Abstract A vector neural network (VNN) of interconnected neurons is provided in transition mappings of potential targets wherein the threshold (energy) of a single frame does not provide adequate information (energy) to declare a target position. The VNN enhances the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by integrating target energy over multiple frames including the steps of postulating massive numbers of target tracks (the hypotheses), propagating these target tracks over multiple frames, and accommodating different velocity target by pixel quantization. The VNN then defers thresholding to subsequent target stages when higher SNR's are prevalent so that the loss of target information is minimized, and the VNN can declare both target location and velocity. The VNN can further include target maneuver detection by a process of energy balancing hypotheses.
A vector neural network (VNN) for the detection of a potential target where the energy of the target is insufficient in reference to a determinable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) operating condition CHARACTERIZED IN THAT THE VNN comprises: a) first means to establish operating control parameters for the VNN in response to the SNR where said control parameters include (1) postulating a plurality of target tracks, (2) propagating said tracks in a network of interconnected neurons, (3) encoding said tracks to directional target energies, b) second means to integrate target energies along at least one target track to develop a continuous target track over a function of both time and space, c) third means to declare a target location by deferred thresholding of said integrated target energies relative to the SNR, and d) fourth means to determine target direction by a backflow process with associated switching of said integrated target energies along said continuous target track.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A vector neural network (VNN) for the detection of a potential target where the energy of the target is insufficient in reference to a determinable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) operating condition CHARACTERIZED IN THAT THE VNN comprises: a) first means to establish operating control parameters for the VNN in response to the SNR where said control parameters include (1) postulating a plurality of target tracks, (2) propagating said tracks in a network of interconnected neurons, (3) encoding said tracks to directional target energies, b) second means to integrate target energies along at least one target track to develop a continuous target track over a function of both time and space, c) third means to declare a target location by deferred thresholding of said integrated target energies relative to the SNR, and d) fourth means to determine target direction by a backflow process with associated switching of said integrated target energies along said continuous target track.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The VNN of claim 1 in which target declaration includes target velocity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The VNN of claim 2 in which said target declaration includes target acceleration.