Probabilistic Search For Tracking Targets

Presents a probabilistic and information-theoretic framework for a search for static or moving targets in discrete time and space. Probabilistic Search for Tracking Targets uses an information-theoretic scheme to present a unified approach for known search methods to allow the development of new algorithms of search. The book addresses search methods under different constraints and assumptions, such as search uncertainty under incomplete information, probabilistic search scheme, observation errors, group testing, search games, distribution of search efforts, single and multiple targets and search agents, as well as online or offline search schemes. The proposed approach is associated with path planning techniques, optimal search algorithms, Markov decision models, decision trees, stochastic local search, artificial intelligence and heuristic information-seeking methods. Furthermore, this book presents novel methods of search for static and moving targets along with practical algorithms of partitioning and search and screening. Probabilistic Search for Tracking Targets includes complete material for undergraduate and graduate courses in modern applications of probabilistic search, decision-making and group testing, and provides several directions for further research in the search theory. The authors: Provide a generalized information-theoretic approach to the problem of real-time search for both static and moving targets over a discrete space. Present a theoretical framework, which covers known information-theoretic algorithms of search, and forms a basis for development and analysis of different algorithms of search over probabilistic space. Use numerous examples of group testing, search and path planning algorithms to illustrate direct implementation in the form of running routines. Consider a relation of the suggested approach with known search theories and methods such as search and screening theory, search games, Markov decision process models of search, data mining methods, coding theory and decision trees. Discuss relevant search applications, such as quality-control search for nonconforming units in a batch or a military search for a hidden target. Provide an accompanying website featuring the algorithms discussed throughout the book, along with practical implementations procedures.

This book provides a broad overview of both the technical challenges in sensor network development, and the real-world applications of distributed sensing. Important aspects of distributed computing in large-scale networked sensor systems are analyzed in the context of human behavior understanding, including topics on systems design tools and techniques. Additionally, the book examines a varied range of applications. Features: contains valuable contributions from an international selection of leading experts in the field; presents a high-level introduction to the aims and motivations underpinning distributed sensing; describes decision-making algorithms in the presence of complex sensor networks; provides a detailed analysis of the design, implementation, and development of a distributed network of homogeneous or heterogeneous sensors; reviews the application of distributed sensing to human behavior understanding and autonomous intelligent vehicles; includes a helpful glossary and a list of acronyms.

Biologically-inspired data mining has a wide variety of applications in areas such as data clustering, classification, sequential pattern mining, and information extraction in healthcare and bioinformatics. Over the past decade, research materials in this area have dramatically increased, providing clear evidence of the popularity of these techniques. Biologically-Inspired Techniques for Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining exemplifies prestigious research and shares the practices that have allowed these areas to grow and flourish. This essential reference publication highlights contemporary findings in the area of biologically-inspired techniques in data mining domains and their implementation in real-life problems. Providing quality work from established researchers, this publication serves to extend existing knowledge within the research communities of data mining and knowledge discovery, as well as for academicians and students in the field.

Offers a theoretical and practical guide to the communication and navigation of autonomous mobile robots and multi-robot systems This book covers the methods and algorithms for the navigation, motion planning, and control of mobile robots acting individually and in groups. It addresses methods of positioning in global and local coordinates systems, off-line and on-line path-planning, sensing and sensors fusion, algorithms of obstacle avoidance, swarming techniques and cooperative behavior. The book includes ready-to-use algorithms, numerical examples and simulations, which can be directly implemented in both simple and advanced mobile robots, and is accompanied by a website hosting codes, videos, and PowerPoint slides Autonomous Mobile Robots and Multi-Robot Systems: Motion-Planning, Communication and Swarming consists of four main parts. The first looks at the models and algorithms of navigation and motion planning in global coordinates systems with complete information about the robot’s location and velocity. The second part considers the motion of the robots in the potential field, which is defined by the environmental states of the robot's expectations and knowledge. The robot's motion in the unknown environments and the corresponding tasks of environment mapping using sensed information is covered in the third part. The fourth part deals with the multi-robot systems and swarm dynamics in two and three dimensions. Provides a self-contained, theoretical guide to understanding mobile robot control and navigation Features implementable algorithms, numerical examples, and simulations Includes coverage of models of motion in global and local coordinates systems with and without direct communication between the robots Supplemented by a companion website offering codes, videos, and PowerPoint slides Autonomous Mobile Robots and Multi-Robot Systems: Motion-Planning, Communication and Swarming is an excellent tool for researchers, lecturers, senior undergraduate and graduate students, and engineers dealing with mobile robots and related issues.

