Optimizing the scanning procedure of search and track systems

We present an illustrative approach for significant simplification in the complexity of optimizing the scanning procedure of search and track systems. The optimization is done following a new phase space chart that is introduced and according to such parameters as probability of detection and false alarm rate. We compare two types of scanning of field of regard: continuous scan (push broom scan) and jump-scan (whisk broom scan). However, the presented approach enables more comprehensive investigation of any general scanning procedure of the search and track system. (c) 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.