A small object detection algorithm based on feature interaction and guided learning

•A small target detection algorithm based on feature interaction and guided learning.•A feature guided alignment module is designed to obtain more effective features.•Gaussian distribution sample allocation strategy is introduced to obtain better samples.•Feature interaction and decoupling detection enhance the detection task capability.•A new regression loss function is used to optimize the localization ability to a certain extent. At present, for the diverse target sizes, different angles, and complex environment in aerial images, how to detect small objects effectively in aerial images is still a challenge task. In order to further improve the detection accuracy and reduce the missing rate, in this paper, we proposes a small target detection algorithm based on feature interaction and guided learning. Firstly, the feature guided alignment module is designed to deal with the problem of information loss and overlap. Secondly, the misallocation of small object samples is optimized by introducing gaussian sample allocation strategy. Then the interactive parallel detection header is designed to solve the detection task conflict problem. Finally, the new regression loss function is designed to enhance the localization ability of the target. The experimental results on the Tinyperson dataset and Visdrone dataset show that this model can improve the detection accuracy and reduce the missing rate of small targets effectively.