A Sequential Target Existence Statistic for Joint Probabilistic Data Association

A sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) is introduced as a track management (TM) mechanism for the joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) multitarget tracking algorithm. The SPRT is based on an approximate target likelihood ratio that is derived from the JPDA event and association probabilities. SPRT-based TM functions are defined and compared to the joint integrated probabilistic data association (JIPDA) algorithm, including a discussion of parameter tuning for both approaches. Simulation experiments are reported for multiple closely spaced constant-velocity targets over a range of values for detection probability and clutter density. The SPRT-based algorithm achieves performance similar to JIPDA for this data, but with fewer TM parameters and a more straightforward parameter-tuning process.

Automated summary

A sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) has been introduced as a track management mechanism for the joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) multitarget tracking algorithm. Simulation experiments show that the SPRT-based algorithm achieves performance similar to JIPDA, with fewer parameters and a more straightforward parameter-tuning process, for multiple closely spaced constant-velocity targets over a range of detection probability and clutter density values.