Comparison of human and algorithmic target detection in passive infrared imagery

Bruce A. Weber; Meredith Hutchinson

doi:10.1117/12.484868

5 September 2003 Comparison of human and algorithmic target detection in passive infrared imagery

Bruce A. Weber, Meredith Hutchinson

Proceedings Volume 5075, Targets and Backgrounds IX: Characterization and Representation; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484868
Event: AeroSense 2003, 2003, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

We have designed an experiment that compares the performance of human observers and a scale-insensitive target detection algorithm that uses pixel level information for the detection of ground targets in passive infrared imagery. The test database contains targets near clutter whose detectability ranged from easy to very difficult. Results indicate that human observers detect more "easy-to-detect" targets, and with far fewer false alarms, than the algorithm. For "difficult-to-detect" targets, human and algorithm detection rates are considerably degraded, and algorithm false alarms excessive. Analysis of detections as a function of observer confidence shows that algorithm confidence attribution does not correspond to human attribution, and does not adequately correlate with correct detections. The best target detection score for any human observer was 84%, as compared to 55% for the algorithm for the same false alarm rate. At 81%, the maximum detection score for the algorithm, the same human observer had 6 false alarms per frame as compared to 29 for the algorithm. Detector ROC curves and observer-confidence analysis benchmarks the algorithm and provides insights into algorithm deficiencies and possible paths to improvement.

Citation Download Citation

Bruce A. Weber and Meredith Hutchinson "Comparison of human and algorithmic target detection in passive infrared imagery", Proc. SPIE 5075, Targets and Backgrounds IX: Characterization and Representation, (5 September 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484868

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available