Probabilistic Data Association Algorithm Research Articles

A group target track‐before‐detect approach using two‐stage strategy with maximum‐likelihood probabilistic data association

AbstractIn tracking scenarios involving groups with dense targets, achieving effective data association is challenging due to mutual occlusion and interference among targets. The complexity of the tracking problem is further exacerbated in low‐observable environments by the increase in false alarm rates. The track‐before‐detect (TBD) is an advanced technology for detecting and tracking low‐observable targets, effectively mitigating data association problems by integrating multi‐frame echo data. However, the existing multi‐target TBD algorithms typically assume that the targets are spatially separated and are not suitable for scenarios involving group targets. A group target maximum‐likelihood probabilistic data association (GT‐ML‐PDA) algorithm, based on the concept of TBD, is proposed to track group targets effectively in low‐observable environments. The proposed algorithm divides group target tracking into two stages: group centre trajectory estimation and individual target trajectory estimation. To enhance the performance of the proposed algorithm, two strategies are suggested: modifying the equivalent measurements and extracting independent measurement sets for individual targets. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is capable of effectively tracking numerous individual targets within a group, even in the presence of heavy clutter.

Resilient Cooperative Localization Based on Factor Graphs for Multirobot Systems

With the advancement of intelligent perception in multirobot systems, cooperative localization in dynamic environments has become a critical component. However, existing multirobot cooperative localization systems still fall short in meeting high-precision localization requirements in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied environments. In this paper, we propose a factor-graph-based resilient cooperative localization (FG-RCL) algorithm for multirobot systems. This algorithm integrates measurements from visual sensors and Ultra-WideBand (UWB) to achieve accurate cooperative state estimation—overcoming the visibility issues of visual sensors within limited fields of view. We utilize the Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA) algorithm to calculate the corresponding probabilities of multiple visual detection measurements between robots and assign them to their respective edges in the factor graph, thereby addressing the data association challenges in visual detection measurements. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly reduces the influence of visual detection measurement interference on the performance of cooperative localization. Experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms UWB-based and vision-based methods in terms of localization accuracy. The system is implemented using a factor-graph-based optimization approach, and it exhibits scalability and enables plug-and-play for sensors. Furthermore, it demonstrates resilience in abnormal situations.

Research on multi-target data association of the infrared fish-eye warning system

The multi-target data association method is studied in order to realize multi-target tracking in infrared fish-eye warning system. The Neural Joint Probabilistic Data Association (NJPDA) algorithm is analyzed. It is found that the NJPDA algorithm only considers the distance information between the measurement and the target in the data association process, and its tracking accuracy needs to be further improved. Therefore, a new method fused with direction information is proposed based on the NJPDA algorithm. The proposed algorithm defines the concept of direction difference, introduces the direction information of target motion, and modifies the likelihood function by Gaussian weighting method, so as to fuse the direction information of target motion into the calculation of data interconnection probability. Experimental results demonstrate that the tracking success rate of the proposed algorithm is nearly 10 % higher than that of JPDA and NJPDA algorithms and its consuming time meets the real-time requirement of the infrared fish-eye warning system.

Multiple passive-sensor distributed target tracking approach with Machine Learning Feedback

In this paper, a novel recursive state estimation approach in three-dimensional space for a non-maneuvering target is developed. The proposed technique employs angle and amplitude information in a distributed fusion setup, tackling the issue of target state estimation in cluttered environments, as well as target detection with a machine learning feedback mechanism with sequence measurements from multiple passive sensors. A new Integrated Probabilistic Data Association technique with Machine Learning Feedback (IPDA-MLF) is proposed. Most of the clutter measurements are eliminated by fusing angles and amplitude information in the Local Sensor tracker with an Integrated Probabilistic Data Association algorithm (LS-IPDA) framework. To deal with low observability issues, as well as to fuse information from multiple sensors, a Machine Learning (ML) algorithm is deployed, which utilizes a convolutional neural networks-based algorithm. The proposed IPDA-MLF algorithm resolves possible track-to-track associations and provides feedback to the local tracker for increased track retention. The refined information from local trackers is again converted to heat maps and the ML-based solution is used to fuse the local tracks at a central level. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm is improved by the incorporation of the machine learning feedback, reducing false tracks, increasing true track retention, and eliminating mismatched fusion at the central tracker.

