An Engineering Approach for Observer Trajectory Optimization in Passive Target Tracking System

For target tracking applications, small wireless sensors provide accurate information since they can be deployed and operated near the phenomenon. These sensing devices have the opportunity of collaboration amongst themselves to improve the target localization and tracking accuracies. Distributed data fusion architecture provides a collaborative tracking framework. Due to the energy constraints of these small, sensing and wireless communicating devices, a common trend is to put some of them into a dormant state. In addition to a selective sensor activation strategy based on the maximum mutual information metric, in this paper, we devise the Information-Controlled Transmission Power (ICTP) adjustment in order to improve the energy savings. The essence of the proposed ICTP scheme for collaborative target tracking lies behind the idea that the sensors with more information use higher transmission powers than the sensors with less information in order to share their target state information with the neighboring sensors.

Fields of distributed passive and multistatic active sonar sensors provide surveillance capabilities against quiet submarine threats in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) scenarios. The joint cooperative use of passive and active sonar offers synergistic and complimentary acoustic performance as well as operational advantages. However, a significant challenge of heterogeneous, multi-sensor systems is the successful fusion of information from the various sensors to enable robust target detection, classification, localization, and tracking. This paper describes the formation of a passive acoustic track that may be used to cue an active multistatic acoustic tracking system. A cue from a passive acoustic track reduces the false track rate in the active tracker by focusing the search area and selectively initiating active tracks. The passive track is assumed to originate from a fixed passive acoustic horizontal line array (HLA) which is unable to determine target range or resolve the familiar left-right ambiguity. However, passive systems can predict Closest-Point-of-Approach (CPA) events. For each CPA event, a cue can be forwarded to the active system for multistatic active track initiation. This paper presents a minimal parametric representation for a passive acoustic track. It also describes an algorithm for obtaining initial estimates of parameters that can be used to initiate the passive track more effectively. A performance evaluation is given. This paper also describes the conversion of the passive track to pseudo-coordinates that are convenient for use with a multistatic tracking system. Lastly, a method for measuring passive track quality is described which determines if track quality is sufficient to justify cueing the active multistatic system.

A major advantage of the use of passive sonar in the tracking multiple underwater targets is that they can be kept covert, which reduces the risk of being attacked. However, the nonlinearity of the passive Doppler and bearing measurements, the range unobservability problem, and the complexity of data association between measurements and targets make the problem of underwater passive multiple target tracking challenging. To deal with these problems, the cardinalized probability hypothesis density (CPHD) recursion, which is based on Bayesian information theory, is developed to handle the data association uncertainty, and to acquire existing targets’ numbers and states (e.g., position and velocity). The key idea of the CPHD recursion is to simultaneously estimate the targets’ intensity and the probability distribution of the number of targets. The CPHD recursion is the first moment approximation of the Bayesian multiple targets filter, which avoids the data association procedure between the targets and measurements including clutter. The Bayesian-filter-based extended Kalman filter (EKF) is applied to deal with the nonlinear bearing and Doppler measurements. The experimental results show that the EKF-based CPHD recursion works well in the underwater passive multiple target tracking system in cluttered and noisy environments.

In allusion to the problem of the blind zone in present intelligent video monitoring system, an intelligent video monitoring system with auditory function is proposed in this article. Specifically, the sound localization of the microphone array is firstly adopted to detecting the target direction, and then the camera is driven to turn according to the target position. The simulation result shows that such system can improve target localization and tracking accuracy and effectively reduce false report and missing report, thus to have certain application value in modern security and protection field.

Accuracy of three-dimensional remote target location using scanning holographic correlation

To address the problem of low accuracy of target localization of aircraft clusters, a target trajectory tracking method based on the Kalman filter algorithm is used to simulate the cooperative navigation and localization of multiple aircraft. First, the multi-flight motion model and Kalman filter algorithm are introduced. Then, simulation experiments are carried out for the multiobserver tracking target problem to compare and analyse the importance of sensor accuracy in target tracking, and analogy is made to the study of multi-flight collaborative navigation problem. Finally, the performance of the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is verified by simulation experiments to address the non-linearity of the vehicle motion model. The results show that the Kalman filter algorithm reduces the noise interference to a certain extent and effectively improves the tracking accuracy of the target trajectory, which is simple and effective to implement. In order to further investigate the multi-vehicle cooperative navigation and positioning technology, a discussion on the tracking of target trajectories by multiple observatories is carried out, which paves the way for the problem of improving the navigation accuracy from aircraft.

