Tensor diffusion level set method for infrared targets contours extraction

A tensor diffusion level set method is presented to extract infrared (IR) targets contour under a sky–mountain–water complex background. The proposed model combines tensor diffusion operator and the eigenvalues of tensor-image into a common energy minimization level set framework. By incorporating the information of image tensor diffusion operator into the external energy term, the level set function can move in a specific way. And eigenvalues of tensor-image are used for the regularization of zero level curves in order to diminish the influence of image ‘clutter’ and noise. An additional benefit of the proposed method is robust to initial conditions. Experimental results show very good performance of the tensor diffusion level set method for IR targets contours extraction.