Applications of Cluster Analyses and Integer Programming to Multiple Target Tracking

摘要

A Multiple-Target Tracking Algorithm has been designed and tested for use with DIFAR (Directional Finding and Ranging) sonobuoys. The algorithm is implemented as a functionally modular computer program composed of five main subroutines. Operating in near real time and in less than 64K words of memory, the algorithm is capable of separating raw measurements into data sets corresponding to individual targets at at the sensor level (using cluster analysis), correlating target measurements across sensors (using physical constraint and statistical tests), and selecting the most likely track scenario among the various potential scenarios (using integer programming). The process requires no operator decision and no a priori information about the number or initial conditions of the targets. The algorithm is self initializing from the raw buoy data. Using synthetic data, the algorithm was tested on several multi-target scenarios with excellent results. (Author)