Abstract
In this paper, we propose a small target enhancement and detection method for infrared (IR) images in complex backgrounds. The detection of targets obtained from infrared search and track systems is very important in the military field. However, the accurate detection of small targets in complex backgrounds with a variety of clutter and sensor noise remains difficult. Therefore, with the aim of enhancing and detecting small targets in complex backgrounds, the proposed method applies a saliency map to enhance targets using their shape and temperature information. Additionally, a target detection technique is proposed that uses image intensity and distance information. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can efficiently enhance and detect targets in various IR images.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Kim, S.H., Lee, J.H.: Scale invariant small target detection by optimizing signal-to-clutter ratio in heterogeneous background for infrared search and track. Pattern Recogn. 45, 393 (2012)
Aviram, G., Rotman, S.R.: Analyzing the improving effect of modeled histogram enhancement on human target detection performance of infrared images. Infrared Phys. Technol. 41, 163 (2000)
Stark, J.A.: Adaptive image contrast enhancement using generalizations of histogram equalization. IEEE Trans. Image Process. 9, 889 (2000)
Wang, B.J., Liu, S.Q., Li, Q., Zhou, H.X.: A real-time contrast enhancement algorithm for infrared images based on plateau histogram. Infrared Phys. Technol. 48, 77 (2006)
Bai, X., Zhou, F., Xie, Y.: New class of top-hat transformation to enhance infrared small targets. J. Electron. Imaging 17, 030501 (2008)
Kim, S.H.: Double layered-background removal filter for detecting small infrared targets in heterogenous backgrounds. J. Infrared Millimeter Terahertz Waves 32, 79 (2011)
Kim, S.H., Yang, Y.Y., Lee, J.Y., Park, Y.C.: Small target detection utilizing robust methods of the human visual system for IRST. J. Infrared Millimeter Terahertz Waves 30, 994 (2009)
Ardouin, J.P.: Point source detection based on point spread function symmetry. Opt. Eng. 32, 2156 (1993)
Gonzalez, R.C., Woods, R.E.: Digital Image Processing, 2nd edn., p. 235. Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey (2002)
Oten, R., de Figueiredo, R.J.P.: Adaptive alpha-trimmed mean filters under deviations from assumed noise model. IEEE Trans. Image Process. 13(5), 627 (2004)
Xiong, X., Choi, B.J.: Comparative analysis of detection algorithms for corner and blob features in image processing. Int. J. Fuzzy Logic Intell. Syst. 13, 284 (2013)
Lindeberg, T.: Detecting salient blob-like image structures and their scales with a scale-space primal sketch: a method for focus-of-attention. Int. J. Comput. Vision 11, 283 (1993)
Lindeberg, T.: Feature detection with automatic scale selection. Int. J. Comput. Vision 30, 79 (1998)
Lindeberg, T.: Image matching using generalized scale-space interest points. Scale Space Var. Methods Comput. Vision Lect. Notes Comput. Sci. 7893, 355 (2013)
Lowe, D.G.: Distinctive image features from scale-invariant keypoints. Int. J. Comput. Vision 60, 91 (2004)
Catarious Jr, D.M., Baydush, A.H., Floyd Jr, C.E.: Characterization of difference of Gaussian filters in the detection of mammographic regions. Med. Phys. 33, 4104 (2006)
Kim, D.S.: A blob scale detection method using profile characteristics. J. KIISE Softw. Appl. 39(2), 133 (2012) (in Korean)
Zhang, P., Li, J.: Neural-network-based single-frame detection of dim spot target in infrared images. Opt. Eng. 46, 076401 (2007)
Wang, X., Lv, G., Xu, L.: Infrared dim target detection based on visual attention. Infrared Phys. Technol. 55, 513 (2012)
Birch, P., Mitra, B., Bangalore, N.M., Rehman, S., Young, R., Ctatwin, C.: Approximate bandpass and frequency response models of the difference of Gaussian filter. Opt. Commun. 283, 4942 (2010)
Pukelsheim, F.: The three sigma rule. Am. Stat. 48, 88 (1994)
Sun, S.G., Park, H.W.: Segmentation of forward-looking infrared image using fuzzy thresholding and edge detection. Opt. Eng. 40, 2638 (2001)
Lee, H.Y., Kim, T.H., Park, K.H.: Target extraction in forward-looking infrared images using fuzzy thresholding via local region analysis. Opt. Rev. 18(5), 383 (2011)
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) Grant funded by the Korean Government (No. NRF-2013R1A1A2007984).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lee, E., Gu, E. & Park, K. Effective small target enhancement and detection in infrared images using saliency map and image intensity. Opt Rev 22, 659–668 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10043-015-0110-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10043-015-0110-9