Decision fusion using virtual dictionary-based sparse representation for robust SAR automatic target recognition

Abstract

Sparse representation displays remarkable characteristics when applied to image processing and classification. The critical point in the success of sparse representation-based classification is to learn an authentic dictionary. The present study proposes a virtual dictionary-based sparse representation for automatic target recognition. Based on the properties of the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, some low complexity modules including adding speckle noise, histogram equalisation mapping, and bicubic interpolation are applied to construct some virtual compact dictionaries using Fisher discriminative dictionary learning. These dictionaries have different discriminative information on targets, which are used independently in several sparse representation-based classifiers. The reconstruction error vectors of the latter classifiers are then combined to recognise the target using decision fusion. Based on experimental results obtained drawing upon moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition data set, the proposed method presents the highest accuracy in classification reported yet in the literature. Furthermore, the procedure improves the recognition robustness against most commonly extended operating conditions, e.g. speckle noise corruption, depression angle variation and reduced training set. Accordingly, the current study claims a robust parallel method of high real-time ability in the target recognition of SAR images applicable to practical situations. © 2020 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.