AIS aided marine radar target tracking in a detection occluded environment

Radar signal occlusion due to islands and large ships occurs frequently in maritime environments, degrading the performance of marine radar target detection and tracking. In order to address the common track breakages and tracking inaccuracies during occlusion, both prior environment knowledge from electronic navigation chart (ENC) and information from automatic identification systems (AIS) are exploited. An AIS-aided integrated probabilistic data association (A-IPDA) algorithm is proposed for maritime target tracking in an occluded environment. It recursively identifies target occlusion based on environmental knowledge and applies a tailored track existence probability transition matrix for track existence estimation during occlusion, meanwhile rich AIS information is exploited to maintain target tracking performance. Experiments based on both simulated data and real data show that A-IPDA has the ability to counter long period target occlusion in complex maritime environments, where track continuity and tracking accuracy can be well maintained.

B-spline based Extended target tracking technology in cluttered environments

In order to solve the problem of tracking single extended targets in a cluttered environment, this thesis proposes a B-spline based probabilistic data association extended target tracking method (ET-BS-PDA). Firstly, the state of the extended target is modelled using B-sample strips, secondly, all events associated with the extended target will be counted based on valid measurements, and the probability of the associated events will be computed using the full probability principle. Finally, we use probabilistic data association algorithms to update state and covariance of extended targets and verify effectiveness of extended target tracking algorithms in cluttered environments through simulations.

New joint probabilistic data association algorithm based on variational Bayesian adaptive moment estimation

New joint probabilistic data association algorithm based on variational Bayesian adaptive moment estimation

Probabilistic Semantic Data Association for Collaborative Human-Robot Sensing

Humans cannot always be treated as oracles for collaborative sensing. Robots thus need to maintain beliefs over unknown world states when receiving semantic data from humans, as well as account for possible discrepancies between human-provided data and these beliefs. To this end, this paper introduces the problem of semantic data association (SDA) in relation to conventional data association problems for sensor fusion. It then develops a novel probabilistic semantic data association (PSDA) algorithm to rigorously address SDA in general settings, unlike previous work on semantic data fusion which developed heuristic techniques for specific settings. PSDA is further incorporated into a recursive hybrid Bayesian data fusion scheme which uses Gaussian mixture priors for object states and softmax functions for semantic human sensor data likelihoods. Simulations of a multi-object search task show that PSDA enables robust collaborative state estimation under a wide range of conditions where semantic human sensor data can be erroneous or contain significant reference ambiguities.

Passive Radar Tracking in Clutter Using Range and Range-Rate Measurements

Passive bistatic radar research is essential for accurate 3D target tracking, especially in the presence of missing or low-quality bearing information. Traditional extended Kalman filter (EKF) methods often introduce bias in such scenarios. To overcome this limitation, we propose employing the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) for handling the nonlinearities in 3D tracking, utilizing range and range-rate measurements. Additionally, we incorporate the probabilistic data association (PDA) algorithm with the UKF to handle cluttered environments. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate a successful implementation of the UKF-PDA framework, showing that the proposed method effectively reduces bias and significantly advances tracking capabilities in passive bistatic radars.

