Constraint Satisfaction Based Techniques for Improved Hypothesis Management

Parietal Systems Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop an approach for optimizing the performance of multi-hypothesis tracking and fusion systems that will facilitate the incorporation of information in the form of logic-based constraints. The work performed will develop innovative mechanisms for improving the hypothesis space management that is a fundamental element of the tracking and fusion process. In the second phase of this research, the techniques initiated under Phase I will be extended and matured. The prototype hypothesis management algorithms will be enhanced to create real-time implementations, capable of applying external intelligence and evaluating its appropriateness. A test bed will be extended to support this evaluation, and a series of analyses will be performed to measure the improved performance versus more traditional techniques. The results of this research will be a suite of software components suitable for transition to military tracking and exploitation systems, along with quantifiable performance measures demonstrating the utility of the approach.