Bearings-only tracking of maneuvering targets using abatch-recursive estimator

We present a new batch-recursive estimator for tracking maneuvering targets from bearings-only measurements in clutter (i.e., for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) targets), Standard recursive estimators like the extended Kalman Iter (EKF) suffer from poor convergence and erratic behavior due to the lack of initial target range information, On the other hand, batch estimators cannot handle target maneuvers. In order to rectify these shortcomings, we combine the batch maximum likelihood-probabilistic data association (ML-PDA) estimator with the recursive interacting multiple model (IMM) estimator with probabilistic data association (PDA) to result in better track initialization as well as track maintenance results in the presence of clutter. It is also demonstrated how the batch-recursive estimator can be used for adaptive decisions for ownship maneuvers based on the target state estimation to enhance the target observability. The tracking algorithm is shown to be effective for targets with 8 dB SNR     

Reduced state estimators for consistent tracking of maneuvering targets

Linear Kalman filters, using fewer states than required to completely specify target maneuvers, are commonly used to track maneuvering targets. Such reduced state Kalman filters have also been used as component filters of interacting multiple model (IMM) estimators. These reduced state Kalman filters rely on white plant noise to compensate for not knowing the maneuver - they are not necessarily optimal reduced state estimators nor are they necessarily consistent. To be consistent, the state estimation and innovation covariances must include the actual errors during a maneuver. Blair and Bar-Shalom have shown an example where a linear Kalman filter used as an inconsistent reduced state estimator paradoxically yields worse errors with multisensor tracking than with single sensor tracking. We provide examples showing multiple facets of Kalman filter and IMM inconsistency when tracking maneuvering targets with single and multiple sensors. An optimal reduced state estimator derived in previous work resolves the consistency issues of linear Kalman filters and IMM estimators.     

A tracking approach for targets with measurements containingjamming or clutter signals

The concept of maneuvering target tracking which is presented by K. Demirbas, (see ibid., vol.AES-23, p.757-66, 1987) is used to track maneuvering targets whose observations contain interference representing jamming or clutter signals. The resulting tracking approach produces state estimates that closely follow the actual state values, as in target tracking in a clear environment     

Interacting acceleration compensation algorithm for trackingmaneuvering targets

The two-stage Kalman estimator has been studied for state estimation in the presence of random bias and applied to the tracking of maneuvering targets by treating the target acceleration as a bias vector. Since the target acceleration is considered a bias, the first stage contains a constant velocity motion model and estimates the target position and velocity, while the second stage estimates the target acceleration when a maneuver is detected, the acceleration estimate is used to correct the estimates of the first stage. The interacting acceleration compensation (IAC) algorithm is proposed to overcome the requirement of explicit maneuver detection of the two-stage estimator. The IAC algorithm is viewed as a two-stage estimator having two acceleration models: the zero acceleration of the constant velocity model and a constant acceleration model. The interacting multiple model (IMM) algorithm is used to compute the acceleration estimates that compensate the estimate of the constant velocity filter. Simulation results indicate the tracking performance of the IAC algorithm approaches that of a comparative IMM algorithm while requiring approximately 50% of the computations     

Accurate solution of proportional navigation for maneuveringtargets

An accurate solution is presented of the nonlinear differential equations describing motion under proportional navigation when the target is laterally maneuvering. A quasilinearization (QL) approach is used, followed by a perturbation technique to obtain closed-form solutions for trajectory parameters. An explicit expression for the pursuer lateral acceleration is derived and shown to contain contributions due to initial heading error and target maneuver, with a coupling between the two effects. The solution is shown to be a substantial and consistent generalization or an earlier accurate solution for nonmaneuvering targets and also of classical linear solutions for maneuvering targets. The generalized QL solution presented provides very accurate estimates of pursuer lateral acceleration over a much broader range of engagement geometries and target maneuvers than presently available closed-form solutions     

