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Technical Note—The Complexity of the Optimal Searcher Path Problem

Author

Listed:
  • K. E. Trummel

    (Daniel H. Wagner, Associates, Sunnyvale, California)

  • J. R. Weisinger

    (Daniel H. Wagner, Associates, Sunnyvale, California)

Abstract

In this note we show that the problem of finding an optimal searcher path that maximizes the probability of detecting a stationary target by the end of a fixed time is NP-complete. We also demonstrate that the problem of finding a path that minimizes mean time to detection is NP-hard.

Suggested Citation

  • K. E. Trummel & J. R. Weisinger, 1986. "Technical Note—The Complexity of the Optimal Searcher Path Problem," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 34(2), pages 324-327, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:inm:oropre:v:34:y:1986:i:2:p:324-327
    DOI: 10.1287/opre.34.2.324
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ben Hermans & Roel Leus & Jannik Matuschke, 2022. "Exact and Approximation Algorithms for the Expanding Search Problem," INFORMS Journal on Computing, INFORMS, vol. 34(1), pages 281-296, January.
    2. Steven M. Shechter & Farhad Ghassemi & Yasin Gocgun & Martin L. Puterman, 2015. "Technical Note—Trading Off Quick versus Slow Actions in Optimal Search," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 63(2), pages 353-362, April.
    3. Bourque, François-Alex, 2019. "Solving the moving target search problem using indistinguishable searchers," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 275(1), pages 45-52.
    4. Jesse Pietz & Johannes O. Royset, 2013. "Generalized orienteering problem with resource dependent rewards," Naval Research Logistics (NRL), John Wiley & Sons, vol. 60(4), pages 294-312, June.
    5. J F J Vermeulen & M van den Brink, 2005. "The search for an alerted moving target," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 56(5), pages 514-525, May.
    6. Nikolai Stein & Jan Meller & Christoph M. Flath, 2018. "Big data on the shop-floor: sensor-based decision-support for manual processes," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 88(5), pages 593-616, July.
    7. T. C. E. Cheng & B. Kriheli & E. Levner & C. T. Ng, 2021. "Scheduling an autonomous robot searching for hidden targets," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 298(1), pages 95-109, March.
    8. Morin, Michael & Abi-Zeid, Irène & Quimper, Claude-Guy, 2023. "Ant colony optimization for path planning in search and rescue operations," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 305(1), pages 53-63.
    9. Jean Berger & Nassirou Lo & Mohamed Barkaoui, 2016. "Static target search path planning optimization with heterogeneous agents," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 244(2), pages 295-312, September.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    751 optimal searcher path problem;

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