Target detection and tracking is a key technology in intelligent monitoring system. However, it is still difficult to design a robust, accurate and real-time target detection and tracking algorithm. Taking target Tracking as the research focus, this paper focuses on one of the current mainstream algorithms, namely, TLD (tracking-learning-detection) target Tracking algorithm. Based on the theory of TLD target tracking and corner detection, a new target tracking method was proposed to solve the existing problems. A classifier is built online to track and learn the target in real time, and a target contour detector is added in the system to complement the random forest detector to solve the problem of tracking failure. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively overcome the influence of fast change or depth occlusion, and improve the tracking efficiency of moving targets.

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a new technology integrated with communications, embedded technology, and network functions; having capability of real-time collecting, communicating, and sensing, for which dynamic target locating and tracking is its critical task, as well as a basic element in its commercial and military application such as battlefield information accessing and traffic monitoring. Sensor target tracking is the technology of target location estimate based on measurements from corresponding sensors. An inaccurate estimated location may very easily lead to target tracking failure which reduces the reliability and stability of the target tracking [1]. Experts and scholars have done a lot of researches to solve problems exited in wireless sensor target tracking, and many new tracking algorithms have been proposed, among which tracking algorithms such as target contrail-fitting, linear prediction, Kalman filter, unscented Kalman filter(UKF) and particle filter[2] are most common applied. Sikdar, with his partners, has proposed target location tracking algorithm based on linear sensor which is proved better than conventional contrail fitting algorithm in its effects. Zhang Xiaoping , with his partners, has proposed WSN target tracking algorithm through modeling for quadratic polynomial motions which has improved target tracking accuracy[3]. However, there is a problem in common: all the algorithms above assume the tracking target contrail-fittings being in linear motion, while the actual contrail fitting is of uncertainty and variability, and the estimated accuracy can hardly be improved after being to a certain level. In this condition, the tracking error of the above algorithms can be greater [4]. Kalman filter algorithm can be applied for weakly nonlinear models, but for strongly nonlinear models, Unscented Kalman Filter algorithm can be better. Kalman filter work well in cases based on model-linear and Gaussian noise, thus its estimated accuracy is not that ideal [5, 6]. Particle filter algorithm is based on optimal regression Bayesian filtering algorithm in Monte Carlo simulation, which can accurately estimate the any distribution state with only a small amount of mobile anchor nodes. PF algorithm has distinguished advantages in processing non-linear, non-Gaussian cases [7]. However, in PF application process after several iterations, diversified degradation of the particles will occur, which is likely to lead a target tracking loss, thus further affect WSN target tracking accuracy [8]. In order to solve the diversified degradation of the particles in Particle Filter algorithm, this paper Research on the Target Tracking Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network Based on Improved Particle Filter Liang Peng,Xinhan Huang, Li He

This paper proposes a near range, low altitude, target detection, and passive tracking system using a narrow azimuth field of view (AFOV) infrared camera. The technology identifies and tracks infrared-emitting objects such as jet planes and helicopters. Such systems are passive, meaning they do not give out any radiation of their own, unlike radar, so the enemy can’t explore them. This system is used instead of surveillance radars as a gap filler to detect low-flying aircrafts penetrating gaps. Target tracking is often conflicted by the measurement noise and I.R. sensors’ uncertainty. The noise must be illuminated to predict the true path of a moving target. This research analyzes the accuracy of the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) as a probabilistic prediction method for infrared visual tracking. Various simulations were examined, including maneuvering and non-maneuvering targets. The results show that the Kalman filter, in conjunction with two I.R. searcher cameras, successfully smoothed random deviations from the true path of the targets, enhancing the ability to predict the target trajectory.

