Optimal distributed combined stochastic and set-membership state estimation

For distributed estimation, algorithms have to be specifically crafted to minimize communication between the sensor nodes. As an adjusted version of the regular Kalman filter, the distributed Kalman filter (DKF) allows for deriving optimal results while not requiring regular communication. To achieve this, the DKF requires that each node has full knowledge about the system model and measurement models of all nodes. However, the DKF is not sufficient if the characteristics of the errors in the system and measurement models are not purely stochastic. In this paper, we present a distributed version of a combined stochastic and set-membership Kalman filter. The proposed filter optimizes the approximations of the set-membership uncertainties and can even yield better results than the regular centralized filter.