Abstract: An error-free tracking system is disclosed which can operate with a scanning sensor. Beginning with an initialized trajectory for an object, predictions are made with respect to future object position and the sensor produces an error signal representing an error between sensor position (predicted target position) and actual target position at the measurement time. From a sequence of error signals, trend information is extracted and, on the basis of the trend information, the gain of a trajectory correction algorithm is adjusted. Based on the corrected trajectory, a new position estimate is determined. This further estimate is then used for another measurement to produce a further error signal in order to provide for tracking the object or target.

Abstract: An error-free pointing and tracking system is disclosed which separates the functions of pointing and tracking. Beginning with an initialized trajectory for an object, a sensor is positioned and deviations of the object position with respect to the sensor are noted. To the extent these deviations are trended, the gain of a trajectory correction algorithm is adjusted. Based on the adaptive gain trajectory correction algorithm, a new position estimate is determined. The new position estimate is corrected for servo lag error by referring to a predefined correlation between at least the acceleration term of the trajectory and prerecorded servo lag error. The position estimate, corrected for servo lag is used to then point the sensor.

Abstract: An In-Loop Integration Control System which is capable of producing consistent and accurate descriptions and predictions of any dynamic process, on line and in real time. This operation is performed by, first, integrating the best estimate of the highest derivative to produce an estimate of the expected next measurement and then comparing this measurement to the actual measurement; and second incorporating into the prediction any systematic error corrections. By changing the highest derivative on which the integration is performed, the total state vector describing the process is improved and all components are correctly timed.