Since the start of modern computing, the studies of living organisms have inspired the progress in developing computers and intelligent machines. In particular, the methods of search and foraging are the benchmark problems for robotics and multi-agent systems. The highly developed theory of search and screening involves optimal search plans that ar

Search and Classification Using Multiple Autonomous Vehicles provides a comprehensive study of decision-making strategies for domain search and object classification using multiple autonomous vehicles (MAV) under both deterministic and probabilistic frameworks. It serves as a first discussion of the problem of effective resource allocation using MAV with sensing limitations, i.e., for search and classification missions over large-scale domains, or when there are far more objects to be found and classified than there are autonomous vehicles available. Under such scenarios, search and classification compete for limited sensing resources. This is because search requires vehicle mobility while classification restricts the vehicles to the vicinity of any objects found. The authors develop decision-making strategies to choose between these competing tasks and vehicle-motion-control laws to achieve the proposed management scheme. Deterministic Lyapunov-based, probabilistic Bayesian-based, and risk-based decision-making strategies and sensor-management schemes are created in sequence. Modeling and analysis include rigorous mathematical proofs of the proposed theorems and the practical consideration of limited sensing resources and observation costs. A survey of the well-developed coverage control problem is also provided as a foundation of search algorithms within the overall decision-making strategies. Applications in both underwater sampling and space-situational awareness are investigated in detail. The control strategies proposed in each chapter are followed by illustrative simulation results and analysis. Academic researchers and graduate students from aerospace, robotics, mechanical or electrical engineering backgrounds interested in multi-agent coordination and control, in detection and estimation or in Bayes filtration will find this text of interest.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Analytical and Stochastic Modeling Techniques and Applications, ASMTA 2010, held in Cardiff, UK, in June 2010. The 28 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions for inclusion in the book. The papers are organized in topical sections on queueing theory, specification languages and tools, telecommunication systems, estimation, prediction, and stochastic modelling.

Discover the technology for the next generation of radar systems Here is the first book that brings together the key concepts essential for the application of Knowledge Based Systems (KBS) to radar detection, tracking, classification, and scheduling. The book highlights the latest advances in both KBS and radar signal and data processing, presenting a range of perspectives and innovative results that have set the stage for the next generation of adaptive radar systems. The book begins with a chapter introducing the concept of Knowledge Based (KB) radar. The remaining nine chapters focus on current developments and recent applications of KB concepts to specific radar functions. Among the key topics explored are: Fundamentals of relevant KB techniques KB solutions as they apply to the general radar problem KBS applications for the constant false-alarm rate processor KB control for space-time adaptive processing KB techniques applied to existing radar systems Integrated end-to-end radar signals Data processing with overarching KB control All chapters are self-contained, enabling readers to focus on those topics of greatest interest. Each one begins with introductory remarks, moves on to detailed discussions and analysis, and ends with a list of references. Throughout the presentation, the authors offer examples of how KBS works and how it can dramatically improve radar performance and capability. Moreover, the authors forecast the impact of KB technology on future systems, including important civilian, military, and homeland defense applications. With chapters contributed by leading international researchers and pioneers in the field, this text is recommended for both students and professionals in radar and sonar detection, tracking, and classification and radar resource management.