Infrared detection technology of the dim point target in complex background

Abstract

The infrared detection technology of the dim point target in complex background is of great significance to the development of infrared search and tracking (IRST) systems, precision guidance and other fields. The dim point target at the long distance occupies very few pixels in the infrared image, and there is no detail and texture feature. Moreover, the imaging process is always affected by the nonuniform noise, complex clouds, atmospheric radiation, and other factors, which usually lead to the radiation intensities of non-target areas such as some scenes in the infrared image over the din point target, resulting in the phenomenon of target loss or false alarm caused by the clutter in dim point target detection. Therefore, the dim point target detection in complex background is a very difficult but practical subject. Generally, a perfect point target detection method needs the higher precision in both the hardware system and the software algorithm. To obtain a predictable and stable detection performance, system designers tend to design a constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detector, which is also quite necessary for the IRST systems. Finally, the target confirmation should be carried out in the continuous tracking of the several candidate targets. The relationship between the point target detection and the target tracking is a complementary process, which may need to be carried out at the same time. On balance, the point target detection software algorithm has higher requirements of low complexity and easy implementation in real-time systems.