Track-Before-Detect for Dim Targets

Abstract

Track-before-detect (TBD) is an effective technique used for detection and tracking of dim targets. This technique does not claim the detection result regarding the presence or absence of a target based on the single-frame data. Instead, it firstly tracks a target according to hypothetical potential paths in the multi-frame data, filters clutters and constantly accumulates the target energy based on different characteristics of target echo, clutter and noise, and estimates the target trajectory at the time of target detection. Since the TBD sets no threshold or merely sets a lower threshold for the single-frame data, information of dim targets is retained as much as possible, thus avoiding the target loss problem faced by the traditional detect-before-track (DBT) method. From the perspective of the energy utilization, the TBD integrates detection and tracking. In this way, both single scanning pulse train coherent integration and inter-scanning non-coherent integration are used to improve the energy utilization efficiency. Therefore, the TBD is able to improve the capability of radar to detect dim and small targets.