Patent ID: 6038526
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
A set of computer readable program instructions for implementing a method for detecting weak signals in a non-Gaussian and non-stationary background, comprising the steps of:a) partitioning input data into sets of range bins, where said input data has a noise component;b) estimating hidden Markov model parameters from said input data;c) determining an average intensity I.sub.i of said range bins, where i represents an index for said ranges bins, 1.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.R0, and R represents the total number of range bins;d) estimating an average noise intensity N.sub.i of each said range bin;e) determining a residual intensity estimates .rho..sub.i of each said range bin as the maximum of 0 and (I.sub.i -N.sub.i) for all values of i;f) transforming said hidden Markov model parameters into estimates of hidden Markov model parameters of said noise component of said input data;g) generating modified locally optimal detection statistics representing the likelihood that said input data for said range bins contains a signal of interest using said estimates of said hidden Markov model parameters of said noise component of said input data, said residual intensity estimates, and said input data;h) transforming said modified locally optimal detection statistic into normalized values of said detection statistics applied to each said range bin; andi) generating a detection output signal if any of said normalized values of said detection statistics exceeds a threshold.