Dynamic Sensor Management of Dispersed and Disparate EO/IR Sensors

Sensor management of dispersed and disparate EO/IR sensors presents a daunting theoretical and practical challenge. Scientific Systems Company, Inc. of Woburn MA and its subcontractor, Lockheed Martin MS2 Tactical Systems (LMTS) of Eagan MN, propose a foundational, control-theoretic approach to such sensor management that draws upon basic research previously completed by us for AFOSR. It is based on three innovations: (1) a multisensor-multitarget likelihood function which encapsulates all relevant information regarding the characteristics of the various sensors; (2) a "dynamic situational significance map" that mathematically specifies the meaning of "tactical significance" for a given theater at a given moment; (3) an intuitively meaningful and potentially computationally tractable objective function, namely the expected number of targets of tactical significance (ToTI's); and (4) integration of these concepts with approximate multitarget filters (specifically, first-order multitarget moment filters and multi-hypothesis correlator (MHC) engines). Under this approach, sensors will be directed to preferentially collect observations from targets with actual or potential ToTI status, according to an adaptively modified definition of tactical significance. The project team includes Dr. Ronald Mahler of Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin will provide both technical and commercialization support in the application of sensor management technologies.