Patent ID: 6580387
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
A method for calculating the range to a moving object/target by way of a sensor capable of measurements which determine the angle to the object, in which the sensor and the object have a movement relative to one another, the method comprising:on the assumption that the target maintains a constant velocity, a number of possible target ranges are calculated, as well as areas of uncertainty associated with these ranges, said areas being denoted as straight trajectory models, on the assumption that the target accelerates, a number of possible target ranges are calculated, as well as areas of uncertainty associated with these ranges, said areas of uncertainty associated with these target ranges being denoted as maneuvering models, a number of the straight trajectory models having a maneuvering model assigned to them, in calculating the target range in the straight trajectory models that have associated maneuvering models, data from the respective maneuvering model is incorporated into said calculating when the probability that the target maneuvers exceeds a predetermined limit, the range of the target from the sensor is deemed to be a weighted average of a number of ranges of the straight trajectory models, the weighting being based on the probability of each straight trajectory model, whereby the range to the moving object is calculated.