Soccer player video target tracking is a very challenging task, which has good practical and commercial value. Traditional soccer game target tracking relies on athletes to carry a recording chip to achieve target tracking, but the cost is very high. With the rapid development of photography technology and deep learning technology, athletes’ target tracking is realized through soccer game video. Deep learning technology is applied to computer vision detection and tracking. How to realize soccer players’ video target tracking under deep learning is a challenging lesson. To solve this problem, this paper takes the video target tracking of football players as the research object, collects the game images of the stadium through multiple cameras, realizes the long-term accurate tracking of multiple players, and establishes a multicamera multitarget tracking system. The KCF algorithm and the improved KCF algorithm formed by replacing the hog feature of the KCF algorithm with the depth convolution neural network are used to compare and analyze the impact of different target tracking ranges and target numbers on the target tracking accuracy of the system, so as to accurately obtain the motion trajectory of football players. The results show that the image data of football matches are collected independently by multiple cameras, and the data of multiple cameras are collected to generate each target motion datum. The KCF algorithm of multicamera multitarget tracking has good robustness and real-time for long-term accurate tracking of football players; the KCF algorithm and the improved KCF algorithm have high accuracy in target tracking. With the increase of tracking frame range, the accuracy of target tracking of the two algorithms is improved. At the same time, multitarget tracking helps to improve the antiocclusion ability of the system. The research results have important practical significance and good application prospects for the analysis technology of video content of football matches.

Target tracking plays an important role in the construction, operation, and maintenance of the space station by the robot, which puts forward high requirements on the accuracy of target tracking. However, the special space environment may cause complex non-Gaussian noise in target tracking data. And the performance of traditional Kalman Filter will deteriorate seriously when the error signals are non-Gaussian, which may lead to mission failure. In the paper, a novel Kalman Filter algorithm with Generalized Maximum Correntropy Criterion (GMCKF) is proposed to improve the tracking accuracy with non-Gaussian noise. The GMCKF algorithm, which replaces the default Gaussian kernel with the generalized Gaussian density function as kernel, can adapt to multi-type non-Gaussian noises and evaluate the noise accurately. A parameter automatic selection algorithm is proposed to determine the shape parameter of GMCKF algorithm, which helps the GMCKF algorithm achieve better performance for complex non-Gaussian noise. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been evaluated by simulations and the ground experiments. Then, the algorithm has been applied in the maintenance experiments in TianGong-2 space laboratory of China. The results validated the feasibility of the proposed method with the target tracking precision improved significantly in complex non-Gaussian environment.

