Radar-Based Target Tracking Using Deep Learning Approaches with Unscented Kalman Filter

Abstract

Machine learning, a rapidly growing field, has attracted numerous researchers for its ability to automatically learn from and make predictions based on data. This manuscript presents an innovative approach to estimating the covariance matrix of noise in radar measurements for target tracking, resulting from collaborative efforts. Traditionally, researchers have assumed that the covariance matrix of noise in sonar measurements is present in the vast majority of literature related to target tracking. On the other hand, this research aims to estimate it by employing deep learning algorithms with noisy measurements in range, bearing, and elevation from radar sensors. This collaborative approach, involving multiple disciplines, provides a more precise and accurate covariance matrix estimate. Additionally, the unscented Kalman filter was combined with the gated recurrent unit, multilayer perceptron, convolutional neural network, and long short-term memory to accomplish the task of 3D target tracking in an airborne environment. The quantification of the results was achieved through the use of Monte Carlo simulations, which demonstrated that the convolutional neural network performed better than any other approach. The system was simulated using a Python program, and the proposed method offers higher accuracy and faster convergence time than conventional target tracking methods. This is a demonstration of the potential that collaboration can have in research.