Image fusion algorithms for tracking maneuvering targets

Abstract

Evasive target maneuvers create problems for traditional state-space filtering and tracking algorithms because maneuver accelerations are frequently abrupt and are not well modeled by wideband noise processes. Earlier work has suggested the use of an imaging sensor to determine target orientation, from which the likely direction of a maneuver acceleration can be inferred. This paper examines the issues that arise when an image-based orientation measurement is used in conjunction with a traditional sensor/filter for enhanced detection of maneuvering accelerations and for prediction of target location.