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A sequential perspective on searching for static targets

Author

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

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Wilson, Kurt E. & Szechtman, Roberto & Atkinson, Michael P., 2011. "A sequential perspective on searching for static targets," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 215(1), pages 218-226, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:215:y:2011:i:1:p:218-226
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joseph B. Kadane, 1971. "Optimal Whereabouts Search," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 19(4), pages 894-904, August.
    2. Nah-Oak Song & Demosthenis Teneketzis, 2004. "Discrete search with multiple sensors," Mathematical Methods of Operations Research, Springer;Gesellschaft für Operations Research (GOR);Nederlands Genootschap voor Besliskunde (NGB), vol. 60(1), pages 1-13, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Atkinson & Moshe Kress & Rutger-Jan Lange, 2016. "When Is Information Sufficient for Action? Search with Unreliable yet Informative Intelligence," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 64(2), pages 315-328, April.
    2. Baycik, N. Orkun & Sharkey, Thomas C. & Rainwater, Chase E., 2020. "A Markov Decision Process approach for balancing intelligence and interdiction operations in city-level drug trafficking enforcement," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    3. Chhabra, Meenal & Das, Sanmay & Sarne, David, 2014. "Expert-mediated sequential search," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 234(3), pages 861-873.

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