Abstract:
A multiple model (MM) radar tracking filter which controls the weighting applied to outputs of first and second model functions responsive to non-Markovian switching logic, includes the first and second model functions, switching logic receiving unweighted outputs from the first and second model functions and generating first and second weighting signals, first and second multipliers generating respective first and second weighted output signals responsive to received ones of the unweighted outputs of the first and second model functions and the first and second weighting signals, and a feed back loop for providing a feedback signal to respective inputs of the first and second model functions responsive to the weighted outputs of the first and second multipliers. If desired, the MM radar tracking filter may also include a summer for generating a signal output responsive to the weighted outputs of the first and second multipliers. A method for controlling the MM radar tracking filter employing alternative (non-Markov) switching logic is also described.

Description:
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST  
       [0001]     The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to a multiple model (MM) radar tracking filter and, more specifically, to a MM radar tracking filter that does not employ a Markov Switching Matrix (MSM). A method for processing information received by a radar system is also disclosed.  
         [0003]     Traditional multiple model (MM) radar tracking filter structures use Bayesian techniques to adaptively switch between different motion models implemented in the filter structure. These logic designs typically rely upon a predefined Markov Switching Matrix (MSM), whose entries are selected in a more or less ad hoc manner.  
         [0004]     One of the striking features of all multiple model (MM) filter switching logic designs is that they invariably place reliance upon a predefined Markov Switching Matrix (MSM), Π, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . This N×N matrix, where N equals the number of dynamic models in the filter bank, consists of switching probabilities, p ij , for i, j=1 . . . N , having the following characteristics: 
        1. The diagonal element, p ii , represents the conditional probability that the system remains in state i during the next cycle given that it is currently in state i;     2. The off diagonal element, p ij , represents the conditional probability that the system will transition into state j during the next cycle given that it is currently in state i; and     3. All the probabilities of a given row must sum to unity indicating that the system must either remain in the current state or transition to some other state.        
 
