Detection theory (or signal detection theory) is a means to quantify the ability to discern between signal and noise. It has applications in many fields such as quality control, telecommunications, and psychology. The concept is similar to the signal to noise ratio used in the sciences, and it is also usable in alarm management, where it is important to separate important events from background noise.

Books

• Fundamentals of Statistical Signal Processing: Detection Theory by Steven M. Kay (ISBN 0-13-504135-X)
• Detection, Estimation, and Modulation Theory, Part 1 by Harry L. Van Trees (ISBN 0-47-109517-6; website)

See also

• Just noticeable difference
• Likelihood-ratio test
• Neyman-Pearson lemma

External links

• A Description of Signal Detection Theory
• An application of SDT to safety (pdf file)