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We study the real-time estimation of a Markov process over a memoryless noisy digital communication channel. The goal of system design is to minimize the mean squared estimation error. We first show the optimal encoder and decoder can be memoryless in terms of the source symbols. We then prove the optimal encoder separates the real space with hyperplanes. In the case of the binary symmetric channel and scalar source, the optimal encoder can be a threshold. A recursive algorithm is given to jointly find a locally optimal encoder and decoder for the binary symmetric channel. For a memoryless...

This report continues work on the design of a health monitoring system for automated vehicles. The approach is designed to fuse data from dissimilar instruments using modeled dynamic relationships and fault detection and identification filters. Issues relating to sensor models, output separability, steady-state fault persistence and the spectral content of sensor faults are considered.

In this report, a hybrid observer is proposed as a method of estimating position and velocity of a vehicle when the primary output is a series of discrete magnetic markers placed along a roadway. For the preliminary studies, the vehicle was modeled as a pure inertial system with acceleration input. Two methods of determining the time "tk" at which the "k-th" marker is passed are discussed, and simulations using both methods are shown. Compensation for errors arising due to inaccurate measurement of this time is proposed and validated. A Proportional- Integral-Derivative (PID) controller...

Most trips in U.S. metropolitan regions are drive-alone car trips, an expensive and inefficient means of moving people. A more efficient system would allow drivers to share cars. Such a system is often less convenient for travelers, but convenience can be enhanced by deploying "smart" technologies in concert with shared-use vehicles and transit. The motivation for this research is to determine how the use of information and communication technologies can enhance flexibility and mobility-and what value travelers will place on these new transportation means.