Real-time detection of small and dim moving objects in IR video sequences using a robust background estimator and a noise-adaptive double thresholding

Andrea Zingoni; Marco Diani; Giovanni Corsini

doi:10.1117/12.2241259

21 October 2016 Real-time detection of small and dim moving objects in IR video sequences using a robust background estimator and a noise-adaptive double thresholding

Andrea Zingoni, Marco Diani, Giovanni Corsini

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Proceedings Volume 9988, Electro-Optical Remote Sensing X; 99880L (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241259
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

We developed an algorithm for automatically detecting small and poorly contrasted (dim) moving objects in real-time, within video sequences acquired through a steady infrared camera. The algorithm is suitable for different situations since it is independent of the background characteristics and of changes in illumination. Unlike other solutions, small objects of any size (up to single-pixel), either hotter or colder than the background, can be successfully detected. The algorithm is based on accurately estimating the background at the pixel level and then rejecting it. A novel approach permits background estimation to be robust to changes in the scene illumination and to noise, and not to be biased by the transit of moving objects. Care was taken in avoiding computationally costly procedures, in order to ensure the real-time performance even using low-cost hardware. The algorithm was tested on a dataset of 12 video sequences acquired in different conditions, providing promising results in terms of detection rate and false alarm rate, independently of background and objects characteristics. In addition, the detection map was produced frame by frame in real-time, using cheap commercial hardware. The algorithm is particularly suitable for applications in the fields of video-surveillance and computer vision. Its reliability and speed permit it to be used also in critical situations, like in search and rescue, defence and disaster monitoring.

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Andrea Zingoni, Marco Diani, and Giovanni Corsini "Real-time detection of small and dim moving objects in IR video sequences using a robust background estimator and a noise-adaptive double thresholding", Proc. SPIE 9988, Electro-Optical Remote Sensing X, 99880L (21 October 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241259

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KEYWORDS

Video

Infrared cameras

Detection and tracking algorithms

Cameras

Algorithm development

Signal to noise ratio

Video surveillance

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