The detection signal is an input signal that enhances the detectability of
failure. Assuming that the normal and the failed behaviours of a process ca
n be modelled by two linear systems subject to bounded energy perturbations
, a method for constructing a minimum energy detection signal, which guaran
tees detection of failure is presented. The on-line implementation of the f
ailure decision filter is also considered. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd.