Dual detection processing for detecting signals with high acceleration uncertainty

Abstract

Dual path detection processing in which a low SNR signal processor detects signals over a limited range of low acceleration values and a high SNR signal processor detects signals over a wider range of acceleration values. The low SNR signal processor uses acceleration bins formed from a noncoherent FFT array to detect low SNR signals of far away objects which tend to have lower angular acceleration. Because close proximity target objects tend to have higher SNR return signals, it is not necessary to rely on acceleration bins formed from an FFT array for signal detection. Close proximity targets with high SNR can often be detected in individual coherently integrated FFT templates, despite the likelihood of large acceleration uncertainty from higher angular acceleration rates. Since signal detection of higher SNR signals is much less computationally burdensome than signal detection using a noncoherent FFT array, the present inventor is able to realize computational efficiencies by using dual path detection processing.