NICOP - Non-Collaborative Object Tracking (nCOT)
Abstract
This project proposal presents the research plan for tracking the positions and dynamics ofnon-collaborative target objects. When t"hese targets do not transmit, position inference can onlyrely on backscattered signals and sensor radar networks (SRNs) become vita""l for tracking of noncollaborativetarget objects. These networks enable semi-covert operations, inwhich targets do nottransmit whi""le sensor radars (SRs) transmit, as well as fully-covert operations, inwhich neither targetsnor SRs transmit. The operation of SRNs" is particularly challenging in wireless environmentsimpaired by multipath propagation and clutter effects in addition to the therm"al noise.SRNs provide situational awareness and contribute to information superiority, even when theglobal navigation satellite sy"stem (GNSS) is not available. The design of SRNs for efficient operationin challenging wireless environments requires: (i) derivation of performance limits andbenchmarks; (ii) understanding of wireless impairments effects; and (iii) development of impairmentsmitigation techniques. These aspects will be covered by the research carried out in theproject ~Non-Collaborative Object Tracking~ (nCOT). The project will consider SRNs exploitingdedicated sources and SRNs relying only on signals of opportunity (SOO). These two s"cenarios aresuitable for semi-covert operations and fully-covert operations, respectively, even in GNSS-deniedenvironments.The ma""in goal of the project is to develop foundations for nCOT that exploits backscatteringsignals in the presence of noise, multipath,"" and clutter. In particular, the project will accomplishthe following tasks:~ derivation of performance limits for tracking of non"-collaborative target objects;~ development of mitigation techniques for coping with wireless impairments;~ design of non-collaborative object tracking algorithms for covert operations; and~ quantification of SRNs tracking performance in challenging wireless environments.The proposed approach requires cross-pollination of ideas and methodologies from both engineering(information and communication theories) and mathematics (probability theory and statisticalinference).The research will leverage the long-standing coll"aboration between the University of Ferrara(UniFe), Italy, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. This research" aims toserve as underpinning for technology transition to both commercial and Department of Defensepartners. The outcomes of nCOT" will not only address government needs, but also those of thecommercial sector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 20, 2017
- Source ID
- N629091812017
Entities
People
- Andrea Conti
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Ferrara