Network multiple frame assignment architectures.

摘要

Multiple target tracking methods divide into two broad classes, namely single frame and multiple frame methods. The most successful of the multiple frame methods are multiple hypothesis tracking (MHT) and multiple frame assignments (MFA). In dense tracking environments the performance improvements of multiple frame methods over single frame methods are very significant, making it the preferred solution for many tracking problems.; A centralized architecture in which all measurements are sent to one location and processed with tracks being transmitted back to the different platforms is a simple one that is probably optimal in that it is capable of producing the best track quality and a consistent air picture. The centralized tracker is, however, unacceptable for several reasons, notably the communication overloads and single-point-failure. Thus, one must turn to a distributed architecture for both estimation/fusion and data association.; One of the simplest network-centric architectures is that of placing a centralized tracker on each platform. The architecture is called Network MFA Centralized, which removes the problem of single-point-failure. Each composite tracker is making its own tracking decisions based on the data it receives, regardless of decisions of other platforms. Therefore, a consistent air picture may not be achieved across the network due to communication delays.; The objective of this thesis is the development of two near-optimal Network MFA architectures, namely Network MFA on Local Data and Network Tracks and Network MFA on All data and Network Tracks, that preserve the quality of a centralized tracker across the platforms while managing communication loading and achieving a consistent air picture.; One technique that has proved useful for achieving SIAP is to require that each platform be in charge of assigning its own measurements to the network tracks. In the architecture of Network MFA on Local Data, only local data are used in the sliding windows. In the architecture of Network MFA on All Data, remote data as well as local data are used in the sliding window. The results of extensive computations are presented to validate the differences in four tracking architectures.