen av antalet rymdskrot måste vändas och vad som behövs för att åstadkomma detta.
The report has been produced within the Project “Rules of Assessment”. The purpose is that it sho... more The report has been produced within the Project “Rules of Assessment”. The purpose is that it should be used within the study activities of the Armed Forces as a basis for judging threats against various satellite systems. It gives a general view of the space environment together with what weapons systems can be used against satellite systems. Also weapons threats from space against the ground are mentioned. The report gives a general picture of existing technical possibilities as well as their construction possibilities. However, no remarks are made on outcomes in combat situations. Today, in 2000, probably no nation has capacity to destroy satellites and it will be a long time before other nations than the superpowers will have weapons for this purpose. Individual satellites in low Earth orbits will be the first exposed. With time, however, the threat against other satellites will also increase. Apart from elimination of ground facilities, the most serious threat comes from jamming of satellite links. Jamming measures against satellite communication systems would affect the civilian society as well as combatant parties. However, it is doubtful if it would be cost effective to try to prevent a combatant to use satellite communication. Some satellite communication systems will therefore probably remain operational during wars and crises.
The Unified Cortical Model (UCM), or UCM algorithm, is presented. It is a reduced set of equation... more The Unified Cortical Model (UCM), or UCM algorithm, is presented. It is a reduced set of equations of the Pulse-Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) model. The UCM algorithm is especially designed for detecting changes in images.
The UCM is used to detect motion in a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky. The UCM ... more The UCM is used to detect motion in a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky. The UCM algorithm is shown to be useful even when there is a deficiency in reference points.
The intersecting cortical model (ICM) is a model based on neural network techniques especially de... more The intersecting cortical model (ICM) is a model based on neural network techniques especially designed for image processing. It was derived from several visual cortex models and is basically the intersection of these models, i.e. the common elements amongst these models. The theoretical foundation of the ICM is given and it is shown how the ICM can be derived as a reduced set of equations of the pulse-coupled neural network based upon models proposed by Eckhorn and Reitboeck. Tests of the ICM are presented: one on a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky; two on car detection; and one on preparations of underground nuclear explosions. The ICM is shown here, in a few examples, to be useful in imagery change detection: aircraft moving against a homogeneous background without precise geometric matching; car on a road; two cars moving in an urban setting without precise geometric matching; and for a linear structure in a complex background. The ICM can be used when the moving objects are not too small and the background is not too difficult. Changes involving larger linear structures can be detected even if the background is not homogeneous.
Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A-accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2004
The Intersecting Cortical Model (ICM), or ICM algorithm, is presented. It is a reduced set of equ... more The Intersecting Cortical Model (ICM), or ICM algorithm, is presented. It is a reduced set of equations of the Pulse-Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) model. The ICM algorithm is especially designed for enhancing features without sharp edges or straight lines in images. The ICM is tested on a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky in order to detect its motion. The ICM algorithm is shown to be useful even when there is a deficiency in reference points. In another test, the ICM is applied to two images taken from a helicopter over a town area.
Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A-accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2004
The intersecting cortical model (ICM) is a model based on neural network techniques especially de... more The intersecting cortical model (ICM) is a model based on neural network techniques especially designed for image processing. It was derived from several visual cortex models and is basically the intersection of these models, i.e. the common elements amongst these models. The theoretical foundation of the ICM is given and it is shown how the ICM can be derived as a reduced set of equations of the pulse-coupled neural network based upon models proposed by Eckhorn and Reitboeck. Tests of the ICM are presented: one on a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky; two on car detection; and one on preparations of underground nuclear explosions. The ICM is shown here, in a few examples, to be useful in imagery change detection: aircraft moving against a homogeneous background without precise geometric matching; car on a road; two cars moving in an urban setting without precise geometric matching; and for a linear structure in a complex background. The ICM can be used when the moving objects are not too small and the background is not too difficult. Changes involving larger linear structures can be detected even if the background is not homogeneous.
