Patent ID: 7269538
Filing Date: 2007-09-11
Classification: G01S,G06F

Abstract:
1. A data processing method for characterizing sparse data received in a computer from a sonar system as signal or noise, said method comprising the steps of: creating a virtual window having a two-dimensional area containing a distribution of data points of said sparse data for a selected time period; subdividing the entirety of said area of said virtual window into a plurality k of cells wherein said plurality k of cells have an identical polygonal shape and each cell defines an identical area; determining a quantity Θ wherein Θ represents an expected proportion of said plurality k of cells which will be nonempty in a random distribution calculated using the following relation: when Θ is less than a pre-selected value, then utilizing a Poisson distribution to determine a first mean of said data points; when Θ is greater than said pre-selected value, then utilizing a binomial distribution to determine a second mean of said data points; computing a probability p from said first mean or said second mean depending on whether Θ is greater than or less than said pre-selected value; determining a false alarm probability α based on a total number of said plurality of k cells; comparing p with α to determine whether to characterize said sparse data as noise or signal, wherein: labeling said sparse data in accordance with said characterization made in said step of comparing for further processing in the computer.