Modified input estimation technique using pseudoresiduals

An adaptive tracking filter for maneuvering targets is proposed using modified input estimation technique. Pseudoresiduals are defined using measurements and the velocity estimate at the hypothesized maneuver onset time. With the pseudoresiduals and a new target model representing transitions of nominal accelerations, a new input estimation method for tracking a maneuvering target is derived. Since the proposed detection technique is more sensitive to maneuvers than previous work, the shorter window length can be employed to detect and compensate target maneuvers. Also shown is that the tracking performance of the proposed filter is similar to that of interacting multiple model method (IMM) with 3 models, while computational loads of our method are drastically reduced     

EM-ML algorithm for track initialization using possibly noninformative data

Initializing and maintaining a track for a low observable (LO) (low SNR, low target detection probability and high false alarm rate) target can be very challenging because of the low information content of measurements. In addition, in some scenarios, target-originated measurements might not be present in many consecutive scans because of mispointing, target maneuvers, or erroneous preprocessing. That is, one might have a set of noninformative scans that could result in poor track initialization and maintenance. In this paper an algorithm based on the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm combined with maximum likelihood (ML) estimation is presented for tracking slowly maneuvering targets in heavy clutter and possibly noninformative scans. The adaptive sliding-window EM-ML approach, which operates in batch mode, tries to reject or weight down noninformative scans using the Q-function in the M-step of the EM algorithm. It is shown that target features in the form of, for example, amplitude information (AI), can also be used to improve the estimates. In addition, performance bounds based on the supplemented EM (SEM) technique are also presented. The effectiveness of new algorithm is first demonstrated on a 78-frame long wave infrared (LWIR) data sequence consisting of an Fl Mirage fighter jet in heavy clutter. Previously, this scenario has been used as a benchmark for evaluating the performance of other track initialization algorithms. The new EM-ML estimator confirms the track by frame 20 while the ML-PDA (maximum likelihood estimator combined with probabilistic data association) algorithm, the IMM-MHT (interacting multiple model estimator combined with multiple hypothesis tracking) and the EVIM-PDA estimator previously required 28, 38, and 39 frames, respectively. The benefits of the new algorithm in terms of accuracy, early detection, and computational load are illustrated using simulated scenarios as well.     

Track segment association, fine-step IMM and initialization with Doppler for improved track performance

In this work we present a new track segment association technique to improve track continuity in large-scale target tracking problems where track breakages are common. A representative airborne early warning (AEW) system scenario, which is a challenging environment due to highly maneuvering targets, close target formations, large measurement errors, long sampling intervals, and low detection probabilities, provides the motivation for the new technique. Previously, a tracker using the interacting multiple model (IMM) estimator combined with an assignment algorithm was shown to be more reliable than a conventional Kalman filter based approach in tracking similar targets but it still yielded track breakages due to the difficult environment. In order to combine the broken track segments and improve track continuity, a new track segment association algorithm using a discrete optimization approach is presented. Simulation results show that track segment association yields significant improvements in mean track life as well as in position, speed, and course rms errors. Also presented is a modified one-point initialization technique with range rate measurements, which are typically ignored by other initialization techniques, and a fine-step IMM estimator, which improves performance in the presence of long revisit intervals. Another aspect that is investigated is the benefit of "deep" (multiframe or N-dimensional, with N > 2) association, which is shown to yield significant benefit in reducing the number of false tracks.     

Estimating Optimal Tracking Filter Performance for Manned Maneuvering Targets

The majority of tactical weapons systems require that manned maneuverable vehicles, such as aircraft, ships, and submarines, be tracked accurately. An optimal Kalman filter has been derived for this purpose using a target model that is simple to implement and that represents closely the motions of maneuvering targets. Using this filter, parametric tracking accuracy data have been generated as a function of target maneuver characteristics, sensor observation noise, and data rate and that permits rapid a priori estimates of tracking performance to be made when maneuvering targets are to be tracked by sensors providing any combination of range, bearing, and elevation measurements.     

