The majority of camouflage patterns have been designed subjectively with only the colour aspect conforming to certain constraints such as average colour and luminance. Given the power of modern computing it should be possible to design scenario specific camouflage from calibrated colour imagery. The Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency is at present working on such a system. This capability will allow us to design and test patterns in a digital environment before field trials are carried out. This system will allow us to design patterns for specific scenarios such as coniferous treelines. deciduous treelines, summer, winter etc. It should also lead to highly effective patterns, as early validation can be carried out using a target detection model followed by photosimulation using a digital implantation technique. Once validated in the digital environment a field trial using live observers can be carried out. In the design of a pattern, there are two major factors to take into account: the multi-level structure of a background and the many colours present. A method of designing scenario specific patterns needs to reduce the man)' hundreds of colours to a workable number of colour centres usually between three and six. There is also the need to assess the structure present and produce a structure for the pattern, which should be multi level to allow the pattern to be effective at various ranges. In this paper, we will review the results obtained from the initial study on reduction of the number of colours and colour centre choice. Keywords: Colour choice, patterning, optimisation routine

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