Optimal Estimation Method

Applied Optimal Estimation

This is the first book on the optimal estimation that places its major emphasis on practical applications, treating the subject more from an engineering than a mathematical orientation. Even so, theoretical and mathematical concepts are introduced and developed sufficiently to make the book a self-contained source of instruction for readers without prior knowledge of the basic principles of the field. The work is the product of the technical staff of The Analytic Sciences Corporation (TASC), an organization whose success has resulted largely from its applications of optimal estimation techniques to a wide variety of real situations involving large-scale systems. Arthur Gelb writes in the Foreword that "It is our intent throughout to provide a simple and interesting picture of the central issues underlying modern estimation theory and practice. Heuristic, rather than theoretically elegant, arguments are used extensively, with emphasis on physical insights and key questions of practical importance." Numerous illustrative examples, many based on actual applications, have been interspersed throughout the text to lead the student to a concrete understanding of the theoretical material. The inclusion of problems with "built-in" answers at the end of each of the nine chapters further enhances the self-study potential of the text. After a brief historical prelude, the book introduces the mathematics underlying random process theory and state-space characterization of linear dynamic systems. The theory and practice of optimal estimation is them presented, including filtering, smoothing, and prediction. Both linear and non-linear systems, and continuous- and discrete-time cases, are covered in considerable detail. New results are described concerning the application of covariance analysis to non-linear systems and the connection between observers and optimal estimators. The final chapters treat such practical and often pivotal issues as suboptimal structure, and computer loading considerations. This book is an outgrowth of a course given by TASC at a number of US Government facilities. Virtually all of the members of the TASC technical staff have, at one time and in one way or another, contributed to the material contained in the work.

Application of Statistical Filter Theory to the Optimal Estimation of Position and Velocity on Board a Circumlunar Vehicle

Optimal Estimation of Dynamic Systems

Most newcomers to the field of linear stochastic estimation go through a difficult process in understanding and applying the theory.This book minimizes the process while introducing the fundamentals of optimal estimation. Optimal Estimation of Dynamic Systems explores topics that are important in the field of control where the signals received are used to determine highly sensitive processes such as the flight path of a plane, the orbit of a space vehicle, or the control of a machine. The authors use dynamic models from mechanical and aerospace engineering to provide immediate results of estimation concepts with a minimal reliance on mathematical skills. The book documents the development of the central concepts and methods of optimal estimation theory in a manner accessible to engineering students, applied mathematicians, and practicing engineers. It includes rigorous theoretial derivations and a significant amount of qualitiative discussion and judgements. It also presents prototype algorithms, giving detail and discussion to stimulate development of efficient computer programs and intelligent use of them. This book illustrates the application of optimal estimation methods to problems with varying degrees of analytical and numercial difficulty. It compares various approaches to help develop a feel for the absolute and relative utility of different methods, and provides many applications in the fields of aerospace, mechanical, and electrical engineering.