Learning source weights for target-position estimation: comparing fixed weights and an input-dependent rule
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Estimating an object’s location requires combining uncertain measurements. Weights derived from an earlier calibration may become inappropriate when measurement errors change. We examined whether learning from noisy reference measurements improves position estimates, and whether weights computed from current inputs improve further than one learned set of weights used throughout evaluation. In simulations, we generated noisy position measurements of a target that remained fixed within each trial. Each two-input method combined the current measurement with the mean of three initial measurements. Measurement-accuracy reductions and added measurement offsets applied only after initialization. The estimator received no current or previous true target position. We repeated coordinate calibration, training, validation, and independent evaluation 100 times in each of four error conditions. Recalibration and fixed-weight learning explained most of the improvement over earlier supplied weights under reduced measurement accuracy and temporal correlation. With occsional large measurement errors, input-dependent weighting reduced mean squared error by 4.05% relative to learned fixed weights and assigned lower mean weights to measurements with added off-sets. Its additional benefit was below 0.5% under independent errors and reduced current accuracy, while fixed weights had slightly lower mean error under temporal correlation. Methods using longer observation histories performed better in several conditions. Sensitivity analysis showed that shared coordinate bias and correlated reference errors limit conclusions about physical accuracy. The results show benefits and limits of recalibration, input-dependent weighting, and observation history within these measurement models.
Author: Jun Kobayashi
Institution: Kyushu Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7164298362