# Research on Underwater Target Detection Method Based on APO-DBSCAN Clustering

**Authors:** Shengwen Duan, Gang Bian, Qiang Liu, Pan Xiong

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/s26061885 · Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026-03-17

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new underwater magnetic target detection method using APO-DBSCAN clustering to improve solution accuracy and noise resistance.

## Contribution

A novel optimization method combining APO and DBSCAN is proposed for enhanced underwater magnetic target detection.

## Key findings

- The optimized algorithm retains more valid solutions with 52.52% and 76.33% increases in noise-free and noisy data.
- It reduces invalid solution retention by 28.57% and 94.21% in noise-free and noisy data.
- Field data shows a 28.06% reduction in deviation from the true center of gravity.

## Abstract

To address critical issues in traditional quality control methods for discrete Euler solutions in underwater magnetic target detection—such as excessive filtering of valid solutions during divergence suppression, parameter settings reliant on subjective experience, and insufficient noise resistance—this study proposes a novel approach combining the Artificial Protozoa Optimizer (APO) with DBSCAN clustering. Based on the distribution characteristics of Euler solutions, an optimization objective function incorporating Euler solution residual penalty terms and contour line coefficients was constructed. The APO algorithm identifies DBSCAN clustering parameters that minimize this objective function, thereby enhancing clustering precision and accuracy. This method selects optimal Euler solution sets, enabling high-precision localization of magnetic targets. Simulation and field test results demonstrate that compared to statistical screening methods, the optimized algorithm achieves a 52.52% and 76.33% increase in the retention rate of valid solutions for noise-free and noisy data, respectively, while reducing the retention rate of invalid solutions by 28.57% and 94.21%. In field data, the average deviation from the true center of gravity is reduced by 28.06%.

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

22 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13030805/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13030805