Infrared Small Target Detection Method with Trajectory Correction Fuze Based on Infrared Image Sensor.

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Infrared Imaging Technology
• Target Detection Systems

Background:

• Robust detection of infrared small targets is challenging for trajectory correction fuzes due to complex backgrounds and diverse target characteristics.
• Traditional methods often struggle with noise and clutter, limiting detection performance in dynamic scenarios.
• The need for advanced detection techniques is critical for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of guided munitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel detection method for infrared small targets specifically for trajectory correction fuzes.
• To address the limitations of traditional methods by introducing a density-distance space approach combined with adaptive pixel growth.
• To evaluate the proposed method's effectiveness in terms of anti-noise, target size variability, multi-target scenarios, and clutter suppression.

Main Methods:

• Calculation of infrared image sensor parameters to establish detection boundaries.
• Application of a density-distance space method for identifying candidate targets.
• Utilization of the adaptive pixel growth (APG) algorithm for clutter suppression and real target identification.
• Experimental validation through equivalent detection, simulation, and hardware-in-loop testing.

Main Results:

• The infrared image sensor demonstrated a stable field of view during projectile rotation, enabling clear observation of small infrared targets.
• The proposed density-distance space method exhibited superior performance in anti-noise capabilities, detection of varied target sizes, and multi-target scenarios.
• The adaptive pixel growth algorithm effectively suppressed various types of clutter, leading to accurate real target detection.
• Comparative analysis showed the algorithm outperformed six other novel algorithms in detection performance while maintaining acceptable processing times.

Conclusions:

• The proposed density-distance space detection method, integrated with APG, is highly effective for infrared small target detection in trajectory correction fuzes.
• The method provides robust performance against noise and clutter, and is capable of detecting multiple targets of varying sizes.
• This advanced technique offers a significant improvement over existing algorithms, ensuring reliable target acquisition for guided munitions.