Correlation Filtering Algorithm of Infrared Spectral Data for Dim Target Tracking

The correlation filtering algorithm of infrared spectral data for dim and small target tracking is studied to improve the tracking accuracy of small and weak targets and to track small and weak targets in real time. After the image noise reduction processing by the mean shift filtering algorithm, the infrared small and weak target image data model is constructed by using the denoised infrared small and weak target image. And the brightness value and position of unknown small and weak targets are obtained. The tracking and measurement model of small and weak targets is built. The joint probabilistic data association algorithm is used to calculate the probability that each measurement is associated with its possible source targets, and the particle filter is used to update the tracking status of small and weak targets to achieve real-time tracking of small and weak targets. The experimental results show that the algorithm can enhance the edge contour information of small and weak images, so as to accurately track small and weak targets moving in any track, and has good real-time tracking and accuracy. There is a small deviation between the tracking track of weak and small targets tracked by the algorithm and the actual track, and the root mean square difference of tracking weak and small targets is within 2 pixels. In addition, the detection probability of detecting weak and small targets is less affected by SNR environmental factors.

Design of Dynamic Multi-Obstacle Tracking Algorithm for Intelligent Vehicle

Environmental perception forms the basis of intelligent driving systems and is a prerequisite for path planning and vehicle control. Among them, dynamic multi-obstacle tracking is the key to environmental perception. In order to solve the problem of a large amount of correlation calculations and false correlations in the process of dynamic multi-obstacle tracking, and to obtain more accurate surrounding environment information, this paper first designs an obstacle data correlation algorithm based on improving the joint probabilistic data-association algorithm. Then, in order to solve the problem of obstacle movement mobility and the poor filtering effect of a single model, the interacting multiple model is designed to complete the filtering of multiple behavior patterns of obstacles. An obstacle state estimation algorithm based on the unscented Kalman filter is designed to solve the nonlinear problem of obstacle motion. Finally, an experimental prototype is built and tested. The results show that the data association algorithm designed in this paper can complete the data association of obstacles at different times, and there is no problem of obstacle loss and association error. The average running time of each frame is 51.63 ms. The result comparison between the proposed method and the traditional method shows that the proposed method is more effective.

An Improved IMM-GPDA Tracking Algorithm

To improve the accuracy and efficiency of multi-maneuvering target tracking in dense clutter environments, an improved interactive multi-model generalized probabilistic data association (IMM-GPDA) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The algorithm introduces Doppler information into the measurement data. Firstly, the measurement data is pre-processed by double-threshold regional density clutter elimination, and then the pre-processed data is put into the improved IMM-GPDA algorithm with square-root cubature Kalman filter (SRCKF) and model transition probability adaptation for interaction, association, and filtering. Simulation results show that the algorithm has advanced accuracy, instantaneity, and robustness in tracking environments with multi-maneuvering targets and dense clutters.

A Novel AD-PDA-BACF Algorithm for Real-Time Moving Target Shadow Tracking Using ViSAR Imagery

Detection and tracking using video synthetic aperture radar (ViSAR) have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years due to its ability to produce high-resolution videos for regions of interest. In this work, we have chosen the background-aware correlation filter (BACF) as a key algorithm due to its superior performance in real-time tracking scenarios. Dim and small shadows with weak visual features, time-varying shadows, and complex environments pose serious challenges to the target tracking problem using ViSAR videos. These factors lead to a multipeak problem in the BACF and many other correlation filter-based algorithms. As a result, incorrect target detection, template model contamination, and tracker drift or failure during long-term tracking can occur. In this work, we propose a novel appearance-distance information-assisted probabilistic data association (AD-PDA) algorithm to tackle the multipeak problem. Based on the correlation outputs of the BACF, the AD-PDA algorithm selects multiple peak locations as validated measurements. By exploiting the appearance-distance probability distribution functions, the AD-PDA algorithm calculates the mixed appearance-distance association weights and estimates target states accurately. Furthermore, we propose an efficient AD-PDA-BACF algorithm that can track targets accurately by combining the AD-PDA and BACF algorithms. This study conducts experiments using two public ViSAR video datasets released by the Sandia National Laboratory. Our results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms several state-of-the-art algorithms in tracking dim and small targets in terms of tracking accuracy, success rate, and tracking speed.

