Backward Filtering Forward Deciding in Linear Non-Gaussian State Space Models

The paper considers linear state space models with non-Gaussian inputs and/or constraints. As shown previously, NUP representations (normal with unknown parameters) allow to compute MAP estimates in such models by iterating Kalman smoothing recursions. In this paper, we propose to compute such MAP estimates by iterating backward-forward recursions where the forward recursion amounts to coordinatewise input estimation. The advantages of the proposed approach include faster convergence, no “zero-variance stucking”, and easier control of constraint satisfaction. The approach is demonstrated with simulation results of exemplary applications including (i) regression with non-Gaussian priors or constraints on k-th order differences and (ii) control with linearly constrained inputs.