Multi-sensor debris tracking

• Published in: IET Seminar on Target Tracking and Data Fusion: Algorithms and Applications pp. 13 - 18
• Main Author: Welford, J
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Stevenage IET 2008
• Subjects: Computer vision and image processing techniques; Optical, image and video signal processing; Sensor fusion; Signal processing and detection; cameras; multiple cameras; sensor fusion; object tracking; object detection; tracking; multisensor debris tracking
• ISBN: 0863419100; 9780863419102
• DOI: 10.1049/ic:20080052

We discuss the problem of tracking numerous debris objects originating from a point source, such as fragments produced by a collision or explosion. Multiple cameras are used to provide measurements of the objects, which are then fused to estimate positions and velocities in 3D space. Estimates may then be used to predict landing locations and spread, or to infer information about the event. This paper develops a solution to such a problem, based around several high speed cameras viewing an event from a variety of angles and distances. The quantity of debris considered is both unknown and likely to be high enough that the track initiation and data association problems are especially challenging.