This intensive short course is designed for engineers, scientists and managers concerned with tracking small targets. Small targets are those too small in the field of view to permit traditional automatic target recognition with a single frame of data. This includes point source targets, small extended objects (a total of less than 100 resolution elements), unresolved closely spaced objects, and clusters (groups) of small targets.
In tracking either single or multiple targets, there are important algorithm choices for the functions of data or track association (correlation), filtering, and maneuvering target processing. Furthermore, there are many ways that data from multiple sensors can be combined. These choices are not critical when tracking a few widely dispersed targets with a high signal-to-noise ratio. However, the choices: for design of the algorithms and the algorithm architecture are critical for a dim target, for multiple targets that are close or crossing, and for a single target with background clutter or false signals. These choices will significantly impact the performance of tracking and discrimination or target typing and the processor resources required.
The emphasis of this seminar is on the information needed to analyze, select and develop algorithms for a practical signal and data processing system. This includes: comparison of the alternative algorithm designs and algorithm architectures, the critical algorithm design details, and the development methodology. Also included are: algorithm selection criteria; the algorithm tradeoffs between performance and processor resources; simulations and performance evaluation methods; algorithms for single and multiple sensor tracking (sensor data fusion); single and multiple target processing; advanced signal and track processing methods; approaches for both tactical and strategic system; and methods to deal with background clutter, false signals and unresolved closely spaced objects.
A compilation of hard copies of the extensive view graphs and selected papers that include unpublished material prepared by the speaker will be available in sufficient time so that copies can be made for each attendee. It is recommended that attendees review the mathematical manipulations of matrices and vector matrix equations before taking this class. Also, it would be helpful if copies of the book by S.S. Blackman entitled Multiple Target Tracking with Radar Applications, published by Artech House, 1986, (or similar books) be available to the attendees during and after the course.
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Copyright 1995 O.E. Drummond