Introduction to Detection Theory

Detection theory is synonymous with hypothesis testing. The goal is to decide which of several candidate signal models produced the observed data. This is a fundamental and widespread problem in signal processing. Examples include determining whether an aircraft is present in a radar return and whether cancer is present in an image of tissue. In this lesson you will learn the terminology used for classifying detection problems and the criteria used to assess performance. This essential knowledge prepares you for understanding and applying hypothesis testing methods.