Radar sensor network for target detection using Chernoff information and relative entropy

In this paper, we propose to apply information theory to Ultra wide band (UWB) radar sensor network (RSN) to detect target in foliage environment. Information theoretic algorithms such as Maximum entropy method (MEM) and mutual information are proven methods, that can be applied to data collected by various sensors. However, the complexity of the environment poses uncertainty in fusion center. Chernoff information provides the best error exponent of detection in Bayesian environment. In this paper, we consider the target detection as binary hypothesis testing and use Chernoff information as sensor selection criterion, which significantly reduces the processing load. Another strong information theoretic algorithm, method of types, is applicable to our MEM based target detection algorithm as entropy is dependent on the empirical distribution only. Method of types analyzes the probability of a sequence based on empirical distribution. Based on this, we can find the bound on probability of detection. We also propose to use Relative entropy based processing in the fusion center based on method of types and Chernoff Stein Lemma. We study the required quantization level and number of nodes in gaining the best error exponent. The performance of the algorithms were evaluated, based on real world data.