Visual attention and mean shift-based target detection and tracking method

The invention discloses a visual attention and mean shift-based target detection and tracking method. The method comprises the following the steps: firstly, extracting the salient region of a first frame image in an image sequence by using a visual attention method, and removing interferences of background factors to obtain a moving target; then, changing fixed bandwidth of a kernel function in a traditional mean shift method into dynamically changed bandwidth, and tracking the detected moving target by using an improved mean shift method. Shown by an experimental result, the visual attention and mean shift-based target detection and tracking method disclosed by the invention is suitable for infrared and visible image sequences, and better in tracking effect. Moreover, the positional information of the moving target also can be provided by the visual attention and mean shift-based target detection and tracking method disclosed by the invention, and thus, possibility is provided for accurate positioning of the target. The visual attention and mean shift-based target detection and tracking method has a broad application prospect in the military and civil field of night vision investigation, security and protection monitoring, and the like.