Improving target tracking performance by incorporating classification information

This paper presents approaches for incorporating classification information into target tracking algorithms, specifically in a multistatic active sonar context. In addition, this paper describes the framework designed for simulation and classification of return time series from simulated targets and clutter in a realistic underwater environment. The simulated target and clutter returns are integrated into an existing contact-based tracking dataset (TNO Blind dataset) for which time series are unavailable. Simulations compare the integrating classification of contacts at different stages of tracking algorithms. Results show improvements in some tracking metrics with no degradation of the others.