Tracking multiple objects with particle filtering

We address the problem of multitarget tracking (MTT) encountered in many situations in signal or image processing. We consider stochastic dynamic systems detected by observation processes. The difficulty lies in the fact that the estimation of the states requires the assignment of the observations to the multiple targets. We propose an extension of the classical particle filter where the stochastic vector of assignment is estimated by a Gibbs sampler. This algorithm is used to estimate the trajectories of multiple targets from their noisy bearings, thus showing its ability to solve the data association problem. Moreover this algorithm is easily extended to multireceiver observations where the receivers can produce measurements of various nature with different frequencies.     

Discrete-time observability and estimability analysis for bearings-only target motion analysis

Observability in the context of bearings-only tracking (BOT) is still the subject of important literature. Different from previous approaches, where continuous-time analysis was considered, our approach relies on discrete-time analysis. It is then shown that this allows us to use directly and efficiently the simple formalisms of linear algebra. Using the direct approach, observability analysis is essentially reduced to basic considerations about subspace dimensions. Even if this approach is conceptually quite direct, it becomes more and more complex as the source-encounter scenario complexity increases. For complex scenarios, the dual approach may present some advantages essentially due to the direct use of multilinear algebra. New results about BOT observability for maneuvering sources are thus obtained. Observability analysis is then extended to unknown instants of source velocity changes. Even if observability analysis provides thorough insights about the algebraic structure of the BOT problem, the optimization of the observer maneuvers is essentially a control problem. Basic algebraic considerations prove that a relevant cost functional for this control problem is the determinant of the Fisher information matrix (FIM). So, a large part of this work is devoted to the analysis of this cost functional. Using multilinear algebra, general approximations of this functional are given. In order to involve only directly estimable parameters, the source bearing-rates are examined. Using these approximations, a general framework for optimizing the observer trajectory is derived which allow us to approximate the optimal sequence of controls. It is worth stressing that our approach does not require the knowledge of the source trajectory parameters and is still valid for a maneuvering source.     

TMA from bearings and multipath time delays

A novel approach for target motion analysis (TMA), which uses conventional passive bearing together with multipath time-delay measurements is examined. This so-called "Multipath TMA" offers two tactical advantages over the classical bearings-only TMA: no requirement for any ownship maneuver, and a good performance in terms of estimation error achieved in a shorter time. Both known and unknown multipath cases are addressed. Finally, Monte-Carlo simulations and at-sea trials demonstrate the practical efficiency of such a multipath TMA.     

The Low Metallicity Tail of the Halo Metallicity Distribution Function

Ongoing spectroscopy and photometry of stars selected in the HK objective-prism/interference-filter survey of Beers and colleagues has resulted in the identification of many hundreds of additional stars in the halo (and possibly the thick disk) of the Galaxy with abundances [Fe/H] -2.0. A new calibration of the technique for estimation of metal abundance based on a CaII K index as a function of broadband B - V color is applied to obtain metallicities for stars observed with the SSO 2.3m and INT 2.5m telescopes. This new data is combined with other samples of extremely metal-deficient stars (Ryan and Norris, 1991a; Beers et al., 1992; Carney et al., 1994) to form a large database of objects of low metallicity. The combined sample is examined and compared with expectations derived from a Simple Model of Galactic chemical evolution. There appears to be a statistically-significant deficit of stars more metal-weak than [Fe/H] = -3.0. An abundance of [Fe/H] -4.0 can be taken as the low-metallicity limit for presently-observable stars in the Galaxy.     

Dawn Science Planning, Operations and Archiving

The Dawn science operations team has designed the Vesta mission within the constraints of a low-cost Discovery mission, and will apply the same methodology to the Ceres mission. The design employs proactive mapping mission strategies and tactics such as functional redundancy, adaptability to trajectory uncertainties, and easy sequence updates to deliver reliable and robust sequences. Planning tools include the Science Opportunity Analyzer and other multi-mission tools, and the Science time-ordered listings. Science operations are conducted jointly by the Science Operations Support Team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Dawn Science Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The UCLA Dawn Science Center has primary responsibility for data archiving while the JPL team has primary responsibility for spacecraft and instrument operations. Constraints and uncertainties in the planning and sequencing environment are described, and then details of the science plan are presented for each mission sub-phase. The plans indicate that Dawn has a high probability of meeting its science objectives and requirements within the imposed constraints.     

航空电子综合测试系统的发展现状及趋势

现代先进战斗机大量采用各种先进的航空电子系统，传统的检测手段一般采用人工方法直接测试将故障定位到电路板级，操作复杂，所需时间长，不能满足现代化战争的快速要求，而且操作人员的劳动量大，不利于连续作战。所以，应用现代化的检测手段检测和确定故障备受关注。本文总结了现役战斗机测试系统的现状，存在的问题，并阐述了测试设备的发展趋势。     

Diffusive Shock Acceleration and Magnetic Field Amplification

Diffusive shock acceleration is the theory of particle acceleration through multiple shock crossings. In order for this process to proceed at a rate that can be reconciled with observations of high-energy electrons in the vicinity of the shock, and for cosmic rays protons to be accelerated to energies up to observed galactic values, significant magnetic field amplification is required. In this review we will discuss various theories on how magnetic field amplification can proceed in the presence of a cosmic ray population. On both short and long length scales, cosmic ray streaming can induce instabilities that act to amplify the magnetic field. Developments in this area that have occurred over the past decade are the main focus of this paper.     

Observational Aspects of Particle Acceleration in Large Solar Flares

Solar flares efficiently accelerate electrons to several tens of MeV and ions to 10 GeV. The acceleration is usually thought to be associated with magnetic reconnection occurring high in the corona, though a shock produced by the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) associated with a flare can also accelerate particles. Diagnostic information comes from emission at the acceleration site, direct observations of Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs), and emission at radio wavelengths by escaping particles, but mostly from emission from the chromosphere produced when the energetic particles bombard the footpoints magnetically connected to the acceleration region. This paper provides a review of observations that bear upon the acceleration mechanism.     

Comet Geology with Deep Impact Remote Sensing

The Deep Impact mission will provide the highest resolution images yet of a comet nucleus. Our knowledge of the makeup and structure of cometary nuclei, and the processes shaping their surfaces, is extremely limited, thus use of the Deep Impact data to show the geological context of the cratering experiment is crucial. This article briefly discusses some of the geological issues of cometary nuclei.