         [0008]     No “optimum” method has been devised to populate the matrix, Π. While it is generally agreed that the diagonal values are “close to unity” and the off-diagonal elements are “small” subject to the constraint that the sum of all the elements of a row is unity, no specific rules have yet been devised for uniquely determining specific numerical values for a given tactical scenario. It is strictly up to each designer to select values using some ad hoc technique. When a set of values has been selected, numerous computer simulations are run and results compared with runs from other combinations of values. The set of values that produces the “best” results are then selected as the final design values. However, a set of values that may be “best” for one type of target may not be “best” for a different type of target. Thus, it is impossible to select a set of values that is “best” for all targets likely to be encountered.  
         [0009]     The MSM has a very significant impact on how rapidly the switching mechanism detects and then responds to a maneuver by the target. A poorly selected set of values produces a sluggish filter response to a target maneuver. The reshuffling of the weights can be delayed if improper values are used in the MSM. As a result, significant filter lags develop, target tracks may be lost, and incorrect track correlations will follow.  
         [0010]     What distinguishes a superior filter design from a poor filter design is the speed with which the switching logic detects and then responds to a target maneuver by reshuffling the weights to match the new target dynamic configuration. Since most MM filter designs incorporate a MSM as part of their switching logic, this matrix, whose values are selected in a generally ad hoc manner, has a significant impact on the response time of the switching logic to a sudden target maneuver. It will be appreciated that there is no “optimum” method for selecting values with which to populate this matrix. A set of values that may provide “good” tracking performance against a specific target type may not yield good track performance for a different target. Since one cannot know in advance what target type is going to be encountered in a given scenario, the filter designer is faced with a design dilemma.  
         [0011]     In spite of this, the MM filter structure has won wide acceptance within the academic tracking community and system developers in other fields of endeavor. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,098 to Blair et al. discloses an interacting multiple bias model filter system for tracking and maneuvering targets. However, the system utilizes Markovian switching coefficients for its logic. Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,360 to Seif et al. discloses a method of target passive ranging that does not require ownship to maneuver. In the latter patent, multiple Kalman filters feed a model probability update circuit. The function p st  is an assumed Markov model transition or switching probability function whose value provides the probability of jumping or changing from model s at time K-1 to model t at time K. The values of the model transition probabilities are determined as part of the overall system design, analogously to the choice of values for the initial values of the predetermined model parameters.  
         [0012]     Furthermore, U.S. Published App. No. 20020177951 to Syrjarinne discloses a two stage Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) for use in a global positioning system. More specifically, the &#39;951 published application discloses a bank of predictive filters k, disposed in parallel, wherein estimates, covariance, and likelihood values are determined for each filter. As shown in  FIG. 2  of the published application, the values are applied to a mixing unit and a combinational circuit. While the reference indicates that the outputs of the k Kalman filters are weighed, the weighting mechanism is not expressly defined. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the switching/weighting logic follows the MSM methodology.  
         [0013]     Consequently, pressure is mounting to incorporate this filter structure into tactical tracking systems, e.g., radar tracking systems. Unfortunately, the ad hoc nature of selecting values for the MSM makes it difficult to predict, with any degree of certainty, what performance statistics can be anticipated for any given filter design. This represents a stumbling block for implementing these filters into tactical tracking systems.  
         [0014]     What is needed is an alternative multiple model switching logic filter and operating method therefor that does not employ a Markov Switching Matrix.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     Based on the above and foregoing, it can be appreciated that there presently exists a need in the art for a multiple model radar tracking filter that overcomes the above-described deficiencies. The present invention was motivated by a desire to overcome the drawbacks and shortcomings of the presently available technology, and thereby fulfill this need in the art.  
         [0016]     In one aspect, the present invention provides a multiple model (MM) radar tracking filter which controls the weighting applied to outputs of first and second model functions responsive to non-Markovian switching logic. If desired, the MM radar tracking filter can include a feed back loop for providing a feedback signal to respective inputs of the first and second model functions responsive to the weighted outputs of the first and second model functions. It may also be desirable to include switching logic receiving unweighted outputs from the first and second model functions and generating first and second weighting signals, and first and second multipliers generating respective first and second weighted output signals responsive to received ones of the unweighted outputs of the first and second model functions and the first and second weighting signals.  
         [0017]     In an exemplary case, the feedback loop provides a feedback signal based on a weighted estimate produced by the MM radar tracking filter. Alternatively, the feedback loop provides a feedback signal based on a convex sum of a weighted estimate produced by the MM radar tracking filter or a feedback signal based on a convex sum of a weighted estimate and a weighted covariance produced by the MM radar tracking filter.  
         [0018]     In another aspect, the present invention provides a multiple model (MM) radar tracking filter which controls the weighting applied to outputs of first and second model functions responsive to non-Markovian switching logic, including the first and second model functions, switching logic receiving unweighted outputs from the first and second model functions and generating first and second weighting signals, first and second multipliers generating respective first and second weighted output signals responsive to received ones of the unweighted outputs of the first and second model functions and the first and second weighting signals, and a feed back loop for providing a feedback signal to respective inputs of the first and second model functions responsive to the weighted outputs of the first and second multipliers. If desired, the MM radar tracking filter may also include a summer for generating a signal output responsive to the weighted outputs of the first and second multipliers.  
         [0019]     According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for operating a multiple model (MM) radar tracking filter including first and second model functions, switching logic, first and second multipliers, and a summer, wherein the first and second multipliers receive unweighted outputs from the first and second model functions and first and second weighting signals from the switching logic, including steps for controlling the switching logic without the use of a Markov Switch Matrix (MSM) and responsive to the first and second unweighted outputs of the first and second model functions to thereby generate first and second weighting signals, applying the first and second weighting signals to the first and second multipliers to thereby generate the first and second weighted output signals, respectively, and combining the first and second weighted output signals at the summer to thereby generate a MM filtered output signal.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     These and various other features and aspects of the present invention will be readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar numbers are used throughout, and in which:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates the state diagram and corresponding matrix formulation for the Markov Switching Matrix (MSM) Π typically employed in the filters illustrated in FIGS.  3  or  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates the geometry employed in most radar systems;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a high level functional block diagram of an exemplary Multiple Model (MM) filter employed in a radar system;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4A  is a high level block diagram of an interacting multiple model (IMM) filter employed in an alternative radar system while  FIG. 4B  illustrates the method by which the IMM filter is operated;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a high level block diagram of a first preferred embodiment of the MM radar tracking filter according to the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a high level block diagram of a second preferred embodiment of the MM radar tracking filter according to the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a high level block diagram of a third preferred embodiment of the MM radar tracking filter according to the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a high level block diagram of a fourth preferred embodiment of the MM radar tracking filter according to the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIGS. 9A, 9B ,  9 C,  9 D,  9 E, and  9 F illustrate various target trajectories that were employed in evaluating the performance of the first through fourth preferred embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8 , respectively, and in comparing the performance of the preferred embodiments to the IMM filter employing the MSM Π illustrated in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0030]      FIGS. 10A, 10B ,  10 C, and  10 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 5  for target  1 , where  FIG. 10A  illustrates the root square error (RSE) for position,  FIG. 10B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 10C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 10D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 5  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0031]      FIGS. 11A, 11B ,  11 C, and  11 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 6  for target  1 , where  FIG. 11A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 11B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 11C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 11D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the second preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 6  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0032]      FIGS. 12A, 12B ,  12 C, and  12 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 7  for target  1 , where  FIG. 12A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 12B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 12C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 12D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the third preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 7  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0033]      FIGS. 13A, 13B ,  13 C, and  13 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 8  for target  1 , where  FIG. 13A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 13B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 13C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 13D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0034]      FIGS. 14A, 14B ,  14 C, and  14 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 5  for target  6 , where  FIG. 14A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 14B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 14C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 14D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 5  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0035]      FIGS. 15A, 15B ,  15 C, and  15 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 6  for target  6 , where  FIG. 15A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 15B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 15C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 15D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the second preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 6  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0036]      FIGS. 16A, 16B ,  16 C, and  16 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 7  for target  6 , where  FIG. 16A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 16B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 16C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 16D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the third preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 7  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0037]      FIGS. 17A, 17B ,  17 C, and  17 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 8  for target  6 , where  FIG. 17A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 17B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 17C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 17D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0038]      FIGS. 18A, 18B ,  18 C, and  18 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 8  for target  2 , where  FIG. 18A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 18B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 18C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 18D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0039]      FIGS. 19A, 19B ,  19 C, and  19 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 8  for target  3 , where  FIG. 19A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 19B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 19C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 19D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0040]      FIGS. 20A, 20B ,  20 C, and  20 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 8  for target  4 , where  FIG. 20A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 20B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 20C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 20D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0041]      FIGS. 21A, 21B ,  21 C, and  12 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 8  for target  5 , where  FIG. 21A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 21B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 21C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 21D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 22  is a compilation of  FIGS. 13D, 17D ,  18 D,  19 D,  20 D, and  21 D; and  
         [0043]      FIG. 23  depicts run time statistics for all target trajectories  1 - 6  comparing the run times of the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8  with the run times for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]     The present invention generally relates to a multiple model (MM) filter and devices incorporating same that do not employ a Markov Switching Matrix (MSM). Several exemplary embodiments of the MM radar tracking filler employing one or more alternative switching mechanisms (ASMs), i.e., alternative switching logic (ASL), according to the present invention are discussed in detail below. However, before describing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail, a brief discussion will be presented contrasting a generic MM filter and systems employing same to a conventional Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filter structure, i.e., a filter employing a MSM. Following the discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a comparison of the results achieved using the various exemplary embodiments of the MM radar tracking filter employing ASL with respect the corresponding results obtained with the more traditional IMM filter structure for six target models will be described.  
         [0045]     By way of background,  FIG. 2  illustrates the radar coordinate system employed in describing the operation of the MM filter according to the present invention. It will be appreciated that noisy measurements are made in the R, β, and e domains, where R is the range measurement, β is the bearing measurement, and e is the elevation measurement, respectively, with zero mean Gaussian noise being added in each domain. It will also be appreciated that, since tracking is performed in the Cartesian coordinate system, the spherical coordinate measurements illustrated in  FIG. 1  must first be converted to Cartesian coordinates prior to input to the filter bank as measurement (target) vector Z k , where  
               Z   k     =       [           x   k               y   k               z   k           ]     =     [             R   k     ⁢           ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                   R   k     ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                   R   k     ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     e   k             ]               Eq   .           ⁢   1             
 
         [0046]     It will be noted that, since measurements are input into the filter in Cartesian coordinates, a measurement noise covariance matrix needs to be calculated for this coordinate system. This is accomplished by determining the first order differential changes Δx, Δy, and Δz in x, y, and z, respectively, arising from incremental errors in R, β, and e. Taking the first order partial derivative of each term in the following vector.  
                 [           x   k               y   k               z   k           ]     =     [             R   k     ⁢           ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                   R   k     ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                   R   k     ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     e   k             ]       ⁢     
     ⁢     yields   ⁢           ⁢     (     in   ⁢           ⁢   matrix   ⁢           ⁢   form     )               Eq   .           ⁢   2                 [           Δ   ⁢           ⁢     x   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     y   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     z   k             ]     =         [                   ⁢     cos   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                 -     R   k       ⁢           ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k               -     R   k       ⁢           ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                 sin   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k               R   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k               -     R   k       ⁢           ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                 sin   ⁢           ⁢     e   k           0           R   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k             ]     ⁡     [           Δ   ⁢           ⁢     R   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     β   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     e   k             ]       .     
     ⁢   Defining             Eq   .           ⁢   3                 A   =     [                   ⁢     cos   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                 -     R   k       ⁢           ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k               -     R   k       ⁢           ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                 sin   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k               R   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k               -     R   k       ⁢           ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     β   k     ⁢   sin   ⁢           ⁢     e   k                 sin   ⁢           ⁢     e   k           0           R   k     ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢     e   k             ]       ,     
     ⁢   then           Eq   .           ⁢   4                 [           Δ   ⁢           ⁢     x   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     y   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     z   k             ]     =       A   ⁡     [           Δ   ⁢           ⁢     R   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     β   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     e   k             ]       .             Eq   .           ⁢   5             
 
