Journal Article

A Lightweight Man-Overboard Detection and Tracking Model Using Aerial Images for Maritime Search and Rescue

Yin, Yong, Tao, Qianyi, Zhang, Yijian

2024

Overview

Unmanned rescue systems have become an efficient means of executing maritime search and rescue operations, ensuring the safety of rescue personnel. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), due to their agility and portability, are well-suited for these missions. In this context, we introduce a lightweight detection model, YOLOv7-FSB, and its integration with ByteTrack for real-time detection and tracking of individuals in maritime distress situations. YOLOv7-FSB is our lightweight detection model, designed to optimize the use of computational resources on UAVs. It comprises several key components: FSNet serves as the backbone network, reducing redundant computations and memory access to enhance the overall efficiency. The SP-ELAN module is introduced to ensure operational speed while improving feature extraction capabilities. We have also enhanced the feature pyramid structure, making it highly effective for locating individuals in distress within aerial images captured by UAVs. By integrating this lightweight model with ByteTrack, we have created a system that improves detection accuracy from 86.9% to 89.2% while maintaining a detection speed similar to YOLOv7-tiny. Additionally, our approach achieves a MOTA of 85.5% and a tracking speed of 82.7 frames per second, meeting the demanding requirements of maritime search and rescue missions.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Accuracy / Algorithms / Autonomous underwater vehicles / Comparative analysis / Computer networks / Deep learning / distress / Drone aircraft / Efficiency / Evacuations & rescues / Feature extraction / Frames per second / Human beings / human resources / Identification and classification / Innovations / Machine vision / Man / maritime search and rescue / memory / Neural networks / object detection / object tracking / Photography, Aerial / Rescue operations / Search and rescue / Search and rescue missions / Search and rescue operations / Sensors / Technology application / Telematics / Tracking / tracking by detection / Unmanned aerial vehicles / unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)