Patent ID: 7342399

Claim:
A system for tracking a moving target that has a magnetic signature, comprising: a non-magnetic positioner capable of being adjusted in elevation and azimuth; a magnetic anomaly sensing system coupled to said positioner for movement therewith, said magnetic anomaly sensing system determining magnetic gradient tensors associated with the target and converting said magnetic gradient tensors to gradient contraction scalars; and a processor coupled to said magnetic anomaly sensing system and said positioner, said processor using said magnetic gradient tensors and said gradient contraction scalars to determine at least bearing and range to the target wherein a velocity of the target is determined using said bearing and range so-determined at two points in time as the target is moving, said processor (i) determining adjustments in elevation and azimuth of said positioner using said magnetic gradient tensors and said gradient contraction scalars along with said bearing and range and said velocity, and (ii) providing said adjustments to said positioner, wherein said magnetic anomaly sensing system continually determines said magnetic gradient tensors associated with the target as the target is moving.