Analysis of an imperfect information flow reduction and sorting system

Abstract

This thesis studies the employment of an information flow reduction and sorting system. The system is designed to reduce the amount of information gathered by a collection system to a rate that a user of that information can accept. The thesis demonstrates the benefits of trait based analysis of information as a method of screening desired information from undesired. These systems increase the quality of the information reaching the user while adding a delay to achieve the screening process. A method of networking the screening devices is discussed. A sorting system is added to the screening process to demonstrate its ability to increase the speed of desired information through the system. The models are illustrated through numerical examples. The analysis provides the user of these systems with an understanding of their design, employment, benefits, costs and calibration requirements