While kids easily find 3-D objects like animals in a scene (e.g. a photograph), this is still not... more While kids easily find 3-D objects like animals in a scene (e.g. a photograph), this is still not the case for algorithms running on von Neumann computers or neural network chips. The present investigation has two goals: Finding “signatures” of the object in the scene and trying to find out at which observation angle the chance of correct identification is the best. By signatures we mean a vector of reasonable size (say 50 elements). Clearly a cow looks different from the back or from the side. A car is probably more easily identified viewed from the front than it is from above. For a plane it may be the other way around. Thus if we define a general but compact “signature” of the object, it will surely depend on the viewing angle. The problem of finding the most optimal viewing angle is dealt with in this paper.
This thesis addresses the problem of detecting military activities in imagery. Examples of variou... more This thesis addresses the problem of detecting military activities in imagery. Examples of various techniques are presented. In particular, problems associated with "novelties" and "changes" in an image are discussed and various algorithms presented. New findings from bio informatics and studies of small mammal visual systems are used. The Intersecting Cortical Model (ICM), which is a reduced variant of the Pulse-Coupled Neural Network (PCNN), is used on various problems among which are change detection. Simulated satellite imagery is used for determining the resolution limit for detection of tanks. Difference techniques are also tested on Landsat satellite imagery with the purpose of detecting underground nuclear explosions. Satellite imagery from SPOT is used for detecting underground nuclear explosions prior to the detonations. Furthermore, the necessity for having complementary information in order to be able to interpret images is also shown.
During several decades, space-based functions have been integrated in almost all human activities... more During several decades, space-based functions have been integrated in almost all human activities, both civilian and military. Information gathering from space is widely accepted in all situations, military as well as security political. Within a network centric defence, the importance of obtaining, from space-based systems, information contributing to the common situation awareness is increasing in importance. Satellite communications will constitute a vital method, either as an alternative or as a complement, for maintaining communication in a network centric defence. Satellite navigation constitutes almost a necessity for international operations. In the report, without going into details, some basic principles and notions (elements) are explained. Also treated are satellite orbits, how imaging is done from space, and something about communication and signals intelligence. The report treats satellite movements, imaging, communication, and signals intelligence. In several appendices, short explanations of concepts and terminology concerning satellites and sensors are given. There is also a list of frequently occurring abbreviations as well as tables of divisions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Med anledning av att det år 2011 är 450 år sedan Thomas Fincke föddes i Flensborg vill den här ar... more Med anledning av att det år 2011 är 450 år sedan Thomas Fincke föddes i Flensborg vill den här artikeln lyfta fram en naturvetenskapsman under renässancen. Under andra halvan av hans 95-åriga liv var han en av centralpersonerna i de ventenskapliga kretsarna i København och blev stamfar för ett stort antal vetenskapsmän. Fincke var läkare, matematiker, astronom (och astrolog) och under 65 år professor i flera ämnen vid Københavns universitet samt där ockå fem gånger vald till rektor. Tyngdpunkten här läggs vid de personhistoriska uppgifterna.
Bombningen av Köpenhamn 1807, början på det nuvarande dominerande dansk-svenska sockerraffinaderi... more Bombningen av Köpenhamn 1807, början på det nuvarande dominerande dansk-svenska sockerraffinaderiet och kyrkan Vor Frelser förenas genom Otto Fabricius och hans son Hans Ditlev.
Den adliga danska släkten Neergaards ankomst och första tid i Sverige beskrivs. Bland annat beskr... more Den adliga danska släkten Neergaards ankomst och första tid i Sverige beskrivs. Bland annat beskrivs Svalövsgårdens betydelse för uppkomsten av den svenska växtförädlingen.
Kopplingarna, genom ett par giftermål, mellan släkterna Bonaparte, Moltke och Neergaard beskrivs.... more Kopplingarna, genom ett par giftermål, mellan släkterna Bonaparte, Moltke och Neergaard beskrivs. Louise-Eugénie Bonaparte-Patterson av den furstliga franska släkten Bonaparte gifte sig 1896 med Adam Moltke-Hvitfeldt av den grevliga danska släkten Moltke. Joachim Moltke gifte sig 1797 med Ellen Bruun de Neergaard av den adliga danska släkten Neergaard.