Gaussian processes based extended target tracking in polar coordinates with input uncertainty

Gaussian processes (GP) based extended target tracking (ETT) technique has attracted the attention of scientists since it can accurately estimate the kinematic states as well as the contour states of irregular-shape targets. Most traditional GP methods consider the ETT problem with a linear measurement model in Cartesian coordinates and ignore the input uncertainty of GP for simplicity. In many applications, however, measurements are generated with high-resolution sensors in polar coordinates. More importantly, the ignorance of input uncertainty in GP will exacerbate the tracking performance in these cases. In order to track an irregular-shape extended target in polar coordinates with input uncertainty, an improved GP-based probabilistic data association (IGP-PDA) algorithm is developed that includes the following enhancements: Firstly, a nonlinear measurement model is used and the unbiased converted measurement technique is invoked for the ETT problem. Secondly, the analytical form of statistical properties of the input uncertainty due to measurements noise and predicted error is derived. Thirdly, an IGP-PDA taking into account measurement origin uncertainty as well as input uncertainty is proposed, and three sub-optimal implementations are provided. Last, the posterior Cramer-Rao lower bound of ETT with input uncertainty is derived. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Improvement in the Tracking Performance of a Maneuvering Target in the Presence of Clutter.

The proposed work uses fixed lag smoothing on the interactive multiple model-integrated probabilistic data association algorithm (IMM-IPDA) to enhance its performance. This approach makes use of the advantages of the fixed lag smoothing algorithm to track the motion of a maneuvering target while it is surrounded by clutter. The suggested method provides a new mathematical foundation in terms of smoothing for mode probabilities in addition to the target trajectory state and target existence state by including the smoothing advantages. The suggested fixed lag smoothing IMM-IPDA (FLs IMM-IPDA) method’s root mean square error (RMSE), true track rate (TTR), and mode probabilities are compared to those of other recent algorithms in the literature in this study. The results clearly show that the proposed algorithm outperformed the already-known methods in the literature in terms of these above parameters of interest.

A Cooperative UAV Swarm Localization Algorithm Based on Probabilistic Data Association for Visual Measurement

A cooperative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm has been proven to be a fast and efficient system for performing tasks. The relative measurements based on visual detection will cause data association ambiguity in a swarm with homogeneous visual appearance. To solve this problem, this article introduces a UAV swarm localization system based on probabilistic data association (PDA) for vision-based relative measurements. First, a cooperative localization system is designed that each UAV in the swarm shares its information with other UAVs to help the UAV without global navigation satellite system (GNSS) achieve robust localization. The effect of the position uncertainty of assisted UAVs on the localization performance is considered in the process of visual measurement. Then, this work uses the modified directional joint PDA (MDJPDA) algorithm to solve the problem of data association for visual measurement in the homogeneous UAV swarm. By adding the directional weighting factor, the localization errors caused by the visual observation angle are reduced. Finally, the simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is superior to the extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm, the modified PDA (MPDA) algorithm, and the modified joint PDA (MJPDA) algorithm in terms of localization accuracy and robustness.

Research and Application of Data Fusion and Data Mining in Early Warning Detection Intelligence Processing System

As a key technology of modern intelligence systems, Intelligence processing is a famous research area, and plays a basic role in the economy of the country especially in the early warning detection intelligence processing system. The basic theory of data fusion and date mining is comprehensively expounded, and real-time requirements of multi-target track data fusion, as well as offline demodulation timely information on characteristics of data mining, is deeply studied. Firstly, this paper discusses roundly the theory of association rules, which is an important research method of early warning intelligence data mining, proposes a new weighted probabilistic data association algorithm and improves joint probabilistic data association algorithm. Secondly, the knowledge of early warning intelligence data warehouse is detailed, and Law of cosines-text clustering algorithm based on distance is highlighted and extended. Finally, through the integration of real-time data integration and off-line data mining, the practical problems in information processing are effectively solved.

