Control Algorithms for Network Centric Fusion

The coordination and management of sensor data collection has a strong influence on the accuracy and completeness of the fused situational awareness picture.  To provide the best possible picture, Toyon Research Corporation proposes to develop algorithms which generate controls for a collection of UAVs in order to maximize the probability of identifying and maintaining track on suspected enemy vehicles or dismounts.  Algorithm inputs will include environmental data (terrain, roads, buildings), sensor, platform, and target motion models, and the current network centric fused estimate of the world (e.g., target kinematic state, uncertainty, and Bayesian classification estimate).  The algorithms developed will generate UAV routes which are synchronized and optimized with high demand platforms.  In Phase I we will simulate the performance of our approach in a realistic Ramadi-Falluja scenario in which enemy vehicles move between rural and urban safe-houses.  Our sensor systems will include one standoff platform with radar and several UAVs with video sensors.  Information processing will include multi-sensor fusion (MTI and video) and target signature extraction and fingerprinting.  We will use track life as our primary performance metric. Phase II will advance the algorithms and demonstrate the overall approach in closed-loop exercise. BENEFIT: Automatic route and task generation for sensor assets has immediate application to network centric warfare.  In addition, the algorithm technology can seamlessly transition into our Geospatial Analysis and Planning Support (GAPS) Toolbox application, which is sponsored by JFCOM Joint Urban Operation Office, and to the Decision Aid currently being developed for the U.S. Army under a Phase II SBIR contract.  In addition to military systems, the technology developed during this project will serve as a foundation for planning tools for manned and unmanned systems, providing, for example, emergency response plans for natural disasters or biological, chemical, or nuclear attacks.