Tracks Correlation In Radar Data Processing

Radar Data Processing (RDP) is critical technology in Air Traffic Control (ATC) System. RDP receive observation from sensor and processing radar data to tracking target. RDP provide position, velocity, characters and maneuver of target. In this thesis, we discuss tracks correlation in RDP. Tracks correlation pair correctly observation and exist tracks, it is key step in RDP.In tracks correlation, it is most important that design a correct correlation gate size and pairing algorithm for observation and tracks. Correlation gate is an area which center is prediction of tracks. It is the first part of the tracks correlation. It is should be high probability for observation correlated with tracks satisfy the correlation gate size. Correlation gate size is determined by measurement noise, the maneuver of target, the cycle of radar scanning, extrapolate algorithm etc. In the thesis, we discuss how to design a correlation gate.Pairing algorithm pair correctly observation in correlation gate and exist tracks. We discuss two pairing algorithm: optimal pairing algorithm and suboptimal pairing algorithm. Optimal pairing algorithm minimizes thesummed total distance of observation and correlated track. The optimal pairing algorithm improves performance of track correlation and tracking. But the algorithm is complex. The suboptimal pairing algorithm is simpler than optimal algorithm. But it is not guaranteed to be optimal for all conditions.At last we discuss tracks correlation in multi-sensor multi-target condition. In the condition the tracks correlation is that correlation of system tracks fusion by radar tracks and radar tracks. The tracks correlation is difference between single-sensor conditions and multi-sensor condition. We propose a practical algorithm for tracks correlation in multi-sensor multi-target condition.The algorithms we discuss above had already applied in Air Traffic Control System and get a good effect.