Improved multi-target tracking in clutter by PDA smoothing

An algorithm is presented for the recursive tracking of multiple targets in cluttered environment by making use of the joint probabilistic data association fixed-lag smoothing (JPDAS) techniques. It is shown that a significant improvement in the accuracy of track estimation of both nonmaneuvering and maneuvering targets may be achieved by introducing a time lag of one or two sampling periods between the instants of estimation and latest measurement. Results of simulation experiments for a radar tracking problem that demonstrate the effects of fixed-lag smoothing are also presented     

Precision large scale air traffic surveillance using IMM/assignmentestimators

We present the development and implementation of a multisensor-multitarget tracking algorithm for large scale air traffic surveillance based on interacting multiple model (IMM) state estimation combined with a 2-dimensional assignment for data association. The algorithm can be used to track a large number of targets from measurements obtained with a large number of radars. The use of the algorithm is illustrated on measurements obtained from 5 FAA radars, which are asynchronous, heterogeneous, and geographically distributed over a large area. Both secondary radar data (beacon returns from cooperative targets) as well as primary radar data (skin returns from noncooperative targets) are used. The target IDs from the beacon returns are not used in the data association. The surveillance region includes about 800 targets that exhibit different types of motion. The performance of an IMM estimator with linear motion models is compared with that of the Kalman filter (KF). A number of performance measures that can be used on real data without knowledge of the ground truth are presented for this purpose. It is shown that the IMM estimator performs better than the KF. The advantage of fusing multisensor data is quantified. It is also shown that the computational requirements in the multisensor case are lower than in single sensor case, Finally, an IMM estimator with a nonlinear motion model (coordinated turn) is shown to further improve the performance during the maneuvering periods over the IMM with linear models     

Multisensor tracking of a maneuvering target in clutter

An algorithm is presented for tracking a highly maneuvering target using two different sensors, a radar and an infrared sensor, assumed to operate in a cluttered environment. The nonparametric probabilist data association filter (PDAF) has been adapted for the multisensor (MS) case, yielding the MSPDAF. To accommodate the fact that the target can be highly maneuvering, the interacting multiple model (IMM) approach is used. The results of single-model-based filters and of the IMM/MSPDAF algorithm with two and three models are presented and compared. The IMM has been shown to be able to adapt itself to the type of motion exhibited by the target in the presence of heavy clutter. It yielded high accuracy in the absence of acceleration and kept the target in track during the high acceleration periods     

机动目标“当前”统计模型与自适应跟踪算法

本文提出机动目标“当前”统计模型的概念并建议用修正的瑞利-马尔科夫过程描述目标随机加速机动的统计特性。文中指出了在机动目标运动模型中状态（机动加速度）估值与状态噪声之间的内在联系。在此基础上提出了具有机动加速度均值及方差自适应的卡尔曼滤波算法。对一维和三维的情形进行了计算机模拟。计算结果表明,在仅对目标位置进行观测的情况下,这类自适应估值算法无论对高度机动或无机动的目标均可绘出较好的位置、速度及加速度估值。     

一种基于三维到达角的无偏伪线性卡尔曼滤波

为了解决大场景下基于三维到达角的目标跟踪问题，提出了一种具有无偏性的伪线性卡尔曼滤波。首先，基于三维到达角信息对目标运动模型与量测模型进行建模；之后，对量测模型进行了伪线性化处理，得到了线性形式的目标量测模型。为了解决伪线性卡尔曼滤波存在的有偏性问题，提出了一种结合EKF（extend Kalman filter）的三维伪线性无偏卡尔曼滤波。仿真实验表明，该模型能够对非机动目标与机动目标有效跟踪，对于百公里级别的目标，当角测量误差从0.1°变化到0.5°，算法在仿真时间结束时均能将绝对位置误差降低至10 km以内，且算法的运行速度与EKF为同一个量级，同时兼顾了抗干扰能力、定位跟踪精度、运行效率的要求，能够为大场景下的目标跟踪提供有效方法。     

