Surveillance systems tracking multiple targets
often do not have the sensing or computational resources to apply all sensors
to all targets in the allocated time intervals. Hence, sensor management
schemes have recently been proposed to reduce the tracking demands on these
systems while minimizing the loss of tracking performance by selecting
only enough sensing resources to maintain a desired covariance level for
each target. However, covariance control algorithms to date have
not addressed the presence of clutter measurements and the need for data
association in those cases. This paper presents a method of reducing
the effects of data association on covariance control algorithms
through the addition of a scalar ``loss of information"
parameter. Monte Carlo simulations show that without this parameter,
the covariance control system is unable to maintain the desired covariance,
resulting in a much larger actual covariance level and ultimately
a much higher rate of track loss. Use of the loss of information
parameter generally restores system performance. Further insights
guide the selection of effective covariance goals.