METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TARGET DISCRIMINATION IN A CLUTTER ENVIRONMENT

摘要

A method and apparatus for improved detection of radar targets in a clutter environment are disclosed. Basically, a plurality or series of so-called video slicer circuits are selectively preset to discriminate against all input video signals except those within a specified intensity level band; i.e., whenever the received radar signal is within the band for which a particular slicer is set, this slicer provides a constant voltage output signal, whereas, when the radar video is outside the band, a zero output voltage results. Inasmuch as the radar returns from a target will remain within at least one intensity level band for measurably longer time interval than the surrounding clutter, improved target discrimination is accomplished by sensing the time interval during which the radar return remains within each preset level band and in this manner all clutter outside the preset intensity level band is effectively eliminated. Various methods of processing the slicer output information are also disclosed. For example, in one method, a separate radar scope display is connected to the output of each video slicer; whereas, in two other proposed methods, the video slicer outputs provide automatic discrimination of targets on the basis of intensity fluctuations.