 The mean value of the vector is  
                 E   ⁢     {     [           Δ   ⁢           ⁢     x   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     y   k                 Δ   ⁢           ⁢     z   k             ]     }       =         A   ·   E     ⁢     {     [           Δ   ⁢           ⁢     R   k                 Δβ   k               Δ   ⁢           ⁢     e   k             ]     }       =     [         0           0           0         ]         ,           Eq   .           ⁢   6             
 
 because the measurement noise in R, β, and e has zero mean and, to a first order approximation, it is being assumed that the matrix A is a constant matrix, evaluated at the most recent estimated values for R, β, and e. Therefore, to the first-order approximation, the measurement covariance matrix, R, is given by  
             R   =       A   ⁡     [           σ   R   2         0       0           0         σ   β   2         0           0       0         σ   e   2           ]       ⁢       A   T     .               Eq   .           ⁢   7             
 
         [0047]     It will be noted that R is a nonlinear, time-varying covariance matrix whose elements need to be updated at each measurement time using the current estimates of R, β, and e.  
         [0048]     It will be recognized that multiple model (MM) radar tracking filters yield superior performance for tracking maneuvering targets than single model filters. Consequently, a considerable effort has been expended over the past twenty five years to refine and develop improved multiple model tracking filters. One such MM filter is discussed below.  
         [0049]      FIG. 3  is a high level functional block diagram of a exemplary Multiple Model (MM) filter employed in a radar system. Stated another way, the essential functions of a most basic multiple model filter design are illustrated in  FIG. 3 , which depicts a parallel bank of two dynamic motion model filters. Each model in the filter bank represents a different possible type of target motion. More specifically, the MM radar tracking filter  1  includes a splitter  10 , a constant velocity (CV) filter function  12 , and a constant acceleration (CA) filter function  14 , the outputs of which are collected and output via a summer function  20 . It will be appreciated that the MM filter  1  includes an adaptive switch mechanism (ASM) function  22 , which receives signals (data) from the filter functions  12  and  14  and which outputs weighting signals (control data) to multiplier functions  16  and  18  disposed between the filter functions  12  and  14 , respectively, and the summer function  20 .  
         [0050]     In  FIG. 3 , the CV motion model filter function  12  advantageously can be a first Kalman filter while the CA motion model filter function  14  advantageously can be implemented as a second Kalman filter. It will be appreciated that this overall filter architecture models the range of possible target motion as consisting of either constant velocity or constant acceleration. In other words, the CV model assumes that the target is moving in a straight line without any maneuver while the CA model assumes that the target is undergoing an acceleration in one or more coordinate directions.  
         [0051]     The state vector of the CV model is given by  
               X   k     =     [           x   k                 x   .     k               y   k                 y   .     k               z   k                 z   .     k           ]             Eq   .           ⁢   8             
 
 while the state equation that describes the CV model is given by 
 
 X   k +1=φ k   X   k +ω k   Eq. 9 
 
 and the measurement equation is given by 
 
 Z   k   =HX   k +ν k .  Eq. 10 
 
         [0052]     The state transition matrix for the CV model is defined as  
                 ϕ   k     =     [         A       B       B           B       A       B           B       B       A         ]       ⁢     
     ⁢   where           Eq   .           ⁢   11               A   =     [         1       T           0       1         ]             Eq   .           ⁢   12             
 
 (T=sample interval) and 
 
B=0 2×2   Eq. 13 
 
         [0053]     It will be noted that the (6×1) process noise vector w k  has a block diagonal covariance matrix giver by Q cv . H is defined as the standard measurement matrix  
             H   =       [         1       0       0       0       0       0           0       0       1       0       0       0           0       0       0       0       1       0         ]     .             Eq   .           ⁢   14             
 
         [0054]     In contrast, the state vector of the CA model is given by  
               X   k     =     [           x   k                 x   .     k                 x   ¨     k               y   k                 y   .     k                 y   ¨     k               z   k                 z   .     k                 z   ¨     k           ]             Eq   .           ⁢   15             
 
 while the state equation that describes the CA model is given by 
 
 X   k+1 =φ k   X   k +ω k   Eq. 16 
 
 and the measurement equation is expressed as 
 
 Z   k   =HX   k +ν k .  Eq. 17 
 
         [0055]     The state transition matrix for the CA model is defined as  
                 ϕ   k     =     [         S       B       B           B       S       B           B       B       S         ]       ⁢     
     ⁢   where           Eq   .           ⁢   18               S   =     [         1       T           1   2     ⁢     T   2               0       1       T           0       0       1         ]             Eq   .           ⁢   19             
 
 (T=sample interval) and 
 
B=0 3×3   Eq. 20 
 
         [0056]     For the CA model, the (9×1) process noise vector w k  has a block diagonal covariance matrix given by Q CA . H is defined as the standard measurement matrix  
             H   =       [         1       0       0       0       0       0       0       0       0           0       0       0       1       0       0       0       0       0           0       0       0       0       0       0       1       0       0         ]     .             Eq   .           ⁢   21             
 
         [0057]     It will be appreciated that the CV model is initialized using the initial measurements Z 1  and Z 2  and stored in X 1  in the following manner:  
               Z   1     =         [           x   1               y   1               z   1           ]     ⁢           ⁢   and   ⁢             ⁢             ⁢     Z   2       =     [           x   2               y   2               z   2           ]               Eq   .           ⁢   22                 X   1     =     [           x   2                   x   2     -     x   1       T               y   2                   y   2     -     y   1       T               z   2                   z   2     -     z   1       T           ]             Eq   .           ⁢   23             
 
 and the error covariance is initialized to the following 
 
P 1 =diag[5000 2000 5000 2000 5000 2000]  Eq. 24 
 
         [0058]     In contrast, the CA model is initialized using the initial measurements Z 1  and Z 2  and stored in X 1  in the following manner  
               X   1     =     [           x   2                   x   2     -     x   1             T           0                     y   2                   y   2     -     y   1             T           0                     z   2                   z   2     -     z   1             T           0                 ]             Eq   .           ⁢   25             
 
