Multiple target tracking using sensor arrays

A new algorithm for tracking independently moving targets using a sensor array is presented. The algorithm is designed to track the angle of arrival of the signals emitted or reflected from the targets. Tracking is initiated by using a MUSIC algorithm which is based on an eigenstructure analysis of the covariance matrix estimated from the sensor outputs. Tracking is maintained by recursively updating the direction vectors associated with each target. Updates of the direction vectors may be computed via a Newton-type iterative procedure for minimizing the trace of a quadratic matrix expression.