Hybrid integration method for highly maneuvering radar target detection based on a Markov motion model

To detect highly maneuvering radar targets in low signal-to-noise ratio conditions, a hybrid long-time integration method is proposed, which combines Radon-Fourier Transform (RFT), Dynamic Programming (DP), and Binary Integration (BI), named RFT-DP-BI. A Markov model with unified range-velocity quantification is formulated to describe the maneuvering target’s motion. Based on this model, long-time hybrid integration is performed. Firstly, the whole integration time is divided into multiple time segments and coherent integration is performed in each segment via RFT. Secondly, non-coherent integration is performed in all segments via DP. Thirdly, 2/4 binary integration is performed to further improve the detection performance. Finally, the detection results are exported together with target range and velocity trajectories. The proposed method can perform the long-time integration of highly maneuvering targets with arbitrary forms of motion. Additionally, it has a low computational cost that is linear to the integration time. Both simulated and real radar data demonstrate that it offers good detection and estimation performances.     

具有自动回溯的机动目标航迹精细化分段识别

机动目标航迹分段识别是判断目标行为意图的基础,然而现有航迹分段算法对模式变化检测能力弱,难以满足机动目标航迹快速精细化分段的需求。提出双层精细化航迹分段框架,预分段层检测目标运动过程中的模式切换,确定模式变化明显的预分段区,得到目标模式变化明显区域的预分段点;再分段层对模型差异小的非预分段区航迹进行回溯迭代优化再分段,得到更为精细的分段点。该框架具有从粗到精的航迹分段处理能力,实现了对于机动目标航迹的精细化分段识别。选取两个典型的目标机动仿真场景验证了所提算法的有效性,不仅减少了迭代优化时间,而且提高了分段识别精度。     

An Adaptive Two-Dimensional Kalman Tracking Filter

A continuously adaptive two-dimensional Kalman tracking filter for a low data rate track-while-scan (TWS) operation is introduced which enhances the tracking of maneuvering targets. The track residuals in each coordinate, which are a measure of track quality, are sensed, normalized to unity variance, and then filtered in a single-pole filter. The magnitude Z of the output of this single-pole filter, when it exceeds a threshold Z1 is used to vary the maneuver noise spectral density q in the Kalman filter model in a continuous manner. This has the effect of increasing the tracking filter gains and containing the bias developed by the tracker due to the maneuvering target. The probability of maintaining track, with reasonably sized target gates, is thus increased, The operational characteristic of q versus Z assures that the tracker gains do not change unless there is high confidence that a maneuver is in progress.     

Multiple-Model Probability Hypothesis Density Filter for Tracking Maneuvering Targets

Tracking multiple targets with uncertain target dynamics is a difficult problem, especially with nonlinear state and/or measurement equations. With multiple targets, representing the full posterior distribution over target states is not practical. The problem becomes even more complicated when the number of targets varies, in which case the dimensionality of the state space itself becomes a discrete random variable. The probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter, which propagates only the first-order statistical moment (the PHD) of the full target posterior, has been shown to be a computationally efficient solution to multitarget tracking problems with a varying number of targets. The integral of PHD in any region of the state space gives the expected number of targets in that region. With maneuvering targets, detecting and tracking the changes in the target motion model also become important. The target dynamic model uncertainty can be resolved by assuming multiple models for possible motion modes and then combining the mode-dependent estimates in a manner similar to the one used in the interacting multiple model (IMM) estimator. This paper propose a multiple-model implementation of the PHD filter, which approximates the PHD by a set of weighted random samples propagated over time using sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods. The resulting filter can handle nonlinear, non-Gaussian dynamics with uncertain model parameters in multisensor-multitarget tracking scenarios. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed filter over single-model PHD filters.