Optimal bandwidth assignment for distributed sequential detection

In this paper, distributed sequential detection problems with quantized observations are investigated. The observations available at each sensor are first compressed to multi-bit sensor decisions (soft decisions) and sent to the fusion center. At the fusion center, a sequential data fusion scheme is implemented in order to reach a global decision. Optimal bandwidth distribution among sensors is considered under communication constraints as well as under a generalized cost formulation. A system optimization algorithm is developed, including optimal fusion center design and optimal local quantizer design, for the minimization of the average sample number, given prespecified values of the probabilities of false alarm and miss. Simulations of the algorithm show that this approach succeeds in effective optimal bandwidth assignment.