A Sequential Perspective on Searching for Static Targets

Abstract

We present a sequential approach to detect static targets with imperfect sensors, which range from tower-mounted cameras to satellites. The scenario is operationally relevant to many military, homeland security, search and rescue, environmental engineering, counter-narcotics, and law enforcement applications. The idea is to stop the search as soon as there is enough probabilistic evidence about the targets' locations, given an operator-prescribed error tolerance, knowledge of the sensors' parameters, and a sequence of detection signals from the sensors. By stopping the search as soon as possible, we promote efficiency by freeing up sensors and operators to perform other tasks. The model we develop has the added benefits of decreasing operator workload and providing negative information as a search progresses.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA546416

Entities

People

  • Kurt E. Wilson
  • Michael P. Atkinson
  • Roberto Szechtman

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Algorithms
  • Costs
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Engineering
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Multiple Targets
  • Operations Research
  • Probability
  • Random Variables
  • Random Walk
  • Search Theory
  • Security
  • Sequences
  • Targets
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Readers

  • Applied Combinatorial Optimization and Logic Circuit Design.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects