Infrared Patch-Image Model For Small Target Detection and Tracking in Space Activities

The robust detection and tracking of small infrared targets is one of the key techniques in space activities. In this paper, the infrared patch-image model for small target detection is used to recognize re-entry capsule, as an advance study of the computer-assisted control of the present manual photoelectric theodolite. Firstly, the small infrared target characteristics of the re-entry capsule are introduced. Next, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the infrared patch-image model different patch size and sliding steps are checked with a sequence of synthesized images. The results show that infrared patch-image model with appropriate patch size and sliding step is a completely valid approach for re-entry capsule identification and tracking. Two identification videos are completed by identifying small targets in two sets of single frame images. Finally, prospects of using the infrared patch-image model for other space activities are put forward.