Joint Target Tracking and Classification with Scattering Center Model for Radar Sensor

In this paper, a model-based joint tracking and classification (JTC) method for wideband radar is proposed. The method is based on 3D scattering center model (3D-SCM), which is used to generate the predicted high range resolution profile (HRRP) with the information of target aspect angle. The aspect angle is derived from the target state with particle filter. Target classification is implemented through the data match and correlation of observed HRRP with predicted HRRPs. For the continuity of tracking procedure, the estimate uncertainty of target state and class probability decreases as the filter's recursion proceeds, and thus to obtain a stable tracking and classification result. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by simulation results for maritime ship targets.