A Hough transform based multisensor, multitarget track initiation technique

The Hough transform has been suggested in literature as an effective technique for track initiation. However, most literature to date has focused on simplistic applications of this technique based on one sensor, one target, and no clutter scenarios. This paper presents a detailed methodology applying the Hough transform to the multiple target, multiple sensor data association and track initiation problem. Using a two tiered methodology, bearing and range tracks are detected in separate Hough spaces. The measurements defining these tracks are subsequently associated for the purpose of track detection and initiation. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated through several comprehensive simulation scenarios.