Probability Density Function: Aircraft Detection

In summary, the conversation involves solving a probability problem involving a signal and noise. The problem involves finding the probability of a certain signal level given the presence of an aircraft. The conversation also covers the use of Bayes rule and probability density functions. The final solution involves considering two cases based on the given value of γ and using the correct limits for the integral.
  • #1
jegues
1,097
3

Homework Statement



See figure attached.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm having trouble getting start with this one, but here's what I've got so far.

I assumed R is the signal received by the TDS.

[tex]P(R=X) = \mu \quad , \quad P(R=N) = 1 - \mu[/tex]

Now in part (a) I believe we are looking for,

[tex]P( X \geq \gamma A | R = X)[/tex]

The only other thing I can think of applying is Bayes rule,

[tex]P( X \geq \gamma A | R = X) = \frac{P(X \geq \gamma \cap R = X)}{P(R=X)}[/tex]

Also I think I have to incorporate the probability density function into the problem as well and I haven't done so yet.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks again!
 

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  • #2
I've made a little headway, I will add more work when I get some time to, but here's my idea:

[tex]R = N + X[/tex]

where,

[tex]X\in\{ 0 , A \}[/tex]

This simply shifts my Laplace PDF to the right by A units if there is an aircraft, and not otherwise.

So I should be able to describe a conditional PDF based on this.

More work when I return!
 
  • #3
In the attachment, X is the received signal. When there is no aircraft, X = N; when there is one, X = A+N. Try to answer (a).
 
  • #4
EDIT:

[tex]Y = X + N[/tex]

[tex]P_{Y|X}(y|X=A) = A + \frac{1}{2}e^{-|y|}[/tex][tex]P(Y \geq \gamma A | X =A) = \int_{\gamma A}^{\infty} (A + \frac{1}{2}e^{-|y|})dy[/tex]

Now how do I deal with that integral?
 
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  • #5
jegues said:
[tex]Y = X + N[/tex]
That still isn't the assignment of symbols you were given, which is going to be confusing. It is given as:
A = magnitude of the signal, if present
N = noise (random variable)
X = either N or A+N.
If we write S as the r.v. for the signal then S takes the values 0 and A, the latter with probability μ%. X = S+N.
[tex]P_{Y|X}(y|X=A) = A + \frac{1}{2}e^{-|y|}[/tex]
The LHS expresses a probability, apparently of a specific value of your Y (my X). Since it is a continuous r.v., any specific value has zero probability, but I guess we can think of it as a probability density. The RHS, more seriously, mixes a probability (the second term) with some other type of value (A, the signal strength if present). I guess you meant to write something like P[A+y < Y < A+y+δy|X=A] = δye-|y|/2. That will change your integral somewhat.
[tex]P(Y \geq \gamma A | X =A) = \int_{\gamma A}^{\infty} (A + \frac{1}{2}e^{-|y|})dy[/tex]
Now how do I deal with that integral?
Separate the integral into two ranges so that the modulus sign can be evaluated in each.
 
  • #6
haruspex said:
That still isn't the assignment of symbols you were given, which is going to be confusing. It is given as:
A = magnitude of the signal, if present
N = noise (random variable)
X = either N or A+N.
If we write S as the r.v. for the signal then S takes the values 0 and A, the latter with probability μ%. X = S+N.

The LHS expresses a probability, apparently of a specific value of your Y (my X). Since it is a continuous r.v., any specific value has zero probability, but I guess we can think of it as a probability density. The RHS, more seriously, mixes a probability (the second term) with some other type of value (A, the signal strength if present). I guess you meant to write something like P[A+y < Y < A+y+δy|X=A] = δye-|y|/2. That will change your integral somewhat.

Separate the integral into two ranges so that the modulus sign can be evaluated in each.

I'm still quite confused.

Are you saying my integral is correct or I should be using your expression for the integral?

What I meant by my integral is to show that the Laplace PDF is simply shifted to the right by A when there is an aircraft present, and not shifted at all when there isn't an aircraft present.

What is the δ? There is no symbol given like that in the problem, so I don't know where you got that from.

Can you please clarify?

Thanks again!
 
  • #7
jegues said:
Are you saying my integral is correct or I should be using your expression for the integral?
Your integral has to be wrong because the integrand makes no physical sense; it adds a signal level to a probability.
Do you agree that P[A+y < Y < A+y+δy|X=A] = δy e-|y|/2? So
P[Y < A+y|X=A] = ∫ye-|y|/2.dy
P[Y < γA|X=A] = ∫γA-Ae-|y|/2.dy
You'll need to consider two cases according to whether γ is more or less than 1.
 
