A sequential processor for detecting Gaussian acoustic signals

A sequential approach to detecting Gaussian acoustic signals is discussed. The optimum sequential processor is synthesized and its performance is evaluated. The performance obtained is compared with the performance of the optimum unsequential processor. It is shown that the sequential approach may considerably reduce the required time-bandwidth product when the desired signal is present in the input mixture. However, when the processor receives a noise alone, the time-bandwidth reduction is very small, particularly for high signal-to-noise ratios. Hence, the sequential approach is most promising when one wishes to detect the desired signal (when it appears) as fast as possible but does not mind spending more time when no signal exists.