Impact and point prediction using a neural extended Kalman filter with multiple sensors

摘要

The neural extended Kalman filter is an adaptive estimation technique that has been shown to learn on-line the maneuver model of the trajectory of a target. This improved motion model can be used to better predict the location of a target at given point in time, especially when the target, such as a mortar shell, has limited maneuvering capabilities. In this paper, the neural extended Kalman filter is used to predict, with multiple-sensor-systems provided measurement reports, impact point and impact time of a ballistic-like projectile when the drag on the shell was not accurately modeled in the motion model. In previous work, the neural extended Kalman filter was shown to work well with a single sensor with a uniform sample rate. Multiple sensors can incorporate two major differences into the problem. The first difference is that of the multiple aspect angles and uncertainty that are used in the model adaptation. The second difference is that of a non-uniform update rate of the measurements to the tracking system. While most tracking systems can easily handle this difference, the adaptation of the neural network training parameters can be deleteriously affected by these variations. The first of these two differences, potential concerns to the neural extended Kalman filter's implementation, is investigated in this effort. In this effort, performance of this adaptive and predictive scheme with multiple sensors in a three dimensional space is shown to provide a quality impact estimate.