In order to enhance the security in space, the importance of space weapons monitoring is stressed... more In order to enhance the security in space, the importance of space weapons monitoring is stressed and various measures for space arms control are discussed. In this context, the space debris problem is mentioned. Six types of space weapons, i.e. weapons in space, are briefly described. Three types of monitoring techniques, namely weapon monitoring, monitoring testing, and monitoring the effects of weapons, are described. Apart from these non-cooperative techniques cooperative techniques, using e.g. tags, are mentioned. Lastly, organizational aspects on CBM (Confidence-Building Measures) in space in relation to space treaties are discussed.
Raketdelar, skruvar och färgflagor ökar risken för krockar. Hur svärmen av uttjänta satelliter, r... more Raketdelar, skruvar och färgflagor ökar risken för krockar. Hur svärmen av uttjänta satelliter, raketdelar och skrot påverkar den framtida användningen av rymden runt jorden diskuteras. Likaså argumenteras för att utvecklingen av den accelererande ökningen av antalet rymdskrot måste vändas och vad som behövs för att åstadkomma detta.
The report has been produced within the Project “Rules of Assessment”. The purpose is that it sho... more The report has been produced within the Project “Rules of Assessment”. The purpose is that it should be used within the study activities of the Armed Forces as a basis for judging threats against various satellite systems. It gives a general view of the space environment together with what weapons systems can be used against satellite systems. Also weapons threats from space against the ground are mentioned. The report gives a general picture of existing technical possibilities as well as their construction possibilities. However, no remarks are made on outcomes in combat situations. Today, in 2000, probably no nation has capacity to destroy satellites and it will be a long time before other nations than the superpowers will have weapons for this purpose. Individual satellites in low Earth orbits will be the first exposed. With time, however, the threat against other satellites will also increase. Apart from elimination of ground facilities, the most serious threat comes from jamming of satellite links. Jamming measures against satellite communication systems would affect the civilian society as well as combatant parties. However, it is doubtful if it would be cost effective to try to prevent a combatant to use satellite communication. Some satellite communication systems will therefore probably remain operational during wars and crises.
The Unified Cortical Model (UCM), or UCM algorithm, is presented. It is a reduced set of equation... more The Unified Cortical Model (UCM), or UCM algorithm, is presented. It is a reduced set of equations of the Pulse-Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) model. The UCM algorithm is especially designed for detecting changes in images.
The UCM is used to detect motion in a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky. The UCM ... more The UCM is used to detect motion in a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky. The UCM algorithm is shown to be useful even when there is a deficiency in reference points.
The intersecting cortical model (ICM) is a model based on neural network techniques especially de... more The intersecting cortical model (ICM) is a model based on neural network techniques especially designed for image processing. It was derived from several visual cortex models and is basically the intersection of these models, i.e. the common elements amongst these models. The theoretical foundation of the ICM is given and it is shown how the ICM can be derived as a reduced set of equations of the pulse-coupled neural network based upon models proposed by Eckhorn and Reitboeck. Tests of the ICM are presented: one on a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky; two on car detection; and one on preparations of underground nuclear explosions. The ICM is shown here, in a few examples, to be useful in imagery change detection: aircraft moving against a homogeneous background without precise geometric matching; car on a road; two cars moving in an urban setting without precise geometric matching; and for a linear structure in a complex background. The ICM can be used when the moving objects are not too small and the background is not too difficult. Changes involving larger linear structures can be detected even if the background is not homogeneous.
Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A-accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2004
The Intersecting Cortical Model (ICM), or ICM algorithm, is presented. It is a reduced set of equ... more The Intersecting Cortical Model (ICM), or ICM algorithm, is presented. It is a reduced set of equations of the Pulse-Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) model. The ICM algorithm is especially designed for enhancing features without sharp edges or straight lines in images. The ICM is tested on a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky in order to detect its motion. The ICM algorithm is shown to be useful even when there is a deficiency in reference points. In another test, the ICM is applied to two images taken from a helicopter over a town area.
Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A-accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2004
The intersecting cortical model (ICM) is a model based on neural network techniques especially de... more The intersecting cortical model (ICM) is a model based on neural network techniques especially designed for image processing. It was derived from several visual cortex models and is basically the intersection of these models, i.e. the common elements amongst these models. The theoretical foundation of the ICM is given and it is shown how the ICM can be derived as a reduced set of equations of the pulse-coupled neural network based upon models proposed by Eckhorn and Reitboeck. Tests of the ICM are presented: one on a series of images of an aircraft moving in the sky; two on car detection; and one on preparations of underground nuclear explosions. The ICM is shown here, in a few examples, to be useful in imagery change detection: aircraft moving against a homogeneous background without precise geometric matching; car on a road; two cars moving in an urban setting without precise geometric matching; and for a linear structure in a complex background. The ICM can be used when the moving objects are not too small and the background is not too difficult. Changes involving larger linear structures can be detected even if the background is not homogeneous.
While kids easily find 3-D objects like animals in a scene (e.g. a photograph), this is still not... more While kids easily find 3-D objects like animals in a scene (e.g. a photograph), this is still not the case for algorithms running on von Neumann computers or neural network chips. The present investigation has two goals: Finding “signatures” of the object in the scene and trying to find out at which observation angle the chance of correct identification is the best. By signatures we mean a vector of reasonable size (say 50 elements). Clearly a cow looks different from the back or from the side. A car is probably more easily identified viewed from the front than it is from above. For a plane it may be the other way around. Thus if we define a general but compact “signature” of the object, it will surely depend on the viewing angle. The problem of finding the most optimal viewing angle is dealt with in this paper.
This thesis addresses the problem of detecting military activities in imagery. Examples of variou... more This thesis addresses the problem of detecting military activities in imagery. Examples of various techniques are presented. In particular, problems associated with "novelties" and "changes" in an image are discussed and various algorithms presented. New findings from bio informatics and studies of small mammal visual systems are used. The Intersecting Cortical Model (ICM), which is a reduced variant of the Pulse-Coupled Neural Network (PCNN), is used on various problems among which are change detection. Simulated satellite imagery is used for determining the resolution limit for detection of tanks. Difference techniques are also tested on Landsat satellite imagery with the purpose of detecting underground nuclear explosions. Satellite imagery from SPOT is used for detecting underground nuclear explosions prior to the detonations. Furthermore, the necessity for having complementary information in order to be able to interpret images is also shown.
During several decades, space-based functions have been integrated in almost all human activities... more During several decades, space-based functions have been integrated in almost all human activities, both civilian and military. Information gathering from space is widely accepted in all situations, military as well as security political. Within a network centric defence, the importance of obtaining, from space-based systems, information contributing to the common situation awareness is increasing in importance. Satellite communications will constitute a vital method, either as an alternative or as a complement, for maintaining communication in a network centric defence. Satellite navigation constitutes almost a necessity for international operations. In the report, without going into details, some basic principles and notions (elements) are explained. Also treated are satellite orbits, how imaging is done from space, and something about communication and signals intelligence. The report treats satellite movements, imaging, communication, and signals intelligence. In several appendices, short explanations of concepts and terminology concerning satellites and sensors are given. There is also a list of frequently occurring abbreviations as well as tables of divisions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Med anledning av att det år 2011 är 450 år sedan Thomas Fincke föddes i Flensborg vill den här ar... more Med anledning av att det år 2011 är 450 år sedan Thomas Fincke föddes i Flensborg vill den här artikeln lyfta fram en naturvetenskapsman under renässancen. Under andra halvan av hans 95-åriga liv var han en av centralpersonerna i de ventenskapliga kretsarna i København och blev stamfar för ett stort antal vetenskapsmän. Fincke var läkare, matematiker, astronom (och astrolog) och under 65 år professor i flera ämnen vid Københavns universitet samt där ockå fem gånger vald till rektor. Tyngdpunkten här läggs vid de personhistoriska uppgifterna.
Bombningen av Köpenhamn 1807, början på det nuvarande dominerande dansk-svenska sockerraffinaderi... more Bombningen av Köpenhamn 1807, början på det nuvarande dominerande dansk-svenska sockerraffinaderiet och kyrkan Vor Frelser förenas genom Otto Fabricius och hans son Hans Ditlev.
Den adliga danska släkten Neergaards ankomst och första tid i Sverige beskrivs. Bland annat beskr... more Den adliga danska släkten Neergaards ankomst och första tid i Sverige beskrivs. Bland annat beskrivs Svalövsgårdens betydelse för uppkomsten av den svenska växtförädlingen.