 and the error covariance matrix is initialized to the following 
 
P 1 =diag[5000 2000 4000 5000 2000 4000 5000 2000 4000]  Eq. 26 
 
         [0059]     It should be mentioned at this point that a related, but quite distinct, dynamic motion model, i.e., a constant speed motion (CS) model, advantageously can be employed in the MM radar tracking filter  1 . The CS model assumes that the target is undergoing circular motion with a constant tangential speed. While the dynamics of a CV and CA model do not vary with time, a CS model has a complex mathematical representation requiring an update of the current angular turning rate estimate at each time instant. In order to simplify the MM filter as much as possible, the MM filter illustrated in  FIG. 3  employs the CA motion model to model all motion other than CV, including constant speed motion.  
         [0060]     It should also be mentioned that the ASM function  16  in  FIG. 3  represents the logic that, at each measurement instant, determines which motion model best models the target&#39;s current dynamic profile. Based on output estimate vectors and covariance matrices from the two Kalman filter motion models, i.e., filter functions  12  and  14 , the switching logic computes two weights (p 1 , p 2 ) where p i  is the probability that motion model i is matched to the current target motion. These two weights are used to compute the “optimal” output estimate vector {circumflex over (x)}(k|k)=p 1  {circumflex over (x)} 1 (k|k)+p 2  {circumflex over (x)} 2 (k|k). Thus, for example, when the target is executing CV motion, it would be expected that the CV filter weight p 1  would be near unity while the CA filter weight p 2  would be close to zero. When the target suddenly starts maneuvering, the weights need to be reshuffled with the CA filter weight, p 2 , rapidly increasing to a value near unity with the CV weight, p 1 , rapidly decreasing to a value close to zero to reflect the new target dynamic configuration.  
         [0061]     The goal of the switching logic is to always place the heaviest weight on the model that is most closely matched to the true target dynamic configuration at any given time instant and to place minimum weight on the other(s). As the target executes different types of motion, the switching logic must detect the changes in target behavior reflected in the data measurement stream and constantly reshuffle the weights as the evolving trajectory dictates. Detection of the new configuration and the subsequent reshuffling of the weights must be accomplished in a minimum amount of time to minimize lags in the estimates and the potential loss of track.  
         [0062]     As mentioned above, what distinguishes a good filter design from a poor filter design is the speed with which the switching logic detects and then responds to a maneuver by reshuffling the weights to match the new target dynamic configuration. Most MM radar tracking filter designs incorporate a Markov Switching Matrix (MSM) as part of their switching logic. This matrix, whose values are selected in a generally ad hoc manner, has a significant impact on the response time of the switching logic to a sudden target maneuver. No “optimum” method exists for selecting values with which to populate this matrix. A set of values that may provide a “good” tracking performance against a specific target type may not yield a “good” performance against a different target type. Since one can not know in advance what target type is going to be encountered in a given scenario, the filter designer is faced with a design dilemma.  
         [0063]     In spite of this, the MM radar tracking filter structure enjoys wide acceptance within the academic tracking community. Consequently, pressure is mounting to incorporate this filter structure into tactical tracking systems. Unfortunately, the ad hoc nature of selecting values for the MSM makes it difficult to predict with any degree of certainty what performance statistics can be anticipated for a given filter design. This presents a stumbling block for implementing these MM filters into tactical tracking systems.  
         [0064]     As will be discussed in greater detail below, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide alternative switching mechanisms for multiple model filters that do not require a MSM for their switching logic. It will be noted that the exemplary embodiments do not represent an exhaustive listing of the possible MM radar tracking filter architectures. Many additional approaches beyond those discussed below are likely to occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and all such variations and alternatives are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is expected that the discussion of the preferred embodiments according to the present invention advantageously will generate interest in, and provide a motivation for, further research into non-Markov logic applied to MM radar tracking filter design, which has been bereft of attention up to this point.  
         [0065]     The Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filter is one notable example of a MM filter that relies upon a MSM for its operation. This filter has been widely hailed as a significant advance in the domain of tracking filters. This filter will be employed as the standard for comparing the MM radar tracking filters including Alternative Switching Logic (ASL), which do not rely on a precomputed MSM, of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. In contrast, the MM radar tracking filter employing ASL, i.e., Non-Markov switching logic, by removing the MSM from the design, remove a degree of uncertainty and arbitrariness from the design, which, in turn, makes the MM radar tracking filter more acceptable as a candidate for implementation in real-world tactical systems. However, before discussing ASL designs, it is necessary to review the underlying principles of track filtering including CV and CA motion models (see the discussion above) and the IMM radar tracking filter  50  illustrated in  FIG. 4A .  
         [0066]      FIG. 4A  is a high level block diagram of an interacting multiple model (IMM) filter employed in a conventional radar tracking system, which includes several so-called Kalman filters. In general, the Kalman filter is an optimal state estimator for single mode systems, provided that an exact motion model for the target dynamics is available. Many experimenters have tried to broaden the Kalman filter to provide optimal state estimates for multiple mode systems, i.e., maneuvering targets. The IMM algorithm implemented in the IMM radar tracking filter depicted in  FIG. 4A  was designed to allow increased accuracy while tracking a maneuvering target. The IMM algorithm allows two or more single mode system filters to run in parallel. Typically, constant velocity, constant acceleration, and constant turning rate (speed) filters are all employed in conjunction with an IMM algorithm. The implementation fo the IMM algorithm shown in  FIG. 4A  employs two models rather than three.  
         [0067]     Still referring to  FIG. 4A , the IMM radar tracking filter  50  includes structure implementing a interaction (mixing) function  60 , producing first and second output signals applied to first and second filter functions  62  and  64 , respectively. Selected outputs of the filter functions  62  and  64  are applied to corresponding inputs to a model and mixing probabilities updating function  66 , which produces two outputs. One output is applied to the interaction function  60  while the other output is applied to a state estimate and covariance combination calculator function  68 . It will be appreciated that the calculator function also receives inputs from the first and second filters  62 ,  64 .  
         [0068]     The operation of the IMM radar tracking filter, as well as the interaction between the equations collectively defining the IMM algorithm for tracking with N dynamic motion models are set forth in below and illustrated in  FIG. 4B .  
         [0069]     Referring to  FIG. 4B , during step S 1 , the state estimates employed in the IMM algorithm are mixed. More specifically, the filtering process starts with prior state estimates X k−1|k−1   j , state error covariances P k−1|k−1   j , and the associated probabilities μ k−1   j  for each model. The mixed state estimate for M k   j , P k−1|k−1   0j , is computed as  
                 X       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1         0   ⁢   j       =       ∑     i   =   1     N     ⁢           ⁢       X       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1       i     ⁢     μ       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1         i   ❘   j             ⁢     
     ⁢   where           Eq   .           ⁢   27                 μ       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1         i   ❘   j       =         1       c   _     j       ⁢     p   ij     ⁢     μ     k   -   1     i     ⁢           ⁢   with   ⁢           ⁢       c   _     j       =       ∑     i   =   1     N     ⁢           ⁢       p   ij     ⁢     μ     k   -   1     i                   Eq   .           ⁢   28             
 
 and p ij  is the probability of switching to mode j given that the system is in mode i. It will be noted that the probabilities, p ij , are what constitute the elements of the MSM, Π. The mixed covariance for M k   j , P k−1|k−1   0j  is computed as  
                     P       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1         0   ⁢   j       =       ⁢       ∑     i   =   1     N     ⁢           ⁢       μ       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1         i   ❘   j       [       P       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1       i     +                           ⁢       (       X       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1       i     -     X       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1         0   ⁢   j         )     ⁢       (       X       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1       i     -     X       k   -   1     ❘     k   -   1         0   ⁢   j         )     T       ]     .                 Eq   .           ⁢   29             
 
         [0070]     Then, during step S 2 , model-conditioned updates are generated. It will be noted that since the conventional Kalman filter equations provide the model-conditioned updates, additional discussion of this step can be omitted in the interest of brevity.  
         [0071]     During step S 3 , model likelihood calculations are performed. More specifically, the likelihood function for model M k   j , Λ k   j  is computed with {tilde over (Z)} k   j , S k   j , and the assumption of Gaussian statistics. It is given by  
               Λ   k   j     =       1            2   ⁢   π   ⁢           ⁢     S   k   j                ⁢     exp   ⁡     [       -   0.5     ⁢       (       Z   ~     k   j     )     T     ⁢       (     S   k   j     )       -   1       ⁢       Z   ~     k   j       ]                 Eq   .           ⁢   30             
 
 It should be mentioned at this point that a positive lower bound of 10 −6  is imposed on Λ k   j  to provide numerical stability in the computer program. 
 
         [0072]     Next, at step S 4 , the model probabilities are updated. It will be appreciated that the model probabilities, μ k   j , are updated as  
               μ   k   j     =         1   c     ⁢     Λ   k   j     ⁢           ⁢   with   ⁢             ⁢             ⁢   c     =       ∑     i   =   1     N     ⁢           ⁢       Λ   k   i     ⁢         c   _     i     .                   Eq   .           ⁢   31             
 
         [0073]     Finally, during step S 5 , the state estimates are combined. The state estimate and error covariance for the IMM algorithm output, X k|k  and P k|k , respectively, are obtained from a probabilistic sum of the individual filter outputs and are given by  
               X     k   ❘   k       =       ∑     i   =   1     N     ⁢           ⁢       X     k   ❘   k     i     ⁢     μ   k   i                 Eq   .           ⁢   32                 P     k   ❘   k       =       ∑     i   =   1     N     ⁢           ⁢         μ   k   i     ⁡     [       P     k   ❘   k     i     +       (       X     k   ❘   k     i     -     X     k   ❘   k         )     ⁢       (       X     k   ❘   k     i     -     X     k   ❘   k         )     T         ]       .               Eq   ⁢           ⁢   33   ⁢           ⁢   A             
 
         [0074]     It should again be mentioned that due to the wide acceptance of the MM radar tracking filter structure within the academic community, momentum is gathering to introduce multiple-model filtering techniques into Navy tactical tracking systems. The IMM structure is the one that has been embraced with the most enthusiasm. If the IMM is to be used, what values should be selected for the Markov Switching Matrix? As has already been indicated, no optimal method exists for populating the MSM with the switching probabilities. The only constraints governing these probabilities are that the sum of the probabilities in each row must be unity and each element must have a value not less than zero and not greater than unity.  
         [0075]     With the summary of the IMM algorithm now complete, including the role played by the MSM, it is now possible to consider one possible design of a MM switching logic that does not use any MSM. The exemplary embodiments of this design will be collectively referred to as the MM radar tracking filter employing (with) Alternative Switching Logic (ASL) to differentiate the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention from the IMM filter design discussed above.  
         [0076]     It will be appreciated that non-MSM based Multiple Model switching logic designs and corresponding non-Markov Switching Matrix based switching methods advantageously would eliminate the need for ad hoc techniques of selecting matrix values. They would also eliminate the need to rely upon arbitrary assumptions. Also, non-Markov Switching Matrix based switching methods offer good filter response for all classes of target dynamic profiles. The discussion below explores several “mixing” methods by which the estimate for each filter model is re-initialized prior to executing the next cycle. Performance statistics of each method for sudden target maneuvers will also be examined for a wide class of target dynamic profiles using the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahigren Division (NSWCDD) Benchmark series of target trajectories. In addition, the performance statistics will be compared to those of the traditional MSM within the IMM structure.  
         [0077]     The equations governing ASL operation are derived as discussed below. Let a system occupy one of a set of possible states Ω={ξ 1 , ξ 2 , . . . , ξ N }. A Kalman filter is implemented for each possible state and the (conditional) output estimate vector from each state is computed. This state estimate is a conditional estimate as it is computed on the assumption that the target is always in that state. The probability that the target is in state i, p i , is computed using the output from the i th  Kalman filter. If {circumflex over (x)} i (k|k) is the output conditional estimate for the i th  Kalman filter at time k, then the unconditional estimate {circumflex over (x)}(k) is obtained using the rules of probability as follows:  
                 x   ^     ⁡     (   k   )       =       ∑     i   =   1     N     ⁢           ⁢           x   ^     i     ⁡     (     k   ❘   k     )       ⁢     p   i                 Eq   ⁢           ⁢   33   ⁢   B             
 
 where N is the number of states in the MM radar tracking filter. 
 
         [0078]     Heretofore, the computation of these weights has involved an a priori Markov Switching Matrix whose entries were typically assigned values on an ad hoc basis. These values have a significant impact on the filter response time when the system switches between states in Ω. The following derivation of state probabilities does not require a Markov Switching Matrix.  
             Define   ⁢     
     ⁢             Pr   ⁢     {       ξ   i     ❘     Z   ⁡     (   k   )         }       =       ⁢       Pr   ⁢     {         ξ   i     ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         ,     z   ⁡     (   k   )         }       =       Pr   ⁢     {       ξ   i     ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )       ,     z   ⁡     (   k   )         }         Pr   ⁢     {       Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )       ,     z   ⁡     (   k   )         }                       =       ⁢       Pr   ⁢     {         z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     ξ   i       ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     ⁢   Pr   ⁢     {       ξ   i     ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }         Pr   ⁢     {       Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )       ,     z   ⁡     (   k   )         }                     =       ⁢       Pr   ⁢     {         z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     ξ   i       ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     ⁢   Pr   ⁢     {       ξ   i     ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     ⁢   Pr   ⁢     {     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )       }         Pr   ⁢     {       z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     ⁢   Pr   ⁢     {     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )       }                     =       ⁢         Pr   ⁢     {         z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     ξ   i       ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }         Pr   ⁢     {       z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }         ⁢   Pr   ⁢       {       ξ   i     ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     .                       Eq   .           ⁢   34               Now   ,     
     ⁢             Pr   ⁢     {       z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }       =       ⁢       Pr   ⁢     {       z   ⁡     (   k   )       ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }         Pr   ⁢     {     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )       }                     =       ⁢         ∑   j             ⁢           ⁢     Pr   ⁢     {       z   ⁡     (   k   )       ,     ξ   j     ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }           Pr   ⁢     {     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )       }                     =       ⁢         ∑   j             ⁢           ⁢     Pr   ⁢     {         z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     ξ   j       ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     ⁢   Pr   ⁢     {       ξ   j     ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     ⁢   Pr   ⁢     {     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )       }           Pr   ⁢     {     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )       }                     =       ⁢       ∑   j             ⁢           ⁢     Pr   ⁢     {         z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     ξ   j       ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     ⁢   Pr   ⁢       {       ξ   j     ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     .                         Eq   .           ⁢   35             
 
