A generalized theory of surveillance: With application toward designing automated data collection and event detection systems using distributed agents

Surveillance systems are established to manage the complexity of ensuring processes of interest behave as expected. They are formed in response to public demand that systems--natural and human-made--be predictable, managed, and under control.;This research presents a generalized theory of surveillance, with application toward designing automated data collection and event detection systems using distributed agents. The theory presents a systematic examination of what surveillance is, an analysis of what surveillance does, and a description of how surveillance works. Application of the theory toward designing automated data collection and event detection systems establishes "proof-of-concept" that elements of the surveillance process can be automated. Theoretical concepts are illustrated through implementation and demonstration.;The research consists of four major parts. The first part lays the foundation for the study, presenting the results of the literature review, the research problem, research objectives, and research methodology. The second part articulates the common language and notation that facilitates the definition of terms and concepts presented in the theory and expressed in the demonstrations. The third part presents the generalized theory of surveillance. The fourth part applies the generalized theory of surveillance toward designing automated data collection and event detection systems using distributed agents.;This research contributes to the scientific body of knowledge in the following ways. First, the generalized theory of surveillance fills a gap that is missing in the scientific literature. Second, the theory provides a single framework that encompasses surveillance practice from different scientific domains. Third, the theory establishes a starting point and a design method in which to automate the surveillance process. This research facilitates interdisciplinary interaction and provides a means for researchers and practitioners to utilize methods employed by other domains.