Kopplingarna, genom ett par giftermål, mellan släkterna Bonaparte, Moltke och Neergaard beskrivs.... more Kopplingarna, genom ett par giftermål, mellan släkterna Bonaparte, Moltke och Neergaard beskrivs. Louise-Eugénie Bonaparte-Patterson av den furstliga franska släkten Bonaparte gifte sig 1896 med Adam Moltke-Hvitfeldt av den grevliga danska släkten Moltke. Joachim Moltke gifte sig 1797 med Ellen Bruun de Neergaard av den adliga danska släkten Neergaard.
In order to enhance the security in space, the importance of space weapons monitoring is stressed... more In order to enhance the security in space, the importance of space weapons monitoring is stressed and various measures for space arms control are discussed. In this context, the space debris problem is mentioned. Six types of space weapons, i.e. weapons in space, are briefly described. Three types of monitoring techniques, namely weapon monitoring, monitoring testing, and monitoring the effects of weapons, are described. Apart from these non-cooperative techniques cooperative techniques, using e.g. tags, are mentioned. Lastly, organizational aspects on CBM (Confidence-Building Measures) in space in relation to space treaties are discussed.
Militära tillämpningar av rymdteknik var tidigt en av de främsta drivkrafterna bakom rymdtekniken... more Militära tillämpningar av rymdteknik var tidigt en av de främsta drivkrafterna bakom rymdteknikens utveckling och fortfarande är militär användning av rymden omfattande. Här berättas om militär användning av satelliter; om rymden som miljö, d.v.s. vilka hot som finns där för satelliter; och om risker från rymden.
Image information content and changes in imagery are discussed. Of four methods for detecting cha... more Image information content and changes in imagery are discussed. Of four methods for detecting changes (pixel subtraction, edge segment matching, the dipole method, and the Unified Cortical Model (UCM)) discussed, the UCM technique is tested on detection of a flying aircraft.
This paper will discuss space technology in general and how it may affect the transatlantic link.... more This paper will discuss space technology in general and how it may affect the transatlantic link. The consequences of the proliferation of information gathering satellites, and the dissemination of high-resolution satellite imagery will be dealt with. Space technology will be discussed from a European perspective. This involves the transatlantic link since the major space power is the United States. Aspects of information warfare (IW) will, however, not be addressed and discussed specifically.
In the essay a short description of the biological systems that are the models of artificial neur... more In the essay a short description of the biological systems that are the models of artificial neural networks is given before a general, but brief, overview of artificial neural networks. After these fundamental background concepts, radial basis functions are described. The main part of the essay treats radial basis function networks. It starts with the descriptions of the RBFNs (Radial Basis Function Networks) by presenting the theory and it ends with some brief accounts applications of RBFNs. The applications consist often of simulations of real applications. These simulations are then shown to what an extent the RBFNs may be useful and whether they present any advantages over artificial neural networks not of the RBFN type.
Boken är en spännande berättelse om sjömannen Emanuel Wennerbergs liv kring sekelskiftet 1900 och... more Boken är en spännande berättelse om sjömannen Emanuel Wennerbergs liv kring sekelskiftet 1900 och om hur det var att arbeta i Kongo under tiden då nuvarande Demokratiska republiken Kongo var Fristaten Kongo och sedermera Belgiska Kongo. Berättelsen om Emanuel Wennerbergs liv börjar på 1880-talet hemma i Södra Mellby på Österlenkusten i Skåne och slutar med hans död efter första världskriget. Hans karriär startade på de stora segelfartygens tid. Större delen av sin tid som sjöman var han dock kapten på ångfartyg på Kongofloden. Ett stort antal svenska sjömän tjänstgjorde, under slutet av 1800-talet och början av 1900-talet, i olika befattningar på Kongofloden. Det var en fruktansvärd period för den inhemska befolkningen och för de européer som arbetade där var tillvaron ingalunda ofarlig. Genom att utnyttja ett stort antal olika källor (som arkiv, vykort och fotoalbum) får man en bild av hans liv. Emanuels fartyg från Sverige, Danmark och Storbritannien samt de på Kongofloden beskrivs. Emanuels fotoalbum med porträtt över släkt, vänner och kollegor finns bevarad och information om dessa personer ges.
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