Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g. – Return signal controls radar system – Receiver
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-18
2001-06-05
Sotomayor, John B. (Department: 3662)
Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g.,
Return signal controls radar system
Receiver
C342S096000, C342S097000, C342S107000, C342S136000, C342S140000, C342S148000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243037
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tracking method for a radar system, such as a phased array radar system or a bistatic radar system. Although the following discusses use for radar systems, the invention could also be applied to other signal echo systems, such as sonar systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Radar signals returned from a target allow information to be determined concerning the slant range, azimuth and speed of a target relative to the receiving system of the radar system. The receiving system however normally receives a number of signals returned from the target which have different propagation paths or modes. Noise received by and induced in the receiving system can also be mistaken for a return signal from the target and needs to be taken into account. Tracking methods have been employed which track a target on the basis of signals relating to one propagation mode. Yet selecting one propagation mode neglects information relating to other modes which can be used to enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of the tracking method.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a tracking method for a signal echo system, including:
generating a plurality of gates for respective propagation modes on the basis of a target state prediction for a dwell time; and
generating a target state estimate for said dwell time on the basis of target measurement points which fall within said gates.
The present invention provides a tracking method for a signal echo system, including:
obtaining target measurement points for a dwell time;
initiating tracking by obtaining an initial target state estimate from at least one of said points;
determining a target state prediction for a subsequent dwell time on the basis of said target state estimate;
generating a plurality of gates for respective propagation modes on the basis of the target state prediction; and
generating a target state estimate for said subsequent dwell time on the basis of target measurement points for said subsequent dwell time which are within said gates.
The target state estimate may be generated by applying association hypotheses to said measurement points in said gates and association probabilities to said hypotheses, obtaining conditional state estimates from the measurement points for each hypothesis and summing said conditional state estimates multiplied by said probabilities.
The tracking initiating step can advantageously be performed for a plurality of propagation modes to initiate a plurality of tracking filters by generating a plurality of said target state estimates for said subsequent dwell time.
The present invention further provides a tracking method for a signal echo system, including extending a target state vector to include additional parameters associated with a plurality of propagation modes, and accounting for measurement uncertainty associated with propagation path characteristics for said modes when updating target state estimates.
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Evans Robin John
Jarrott Robert Keith
Pulford Graham William
Flehr Hohbach Test Albritton & Herbert LLP
Sotomayor John B.
The Commonwealth of Australia
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