New method for distributed estimation fusion of multi-array

In order to solve the shortcomings of conventional methods for distributed estimation fusion of underwater multi-array, such as having to know the complete knowledge of characteristics of underwater channels, the high algorithm complexity and consuming a large quantity of communication resources. Based on the equal threshold estimation fusion method, a model for distributed estimation fusion of underwater is multi-array established and an unequal threshold estimation fusion method is proposed. Both theory analysis and simulation indicate that the proposed method is superior to the method of equal threshold estimation fusion in the aspects of estimation precision and anti-noise property. When the number of the array is large, the estimation performance is comparable to the likelihood estimation method. This method takes account of the constraint of channel bandwidth of underwater acoustic communication, meets the requirements of an actual distributed estimation fusion system, such as low complexity, small computation load and good real-time feature. The new method can be used in the field of underwater target detection.