Multipath Data Fusion With Recursive ML-PDA and Generative ML-PMHT for VLO Targets in Underwater Environment

We discuss and extend two approaches to target detection and motion parameter estimation in a very low observable (VLO) underwater multipath environment. The maximum likelihood probabilistic data association (ML-PDA) algorithm considers all possible path–measurement hypotheses, whereas the maximum likelihood probabilistic multiple hypothesis tracker (ML-PMHT) assumes independence among the returns’ origins leading to a simpler likelihood formulation. In particular, we present a recursive form of the multipath ML-PDA algorithm for improved computational efficiency and a generative multipath ML-PMHT algorithm that accounts for the prior probability distribution of the number of received measurements. By simulation of an active sonar tracking scenario, we show that while the two algorithms perform similarly for few returns, the added fidelity of the ML-PDA outperforms the ML-PMHT in parameter estimation as returns accumulate over multiple scans and dimensions. However, the computational cost of the ML-PDA discourages its use beyond simple scenarios. This cost, coupled with the comparable detection performance of the two algorithms, suggests that the simpler ML-PMHT is the better choice for practical use. We also show how both the ML-PDA and ML-PMHT can be applied to realistic ocean environments using ocean acoustic modeling software. This article is an extension of previous work on comparing the standard versions of the ML-PDA and ML-PMHT algorithms.

A Novel Auxiliary Excretion Approach to a Lavatory Robot with Safety and Robustness

The excretion behavior in daily life for the elderly and the disabled is a high frequency, high physical load, and risky behavior. Therefore, we proposed an auxiliary lavatory robot (ALR) with autonomous movement and self-cleaning capability. When the nursing staff assists a user in transferring from a standing or lying state to sitting on the ALR, the ALR can follow the user according to their position and posture. Over the whole transfer process, the ALR always provides the user with the best transfer position and posture, which is an effective approach to reduce workload and physical load. However, confusion and occlusion of the lower limbs between the nursing staff and the user would affect the user’s posture recognition. First, in this paper, a method combined with object segmentation and shape constraint was proposed to extract the contour of the lower limbs of the user and the nursing staff. Then, depending on the position constraint and dynamic characteristics of the legs contour and back contour of the user, a dynamic posture recognition approach based on a two-level joint probabilistic data association algorithm (JPDA) was proposed. Finally, the leg target recognition experiment, path-tracking experiment, and auxiliary excretion transfer experiment were implemented to verify the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed algorithm. The experimental results showed that our proposed method improved the safety and convenience of the user, and it also reduced the workload and physical load of the nursing staff. The ALR, integrated with the proposed method, has a good universal property for the elderly and disabled with weak motion capability in hospitals, pension centers, and families.

Evolutionary Optimization Based Set Joint Integrated Probabilistic Data Association Filter

The joint integrated probabilistic data association (JIPDA) algorithm is widely used for the automatic tracking of multiple targets, but it has the well-known problem of track coalescence. By optimizing the posterior density, the accuracy of the target state estimation can be improved. Motivated by this idea, we developed a novel evolutionary optimization based joint integrated probabilistic data association (EOJIPDA) filter to overcome the coalescence problem of the JIPDA filter. The trace for the covariance matrix of the posterior density is used as the objective function for the above optimization problem. It is shown that the accuracy of the target state estimation can be improved by reducing the trace. Evolutionary optimization was employed to minimize the trace and optimize the posterior density. More specifically, we enumerated all the possible permutations of the targets and assign a unique index to each permutation. The resulting indices were randomly assigned to all possible association hypothesis events. Each assignment indicated one possible gene in the evolutionary algorithm. This process was repeated several times to arrive at the initial population. An illustrative example shows that the EOJIPDA filter can effectively improve the accuracy of state estimation. Numerical studies are presented for two challenging multi-target tracking scenarios with clutter and missed detections. The experimental results demonstrate that the EOJIPDA filter provides better tracking accuracy than traditional coalescence-avoiding methods.