Redetects

Redetects refer to detections of the same object, signal, or event in subsequent observations after an initial detection, with the aim of verifying persistence, improving reliability, or enabling tracking across time. The term is used in multiple disciplines and is not a formal standard with a single definition, but it generally describes the action of re-identifying a previously detected entity.

In computer vision and video analysis, redetection is part of re-detection or re-identification modules that attempt to recognize and localize the same object after occlusion, fast motion, or temporary disappearance. Techniques include feature matching to previous appearances, temporal smoothing, and probabilistic data association to attach new detections to established tracks.

In astronomy, redetection refers to locating a known source in later observations or different wavelengths, to confirm existence, monitor variability, or track motion. Re-detection is essential for building light curves, confirming transient events, and cross-matching with catalogs across epochs.

Methods commonly used include data association, appearance modeling, Kalman filtering, and cross-correlation. Evaluation focuses on metrics like re-detection rate, precision and recall, and track continuity, while challenges include identity ambiguity, occlusions, appearance changes, and drift.

The term redetects is sometimes used interchangeably with re-detection or re-identification, and the exact usage depends on domain. It is related to, but distinct from, re-identification in person tracking and from re-observation in observational astronomy. Examples include maintaining object identities over long sequences or confirming recurring signals in time-series data.