This text is the most comprehensive compilation of practical
algorithms for the estimation of the states of targets in surveillance
systems operating in a multitarget-multisensor environment. This
problem is characterized by measurement origin uncertainty, typical for
low observables. A listing of the various tracking problems and the
appropriate algorithms is given and the assumptions and applicability
of each algorithm are clearly indicated. The tools for design of
algorithms for the association of measurements and tracking are
presented. Explicit consideration is given for measurements obtained
from different sensors under realistic assumptions --- lack of
synchronicity and different detection and accuracy characteristics.
Several real-data examples are given to illustrate the techniques
discussed. The modeling accounts for target maneuvers, detection
probability, false alarms, interference from other targets and the
finite resolution capability of sensors. The problems of track
initiation, track maintenance and track-to-track association and fusion
in a multisensor situation are considered. The optimization of certain
signal processing parameters based on tracking performance is also
discussed. Many of these techniques have applications to state
estimation when using multiple sensors in control systems, autonomous
vehicle navigation and robotics. This text is written in textgraph TM
format --- a self-contained concise text also suitable for use as
viewgraphs. An extensive index is provided with all the indexed terms
highlighted in the text for the convenience of the reader.
Professor Bar-Shalom is one of the world's experts in this field... A major attraction of this book is the realistic examples, using sensors including radar, sonar, passive infrared... It is clearly written, buzzword-free and a pleasure to read... (with) humorous and insightful nuggets sprinkled throughout the text... (This) book helps balance the literature by deriving practical algorithms using mathematics that is relevant and readily accessible to engineers... -- Fred Daum, Raytheon Corp.