 Substituting Eq. 35 into Eq. 34 produces  
               Pr   ⁢     {       ξ   i     ❘     Z   ⁡     (   k   )         }       =         Pr   ⁢     {         z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     ξ   i       ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }           ∑   j             ⁢           ⁢     Pr   ⁢     {         z   ⁡     (   k   )       ❘     ξ   j       ,     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     ⁢   Pr   ⁢     {       ξ   j     ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }           ⁢   Pr   ⁢       {       ξ   i     ❘     Z   ⁡     (     k   -   1     )         }     .               Eq   .           ⁢   36             
 
 Eq. 36 is the desired recursive expression for the model probabilities Pr{ξ i |Z(k)}. It will be noted that 
 
 Pr{z ( k )|ξ i   ,Z ( k− 1)}           N[H ( k ) {circumflex over (X)}   i ( k|k− 1), S   i ]  Eq. 37 
 
 where 
 
 S   i   =H ( k ) P   i ( k|k− 1) H ( k ) T   +R ( k ).  Eq. 38 
 
         [0079]     Eq. 37 and Eq. 38 are provided by the i th  Kalman filter in the MM filter bank. Note the absence of any MSM in Eq. 36.  
         [0080]     It should be mentioned at this point that the derivation given immediately above is not original. Eqs. 34-38 advantageously can be found in several publications including the book by Y. Bar-Shalom and Xiao-Rong Li, entitled “Estimation and Tracking Principles, Techniques, and Software” (Artech House, (1993)). However, while these equations are known, there has been no effort to implement the methodology expressed in these equations into a practical MM radar system filter. In contrast, the first through fourth preferred embodiments according to the present invention, which are discussed immediately below, provide several alternative architectures for the inventive MM radar tracking filter structure.  
         [0081]     The MM radar tracking filter structure  1  previously illustrated in  FIG. 3  will, in all likelihood, perform poorly in a typical tracking environment involving a maneuvering target. To illustrate the point, assume that a stream of CV trajectory data has been input to the MM radar tracking filter structure. In that case, the CV motion model filter  12  will be producing high quality estimates and p 1  will be close to unity. The estimates from the CA motion model filter  14 , on the other hand, will contain large errors, since the CA filter  14  is designed around a motion model which is mismatched to the actual dynamic profile of the target of interest. If the target executes a sudden maneuver, initially the CV filter  12  will continue to be weighted near unity because of the high value of p 1 . The situation is exacerbated by the divergent condition of the CA filter  14 . Although the CA filter is now matched to the current target dynamic configuration, the large errors in its initial estimates render it difficult to obtain good immediate track on the target of interest. With the estimates from both filters now having significant errors, the values computed by the weighting logic will not be “optimal” and, thus, poor MM filter performance follows.  
         [0082]     In order to overcome this problem, there must be some built-in feedback from the MM output to the inputs of the individual filters. The exemplary embodiments according to the present invention represent several possible architectures for this feedback. Some embodiments involve feedback of the output estimates while other embodiments involve feedback of both the output estimates and output covariance matrices. The performance of each is compared to the all others of the others below.  
         [0083]     The structure outlined in  FIG. 5  is the simplest multiple model design. Stated another way,  FIG. 5  is a high level functional block diagram of a first preferred embodiment of a MM radar tracking filter  100  employing ASL according to the present invention. From inspection of  FIG. 5 , it will be observed that there is no feedback from the filter output to the filter input. Each filter iterates on its own previous estimate without the benefit of any information being fed back from the weighted output to each filter input.  
         [0084]     More specifically, the MM radar tracking filter  100 , which advantageously employs ASL, includes a splitter function  110  providing signals to both a CV filter function  112  and a CA filter function  114 , the outputs of which are provided to first and second mixer functions  116  and  118 , respectively. The output signals generated by the first and second mixer functions  116  and  118  are applied to a summer (adder) function  120 , which provides the output of the MM radar tracking filter  100 . It will be noted that the output signals generated by the CV and CA filter functions  112 ,  114  are also provided to an ASL function  122 , which responds to the input signals by generating probability signals (values) p 1 , p 2  applied to the first and second mixer functions  116 ,  118 , respectively.  
         [0085]      FIG. 6  is a high level block diagram of a second preferred embodiment of the MM radar tracking filter  200  employing ASL according to the present invention, which includes a splitter function  210  providing signals to both a CV filter function  212  and a CA filter function  214 , the outputs of which are provided to first and second mixer functions  216  and  218 , respectively. The output signals generated by the first and second mixer functions  216  and  218  are applied to a summer (adder) function  220 , which provides the output of the MM radar tracking filter  200 . It will be noted that the output of the summer function  220  advantageously is fed back to the inputs of the CV and CA filter functions  212 ,  214 . It will also be noted that the output signals generated by the CV and CA filter functions  212 ,  214  are also provided to an ASL function  222 , which responds to these input signals by generating probability signals (values) p 1 , p 2  applied to the first and second mixer functions  216 ,  218 , respectively.  
         [0086]     In  FIG. 6 , the weighted estimate at the output of the filter is fed back to each filter input. For the next cycle, both filters use the same weighted estimate from the previous cycle as their initial estimate for computing the predicted estimate prior to making the next measurement.  
         [0087]      FIG. 7  is a high level block diagram of a third preferred embodiment of the MM radar tracking filter  300  employing ASL according to the present invention, which includes a splitter function  310  providing signals to both a CV filter function  312  and a CA filter function  314 , the outputs of which are provided to first and second mixer functions  316  and  318 , respectively. The output signals generated by the first and second mixer functions  316  and  318  are applied to a summer (adder) function  320 , which provides the output of the MM radar tracking filter  300 . It will be noted that the output of the summer function  320  advantageously is fed back to the inputs of the CV and CA filter functions  312 ,  314  via a convex sum and weight estimator function  324 . It will also be noted that the output signals generated by the CV and CA filter functions  312 ,  314  are also provided to an ASL function  322 , which responds to these input signals by generating probability signals (values) p 1 , p 2  applied to the first and second mixer functions  316 ,  318 , respectively.  
         [0088]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , at the end of each cycle, each filter&#39;s estimate is updated with the convex sum of its current estimate and the weighted output estimate from the filter bank. Using this method, each filter is updated with either its current estimate or the weighted estimate, whichever is the closest to the target configuration as determined by the mathematics of the convex sum.  
         [0089]      FIG. 8  is a high level block diagram of a fourth preferred embodiment of the MM radar tracking filter  400  employing ASL according to the present invention, which includes a splitter function  410  providing signals to both a CV filter function  412  and a CA filter function  414 , the outputs of which are provided to first and second mixer functions  416  and  418 , respectively. The output signals generated by the first and second mixer functions  416  and  418  are applied to a summer (adder) function  420 , which provides the output of the MM radar tracking filter  400 . It will be noted that the output of the summer function  420  advantageously is fed back to the inputs of the CV and CA filter functions  412 ,  414  via a complex calculation function  424 , which determines the convex sum, the weighted estimate, and the weighted covariance, as discussed below. It will also be noted that the output signals generated by the CV and CA filter functions  412 ,  414  are also provided to an ASL function  422 , which responds to these input signals by generating probability signals (values) p 1 , p 2  applied to the first and second mixer functions  416 ,  418 , respectively.  
         [0090]     In  FIG. 8 , at the end of each cycle, each filter&#39;s estimate is updated with the convex sum of its current estimate and the weighted output estimate from the filter bank. Similarly, the covariance matrix for each filter is updated with the convex sum of its current covariance matrix and the difference between its conditional estimate and the output weighted estimate, as shown in  FIG. 8 . This advantageously produces an updated error covariance matrix for each filter function that closely represents the actual difference statistics between its conditional estimate and the true target state vector in so far as the weighted estimate vector closely estimates the true target configuration.  
         [0091]     Having presented four preferred embodiments of the MM radar tracking filter employing ASL according to the present invention, it would be beneficial to examine the performance of each of these preferred embodiments of the present invention with respect to a set of six Benchmark trajectories (targets) routinely employed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD). The targets, whose tracks are illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9F , perform as much as a 7-g lateral acceleration and a 2-g longitudinal acceleration. It will be appreciated that the range of the target can vary from 2 to 100 km. Target trajectory  1 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 9A , is representative of a low-maneuvering target while target trajectory  6 , which is depicted in  FIG. 9F , is representative of a high-maneuvering target.  
         [0092]     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9F , each of the target trajectories will be described in detail. For example, in trajectory  1 , which is shown in  FIG. 9A , the target flies from an initial range of 80 km on a constant course with a speed of 290 m/s at an altitude of 1.26 km for the first minute. The aircraft then performs a mild, 2-g turn and continues on a new course for a period of 30 s, when a 3-g turn is performed to establish a new heading. The aircraft then flies away from the radar to a final range of 70 km.  
         [0093]     In contrast, in trajectory  6 , which is shown in  FIG. 9F , the target flies at an initial range of 65 km, speed of 426 m/s and an altitude of 1.55 km. Constant speed and course are maintained for a period of 30 s upon which a 7-g turn is performed. The new course is maintained for another 30 s. A 6-g turn is then performed while the throttle is reduced and the aircraft is nosed over in order to decrease altitude. A final altitude of 0.79 km is obtained, and after a time span of 30 s, another 6-g turn and full throttle are commanded. After 30 s, a 7-g turn is performed. Upon completion of the turn, straight and level; non-accelerating flight is maintained for the completion of the trajectory.  
         [0094]     The other target trajectories fall between these two extremes. For example, in trajectory  2 , which is depicted in  FIG. 9B , the target flies at an initial range of 45 km, speed of 305 m/s, and altitude of 4.57 km. The target performs a 2.5 g-turn through 90 of course change. After the turn is completed, the target descends gradually to an altitude of 3.1 km. A 4-g turn rolling out to straight and level flight is then performed at a constant speed of 305 m/s. The trajectory profile ends near a range of 20 km. In contrast, in trajectory  3 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 9C , the target flies at an initial range of 63 km, speed of 457 m/s and altitude of 3.0 km. The aircraft flies straight and level for the first 30 s. A 4-g turn is then performed through a 45 course change. Straight and level, non-accelerating flight is continued for the next 30 s. A second 4-g turn through a 90 course change is performed while the aircraft decelerates to a speed of 274 m/s. Straight and level flight is maintained for the remainder of the flight after the course change is completed.  
         [0095]     A still more difficult to solve target trajectory  4  is shown in  FIG. 9D . In trajectory  4 , the target flies at an initial range of 30 km and maintains a speed of 251 m/s and altitude of 2.29 km for the first 30 s. A 4-g turn is performed through a course change of  45 . After another 30 s, a 6-g turn is performed as the throttle is increased to full afterburner. The aircraft then pitches up and climbs to an altitude of 4.57 km. Following the climb, straight and level, non-accelerating flight is maintained for the completion of the trajectory. Finally, with respect to target trajectory  5 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 9E , the target is initialized in a thrusting acceleration at a range of 81 km with a speed of 274 m/s and altitude of 1.5 km. After a period of 30 s, a 5-g turn is performed while maintaining full throttle. This turn is followed 20 s later by a 7-g turn. After the second turn is completed, straight and level, non-accelerating flight is performed for 30 s, upon which a 6-g turn is performed concurrently with a pitch up and a climb. After an altitude of 4.45 km is achieved, straight and level, non-accelerating flight is flown for the completion of the trajectory.  
         [0096]     It should be noted that in comparing the performance of the MM radar tracking filters employing ASL with that offered by the IMM architecture, the only difference between the two approaches lies in the switching logic. In other words, the Process Noise covariance matrix is the same for corresponding motion models in both the ASL and IMM designs. The time varying measurement error covariance matrix has the same mathematical structure in both approaches. The MSM used in the IMM filter employs the following values:  
             Π   =     [         .95       .05           .05       .95         ]             Eq   .           ⁢   39             
 