  • #8
Hello again haruspex,

haruspex said:
Your integral has to be wrong because the integrand makes no physical sense; it adds a signal level to a probability.
Do you agree that P[A+y < Y < A+y+δy|X=A] = δy e-|y|/2? So
Can you explain to me what the δ symbol is as there is no mention of it in the original question. Where is that coming from?

When X = A all that does is shift the pdf of N (given as pN(n) in the question) over to the right by A, correct?

haruspex said:
P[Y < A+y|X=A] = ∫ye-|y|/2.dy
P[Y < γA|X=A] = ∫γA-Ae-|y|/2.dy
You'll need to consider two cases according to whether γ is more or less than 1.

We are told in the question that,

[tex]0 < \gamma < 1[/tex]

so we only need to consider the one case then, correct?

Also, can you explain the bounds on your integrals? I only see an upper bound and no lower bound.

If I want the probability,

[tex]P(Y < \gamma A | X = A) = \int _{-\infty}^{\gamma A}\frac{1}{2}e^{-|y-A|}dy[/tex]

I would have written the limits of the integral as such.

Is this incorrect?

Can you explain where you are getting your limits from?
 
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  • #9
jegues said:
Can you explain to me what the δ symbol is as there is no mention of it in the original question. Where is that coming from?
The δ is implicit in the fact that it is a probability density function. For continuous r.v. X, if you're told the pdf is f(x), that simply means P[x < X < x+δx] → f(x)δx as δx→0.
When X = A all that does is shift the pdf of N (given as pN(n) in the question) over to the right by A, correct?
Yes.
We are told in the question that, [itex]0 < \gamma < 1[/itex] so we only need to consider the one case then, correct?
Yes.
Also, can you explain the bounds on your integrals? I only see an upper bound and no lower bound.
I assumed a lower bound of -∞.
[tex]P(Y < \gamma A | X = A) = \int _{-\infty}^{\gamma A}\frac{1}{2}e^{-|y-A|}dy[/tex]
That's equivalent to what I wrote.
 
  • #10
Good then we are on the same page!

So how do I go about simplifying,

[tex]P(Y < \gamma A | X = A) = \int _{-\infty}^{\gamma A}\frac{1}{2}e^{-|y-A|}dy[/tex]In fact, the probablity I'm looking for in part a) should be this, (or simply 1 - the solution above)

[tex]P(Y \geq \gamma A | X = A) = \int _{\gamma A}^{\infty}\frac{1}{2}e^{-|y-A|}dy[/tex]

Correct?

But how do we deal with that integral, there is no closed form solution for that, right?
 
  • #11
jegues said:
In fact, the probablity I'm looking for in part a) should be this, (or simply 1 - the solution above)

[tex]P(Y \geq \gamma A | X = A) = \int _{\gamma A}^{\infty}\frac{1}{2}e^{-|y-A|}dy[/tex]
Yes. I switched it to make it conform to the usual cdf form.
But how do we deal with that integral, there is no closed form solution for that, right?
As I said, you have to split the range so that you know how to evaluate |y-A| in each range. When y < A, |y-A| = A-y.
 

FAQ: Probability Density Function: Aircraft Detection

1. What is a Probability Density Function (PDF)?

A Probability Density Function is a mathematical function that describes the relative likelihood of a random variable taking on a certain value. It is often used in statistics and probability to model the probability distribution of a set of data.

2. How is a PDF used in aircraft detection?

In aircraft detection, a PDF is used to model the probability distribution of aircraft positions in a given area. This allows for more accurate detection and tracking of aircraft using radar or other sensing technologies.

3. What factors affect the shape of a PDF in aircraft detection?

The shape of a PDF in aircraft detection can be affected by a variety of factors, including the type of detection technology used, the altitude and speed of the aircraft, and environmental conditions such as weather and terrain.

4. How is a PDF different from a Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF)?

A PDF describes the probability distribution of a continuous random variable, while a CDF describes the cumulative probability of a random variable taking on a certain value or less. In aircraft detection, a PDF is used to model the probability distribution of aircraft positions, while a CDF may be used to determine the likelihood of an aircraft being within a certain distance from a specific point.

5. How can a PDF be used to improve aircraft detection accuracy?

By accurately modeling the probability distribution of aircraft positions, a PDF can help to improve the accuracy of aircraft detection systems. This can be achieved through the use of advanced radar or sensing technologies, as well as sophisticated algorithms that take into account various factors that can affect the shape of the PDF.

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