Abstract
PurposeThe purpose is to develop search and detection strategies that maximize the probability of detection of mine-like objects.Design/methodology/approachThe author have developed a methodology that incorporates variational calculus, number theory and algebra to derive a globally optimal strategy that maximizes the expected probability of detection.FindingsThe author found a set of look angles that globally maximize the probability of detection for a general class of mirror symmetric targets.Research limitations/implicationsThe optimal strategies only maximize the probability of detection and not the probability of identification.Practical implicationsIn the context of a search and detection operation, there is only a limited time to find the target before life is lost; hence, improving the chance of detection will in real terms be translated into the difference between success or failure, life or death. This rich field of study can be applied to mine countermeasure operations to make sure that the areas of operations are free of mines so that naval operations can be conducted safely.Originality/valueThere are two novel elements in this paper. First, the author determine the set of globally optimal look angles that maximize the probability of detection. Second, the author introduce the phenomenon of concordance between sensor images.
Highlights
The aim of a search and detection mission is to detect a target, be it a human body, an aircraft, a mine or a ship
We have found a methodology that incorporates variational calculus, number theory and algebra to derive a globally optimal strategy that maximizes the expected probability of detection
Concordance suitably determines the probability of detection
Summary
The aim of a search and detection mission is to detect a target, be it a human body, an aircraft, a mine or a ship. (8) To illustrate, we assume that the detection probability for one look at the look angle x and the subtended angle θ is equal to gðx; θÞ 1⁄4 ðθ=πÞ$ð1 − gðxÞÞ where gðxÞ 1⁄4 sinðxÞ2 is shown in Figure 4 (this corresponds approximately to the normalized cross section of an ellipsoid). (1) Q1$ð1 − ρðμÞÞ corresponds to the nonoverlapping sector between the shadow of the first look and that of the second look This contributes to new information with additional detection probability Q1$ð1 − ρðμÞÞ$ð1 − gðx þ μÞÞ where ð1 − gðx þ μÞÞ is the normalized cross section of a target at the second look angle ðx þ μÞ;. We believe that the optimal look angles will stay the same
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