         [0097]     The performance of the various preferred embodiments of a MM radar tracking filter employing ASL according to the present invention will now be presented with respect to the IMM filter depicted in  FIG. 4A . More specifically, the performance of the first through fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention will be compared and contrasted with a conventional IMM filter while referring to  FIGS. 9A through 21D , inclusive. It will be noted that, for completeness, the performance of the first through fourth preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be examined for both target trajectory  1  and target trajectory  6 . See  FIGS. 10A-17D . Thereafter, only the fourth preferred embodiment of the MM radar tracking filter of the present invention will be evaluated with respect to target trajectories  2 - 5 . See  FIGS. 18A-21D .  
         [0098]     It should be noted that all of the comparisons presented below are made based on the Root Square Error (RSE) values using both the ASL and IMM architectures. Thus, in the following analysis of the results, position RSE represents the square root of the sum of the squares of the errors in the target&#39;s estimated position in three dimensions at each measurement time, averaged over all the Monte Carlo runs. A corresponding definition applies to the RSE errors in velocity and acceleration. In addition, the evaluation of the performance of the first through fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention is made based on the number of times that ASL RSE is less than IMM RSE.  
         [0099]      FIGS. 10A, 10B ,  10 C, and  10 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 5  for target  1 , where  FIG. 10A  illustrates the root square error (RSE) for position,  FIG. 10B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 10C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration, and  FIG. 10D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 5  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A . It will be appreciated that the MM radar tracking filter illustrated in  FIG. 5  employs ASL methodology but does so without feedback.  FIGS. 10A-10D  show that the IMM performance is vastly superior to that of first preferred embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, in the MM radar tracking filter  100 , i.e., the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, RSE errors in position, velocity and acceleration increase at an alarming rate compared to those of the IMM.  
         [0100]     In contrast,  FIGS. 11A, 11B ,  11 C, and  11 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filters depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 6  for target  1 . More specifically,  FIG. 11A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 11B  illustrates the RSE for velocity,  FIG. 11C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration.  FIG. 11D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the second preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 6  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A . It will be appreciated from  FIGS. 11A-11D  that the performance is somewhat improved where the feedback of the weighted estimate to each filter input has stabilized the operation of the MM radar tracking system  200 . The improvement garnered from the simple expedient of feeding back the weighted output estimates can be seen by comparing  FIGS. 10D and 11D . In the former, the number of times that the first preferred embodiment of the present invention RSE surpasses the IMM RSE is virtually zero, whereas in the latter figure depicting the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, system under test RSE surpasses the IMM performance 70% of the time for velocity and 60% of the time for acceleration.  
         [0101]     Moreover,  FIGS. 12A, 12B ,  12 C, and  12 D collectively compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 7  for target  1 . Here,  FIG. 12A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 12B  illustrates the RSE for velocity, and  FIG. 12C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration.  FIG. 12D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the third preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 7  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A . It will be appreciated that the MM radar tracking filter  300  depicted in  FIG. 7  employs ASL based on feedback of convex sum of the weighted estimate. It will be noted that the performance arising from feedback of the convex sum in  FIGS. 12A-12D  is very close to that obtained with feedback of the weighted estimate alone. In short, the statistics on relative performance in  FIG. 12D  remain largely unchanged from those found in  FIG. 11D .  
         [0102]     Finally,  FIGS. 13A, 13B ,  13 C, and  13 D compare and contrast the performance of the radar filter systems depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 8  for target  1 , where  FIG. 13A  illustrates the RSE for position,  FIG. 13B  illustrates the RSE for velocity, and  FIG. 13C  illustrates the RSE for acceleration. Moreover,  FIG. 13D  depicts the number of times that the RSE for the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8  is less that the RSE for the IMM radar filter system shown in  FIG. 4A . It should again be mentioned that the MM radar tracking filter  400  of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention employs ASL based on feedback of convex sum of the weighted estimate and weighted covariance. It will be appreciated that the performance of the architecture of the MM radar tracking filter employing ASL based on feedback of convex sum of weighted estimates and weighted covariance shows a significant improvement over the previously discussed MM radar tracking filters  100 ,  200 , and  300 . Comparing  FIG. 13D  with  FIG. 12D , the position RSE statistics show significant improvement for the fourth preferred embodiment. The velocity RSE statistics are comparable to those of the IMM while the acceleration RSE statistics are superior to those of the IMM.  
         [0103]     It will be appreciated that the preceding results applied only to target trajectory  1 , which corresponds to a low-maneuvering target. The discussion which follows analyzes the relative performance of the architectures of MM radar tracking filters  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  400 , all of which employ ASL, for the highly-maneuvering target trajectory  6 .  
         [0104]     From  FIGS. 14A-14D , it will once again be observed that the MM radar tracking filter  100  of the present invention performs relatively poorly with respect to the conventional IMM filter illustrated in  FIG. 4A . However, the performance of the MM radar tracking filter  200  with ASL according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention shows a significant improvement in  FIGS. 15A-15D . Moreover, the performance of the MM radar tracking filter  300  employing ASL according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is quite similar to that of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The position, velocity and acceleration RSE values for the MM radar tracking filter  400  employing ASL shown in  FIGS. 17A-17C  for the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention are comparable to those of the IMM. From  FIG. 17D , it will be appreciated that the position RSE values are superior to the IMM values for 52% of the trajectory whereas the IMM filter RSE is superior for velocity and acceleration.  
         [0105]     Again, the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is clearly the best-performing and, in many cases, it exceeds the performance provided by the conventional IMM filter architecture. Consequently, the performance of the MM radar tracking filter  400  with ASL according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is analyzed for the remaining Benchmark trajectories  2 - 5 . From inspection of  FIGS. 18A-21D , it will be appreciated that the MM radar tracking filter  400  with ASL performs as well as or better that the conventional IMM filter  50 .  
         [0106]     Moreover, in  FIG. 22 , all the RSE plots for the MM radar tracking filter  400  employing ASL have been combine into one figure to facilitate easy overall comparison. Clearly, the performance of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention architecture is comparable to that offered by the IMM filter  50  for the six trajectories shown. Stated another way,  FIG. 22  shows the comparative performance of the MM radar tracking filter  400  with ASL versus that of the conventional IMM filter  50  for each of six target trajectories. The dark bar in each figure represents the performance statistics of the MM radar tracking filter  400  while the light colored bar to the immediate right shows the corresponding performance statistics of the IMM filter  50 . The performance metric used is the average number of times that the RSE error for the MM radar tracking filter  400  is less than the IMM RSE. It will be noted that the comparative performance statistics are provided for filtered estimates of target position, velocity, and acceleration. From the  FIG. 22 , it will be appreciated that although the ASL switching logic is considerably less complex than that of the IMM filter, the performance statistics of the former is nevertheless comparable to the IMM filter  50  for all trajectories. As might be expected, the run time statistics, shown in  FIG. 23 , indicate that for the each trajectory, the run time for the MM radar tracking filter  400  with ASL represents an average 20% decrease in run time over that of the IMM filter  50 .  
         [0107]     In short, the removal of the Markov Switching Matrix (MSM) from the switching logic has removed a degree of ad-hoc design, which characterizes Multiple Model (MM) filters up to this point. This new design facilitates the implementation of MM radar tracking filters in combat systems by removing the considerable uncertainty about how to select values for the MSM.  
         [0108]     Moreover, the evaluations and analysis discussed above were performed on alternative switching mechanisms for multiple model filters that do not require a MSM for their switching logic. For the Alternative Switching Logic (ASL) evaluated, the evidence shows that performance of, for example, the MM radar tracking filter  400  with ASL is comparable to that offered by the IMM filter  50  for the six NSWCDD Benchmark target trajectories.  
         [0109]     Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention represent a first systematic attempt to consider alternative switching logic designs for multiple model filter structures that do not employ a Markov Switching Matrix in their design. It ill be appreciated that these exemplary embodiments do not constitute an exhaustive treatment of improved MM radar tracking filters; it is expected that one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other switching logic designs departing from the Bayesian-based techniques employed in the MM radar tracking filters illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8 , such as fuzzy logic and neural networks, advantageously can also be employed.  
         [0110]     Although presently preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein above, it should be clearly understood that many variations and/or modifications of the basic inventive concepts herein taught, which may appear to those skilled in the pertinent art, will still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.