Multiple-model estimation with variable structure. IV. Design and evaluation of model-group switching algorithm

For pt. III see ibid., vol. 35, pp. 225-41 (1999). A variable-structure multiple-model (VSMM) estimator, called model-group switching (MGS) algorithm, has been presented in Part III, which is the first VSMM estimator that is generally applicable to a large class of problem with hybrid (continuous and discrete) uncertainties. In this algorithm, the model-set is made adaptive by switching among a number of predetermined groups of models. It has the potential to be substantially more cost-effective than fixed-structure MM (FSMM) estimators, including the Interacting Multiple-Model (IMM) estimator. A number of issues of major importance in the application of this algorithm are investigated here, including the model-group adaptation logic and model-group design. The results of this study are implemented via a detailed design for a problem of tracking a maneuvering target using a time-varying set of models, each characterized by a representative value of the expected acceleration of the target. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the performance (based on more reasonable and complete measures than commonly used rms errors alone) and computational complexity of the MGS algorithm, relative to the fixed-structure IMM (FSIMM) estimator using all models, under carefully designed and fair random and deterministic scenarios