Abstract
This article proposes algorithms for the automatic initiation of the tracks of maneuvering targets in cluttered environments. These track initiation algorithms consist of IPDA-AI(Integrated Probabilistic Data Association-Amplitude Information) and MPDA(Most Probable Data Association) in an Interacting Multiple Model(IMM) configuration, and they are referred to as the IMM-IPDAF-AI and IMM-MPDA respectively. The IMM portion consists of several filters based on different dynamical models to handle target maneuvers. Each of the filters utilizes an IPDA-AI(or MPDA) algorithm to deal with the problem of track existence in the presence of clutter. Although the primary purpose of this study is to deal with the track initiation problem, the IMM-IPDAF-AI and IMM-MPDA can also be used for the maintenance of existing tracks and the termination of tracks for targets when they disappear. For illustrative purposes, simulation is used to compare the performance of the algorithms proposed to other track formation algorithms.