Optimal finite-dimensional solution for a class of nonlinear observation problems

The filtering problem in a differential system with linear dynamics and observations described by an implicit equation linear in the state is solved in finite-dimensional recursive form. The original problem is posed as a deterministic fixed-interval optimization problem (FIOP) on a finite time interval. No stochastic concepts are used. Via Pontryagin's principle, the FIOP is converted into a linear, two-point boundary-value problem. The boundary-value problem is separated by using a linear Riccati transformation into two initial-value problems which give the equations for the optimal filter and filter gain. The optimal filter is linear in the state, but nonlinear with respect to the observation. Stability of the filter is considered on the basis of a related properly linear system. Three filtering examples are given.