Parameterized Optimal Trajectory Generation for Target Localization

This paper presents an approach to near-optimal target localization for small and micro uninhabited aerial vehicles using a family of pre-computed parameterized trajectories. These trajectories are pre-computed for a set of nominal target locations uniformly distributed over the sensor field of view and stored off-line. Upon target detection the vehicle chooses the trajectory corresponding to the closest nominal target location. Adaptation is enabled with the ability to select new trajectories as the target state estimate is updated. Simulation results show the validity of this approach for both single target and sequential target localization missions. Further, results show that very coarse trajectory tables give the same or better target localization performance as finely discretized tables.