A recursive algorithm for tracking DOA's of moving targets by using linear approximations

A new algorithm for tracking the directions-of-arrival (DOA) of moving targets is proposed. The targets are assumed to be moving with constant angular velocities within a short time and emitting continuously narrow-band signals that impinge on an array of sensors. Then the trajectories of targets can be approximated with linear functions within the short time. Consequently, in this algorithm, estimates of the DOA of targets are obtained by minimizing a cost function which consists of residual vectors, the difference between observed data vectors and the data vectors estimated by using the approximated linear functions. By employing the linear approximations, the proposed method may be useful for tracking the targets moving with large angular velocities especially. The performance of the algorithm is illustrated by simulation results.