Sum-rank normalized detection apparatus

Claim 2

A sum-rank normalization detector comprising: a. means for receiving a plurality of input signals; b. means for combining said input signals to generate a plurality of sum signals each representing a summation of a number of said input signals; c. means for ranking said sum signals to generate a threshold signal or level which is a weighted combination of said ranked sum signals; d. means for providing a sample signal from said input signal to be tested for target information; and e. means for comparing said sample signal to said threshold signal.

Claim 3

A sum-rank normalization detector comprising: a. means for receiving a plurality of sequential input signals; b. means for grouping said input signals into a plurality of subsets each including p of said input signals where p is any integer, and for generating a plurality of sum signals each representing a summation of one of said subsets; c. means for ranking said sum signals and for generating a threshold signal derived from said sum signals weighted as a function of their respective ranks; d. means for providing a sample signal from said input signals to be tested for target information; and e. means for comparing said sample signal to said threshold signal.

Claim 4

A sum-rank normalization detector comprising: a. means for receiving a plurality of sequential input signals; b. means for grouping said input signals into a plurality of subsets each including p of said input signals where p is any integer, and for generating a plurality of sum signals each representing a summation of one of said subsets; c. means for ranking said sum signals and for generating a threshold signal derived from said sum signals weighted as a function of their respective ranks; d. means for providing a sample signal from said input signals to be tested for target information; and e. means for comparing said sample signal to said threshold signal.

Claim 5

The sum-rank normalization detector claimed in claim 2 wherein: said second-named means comprises a delay line having an input and an odd number of taps (2p + 1) with a first tap spaced from said input to provide delay equal to a time ( Delta T) required for reception of a number of said subsets and with each succeeding tap spaced to provide a time delay Delta T except taps p and p + 1 which provide a time delay Delta T plus a time required for reception of said sample signal, said input and said taps each providing one of said sum signals to said ranking means; and said means for providing a sample signal comprises means for delaying said sample signal a time (p + 1) Delta T.

Claim 6

The sum-rank normalization detector claimed in claim 2 wherein: said second-named means comprises an input, p + 1 summing units where p is an even integer, and a delay line connected to said input; said delay line having an odd number of taps (2p + 1) with a first tap spaced from said input to provide a delay equal to a time Delta T required for reception of a number of said subsets and with each succeeding tap spaced to provide a time delay Delta T except taps p and p + 1 which provide a time delay Delta T plus a time required for reception of said sample signal, said input and said first tap being connected to a first of said p + 1 summing units and each succeeding two taps being connected to a respective succeeding summing unit, said summing units being connected to said ranking means for communicating p + 1 sum signals from said summing units to said ranking means; and said means for providing a sample signal comprises a means for delaying said sample signal a time (p + 1) Delta T.

Claim 7

The sum-rank normalization detector defined in claim 2 wherein the higher and lower ranked of said sum signals are given relatively low weighting and the middle ranked of said sum signals are given relatively high weighting to thus establish a threshold level tending to high probability of detection.

Claim 8

The sum-rank normalization detector defined in claim 2 wherein the highest ranked of said sum signals is given relatively highest weighting to thus establish a threshold level tending to low probability of false alarm.

Claim 9

The sum-rank normalization detector defined in claim 2 wherein the weighting accorded to certain of said sum signals is unity and to the remainder thereof is zero.