Optimal allocation of multi-sensor passive localization

To improve multi-sensor passive localization precision, the optimal allocation form of multi-sensor bearing-only localization is analyzed from the perspective of the geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) of the least squares (LS) algorithm. This paper indicates that whether the target lies inside the closed region formed by the sensors or not, the optimal allocation is when each adjacent cut angle between a sensor pair is identical, and all sensors are located on the border of the circle that has the target (which is also the origin of the coordinate system) as its center. When there is no restriction on the adjacent cut angle in the above allocation, the optimal estimate of the LS algorithm in the sense of minimum variance can be acquired. When the LS algorithm achieves the optimal estimate and the sensors present the optimal allocation, the respective consistencies are analyzed. Simulation results verify the analysis of the optimal allocation form above, which can be used in multi-sensor passive localization algorithms based on sensor management.