Method and apparatus for search and tracking
AssigneeHughes Aircraft Company
InventorsW. Leon Francis, Paul T. Gray, Walter G. Margerum
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for search and tracking multiple targets in an object space. The apparatus (10) includes a targeting FLIR unit (12) operating in imaging mode. The targeting FLIR unit (12) is operable to generate an output in response to the observations of the multiple targets. The apparatus (10) also includes an infrared search and tracking electronics unit (48) for allowing the apparatus (10) to detect and track the multiple targets in response to the output of the targeting FLIR unit (12).
Claims30
An apparatus for each search and simultaneously tracking multiple moving and nonmoving targets in an object space comprising:
- a targeting FLIR unit operating in imaging mode, said targeting FLIR unit generating an electrical output in response to observations of said multiple moving and nonmoving targets;
- and
- means for detecting and tracking said multiple moving and nonmoving targets in response to said electrical output of said targeting FLIR unit.
An apparatus for allowing an operator to continuously search and track a plurality of targets moving in an object space comprising:
- a targeting FLIR unit operating in imaging mode, said targeting FLIR unit operable to generate a first output in response to observations of said plurality of targets;
- a system electronics unit for controlling the operation of said targeting FLIR unit;
- a monitor for displaying a portion of said object space to said operator, said monitor electrically communicating with said system electronics unit;
- a signal processor electrically communicating with said system electronics unit;
- and
- a data processor electrically communicating with said signal processor and said systems electronics unit, said data processor comprising:
- means for forming tracks from the first output of said targeting FLIR unit,
- means for assigning said observations to established tracks operable to generate a second output,
- means for filtering the output of said means for assigning observations to established tracks,
- means for classifying said tracks into target tracks, tentative tracks, and clutter tracks,
- means for eliminating ghosts generated by said targeting FLIR unit, and
- means for deleting observations of said targets which are generated by overscan of said targets by said targeting FLIR unit.
A method for searching and simultaneously tracking a plurality of moving and nonmoving targets in an object space comprising:
- sensing said targets using a targeting FLIR unit operating in an imaging mode, said targeting FLIR unit operable to operable an electrical output;
- and
- processing said electrical output from said targeting FLIR unit to allow search and simultaneously tracking of said plurality of moving and nonmoving targets.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.