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) describes the effective matching of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to regions of neuro‐metabolic demand. There is increasing interest to assess human NVC for both basic research and its potential role in vascular‐cognitive impairment. The clinical utility of NVC relies on a standardized protocol for which the driving metabolic demands are highly‐selective. Various research groups deploy divergent strategies to elicit visual NVC responses, including inactive processes (visual grating), passive visual tracking (target with predictable motion) and active visual tracking (target with unpredictable motion). These strategies differ in degree of cognitive and metabolic demand and may elicit different NVC responses, thus precluding study comparison.The present NVC assessment evaluated temporal and regional responsiveness of blood flow (transcranial Doppler) to the visual cortex [via the posterior cerebral artery (PCA)] and blood pressure (Finapres NOVA) during visual stimulation in 19 healthy subjects while also measuring middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow. Visual stimulation included 10 cycles of 30‐seconds with eyes‐closed, followed by 30‐seconds with eyes‐open tracking a moving computerized target. Each subject completed three trials of passive tracking and three trials of active tracking (114 NVC protocols, 1140 individual hyperemias). A custom eye‐scanning apparatus followed eye motion to quantify visual target‐tracking vigilance. Additional custom software was used to quantify NVC.The data demonstrated that active tracking elicited greater NVC responses compared to passive tracking. Specifically, there was 26% greater change in the mean elevation of PCA blood velocity (p=<0.000) and 13% greater peak NVC response (p<0.01). The MCA response was also greater during active tracking (mean response 111% greater, peak response 41% greater; both p<0.001). Visual target‐tracking vigilance was linearly correlated to the degree of hyperemia in the MCA and PCA, as well blood pressure during NVC.It was observed that active and passive visual tracking elicit different NVC responses and cannot be reliably compared. That PCA and MCA responses were greater with active tracking suggests an elevated global CBF (i.e. not selective to regions perfused by the PCA) that may result from recruitment of brain centres responsible for sustained attention and executive function. In other words, active tracking leads to non‐selective elevations in global CBF and greater target‐tracking vigilance impacts the NVC response. These findings are a critical step to better understand and standardize the evaluation of NVC in humans and for potential clinical deployment of NVC assessments.Support or Funding InformationNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council; Alberta Innovates Research Studentship; NSERC; CIHR; Libin Cardiovascular Institute; Hotchkiss Brain Institute; Compute CanadaThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Traditional passive tracking algorithms are usually subjected to problems such as the poor measurement accuracy of parameters of target motion, complex algorithm, instable tracking precision under complex circumstances. Aiming at this issue, in this paper we combined the dual function of transmitter identification and target tracking in passive reconnaissance, discussed the selection of transmitter eigenvector in passive tracking based on transmitter attribute information, established the passive tracking algorithm framework combined with transmitter attribute information, and then investigated passive tracking arithmetic model based on statistical regulation and ratiocinative regulation respectively, in the hope of providing new idea for passive target tracking.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become increasingly available devices with extensive usage as environmental monitoring systems. With the benefit of higher mobility, UAVs are applied to fuel various significant uses in computer vision (CV), providing more effectiveness and accessibility than surveillance cameras with permanent camera view, angle, and scale. Nevertheless, owing to camera motion and composite environments, it is problematic to identify the UAV; conventional models frequently miss UAV detection and make false alarms. Drone-equipped cameras monitor objects at changing altitudes, leading to essential scale variants. The model increases targeted accuracy and decreases false positives using real-time data and machine learning (ML) methods. Its enormous applications range from military operations to urban planning and wildlife monitoring. Therefore, this study develops a novel long-term target detection and tracking model for unmanned aerial vehicles using a deep fusion-based convolutional transform learning (LTTDT–UAVDFCTL) model. The LTTDT–UAVDFCTL model presents a new model to improve the robustness and accuracy of target tracking and detection in scale-variant environments. At first, the presented LTTDT–UAVDFCTL technique performs image pre-processing by utilizing the median median-enhanced wiener filter (MEWF) technique to improve clarity and reduce noise. For object detection (OD), the highly accurate YOLOv8 technique is utilized, followed by feature extraction through a backbone deep fusion-based convolutional transform learning of VGG16, CapsNet, and EfficientNetB7 to capture both spatial and hierarchical features across varying scales. Moreover, the graph convolutional neural network (GCN) technique is employed for long-term target detection and tracking models. Finally, the hybrid nonlinear whale optimization algorithm with sine cosine (SCWOA) is implemented for the optimum choice of the hyperparameters involved in the GCN technique. The experimental study of the LTTDT–UAVDFCTL approach is performed under the VisDrone dataset. The performance validation of the LTTDT–UAVDFCTL approach portrayed a superior mAP value of 80.13% over existing models.

Target detection and tracking important in many applications including intelligent monitoring system, defense system and terminal guidance system. Aiming to solve the problem of simulated target tracking, this paper proposes an adaptive algorithm which uses the fusion of the spectral and morphological features of multispectral image to realize the target tracking based on the Particle Filter. Firstly, the target area is manually initialized in the multispectral image and the spectral and texture features of the target are extracted. Secondly, we build the adaptive tracking model of multiple features under the framework of Particle Filter. We validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach on the MATLAB platform. The results show that the proposed approach achieves accurate and stable multispectral target tracking in complex scenes by improving the efficiency of particles usage under defective tracking conditions, which is of great theoretical and practical values for the application of multispectral target tracking technology.