Improved Representation of Sensor Exploitation for Automatic Sensor Management

ALPHATECH proposes to develop advanced optimization-based algorithms that can be applied to improve advanced sensor resource management techniques. In this effort, we will extend stochastic dynamic programming-based sensor resource models, which providenear-optimal algorithms that utilize statistical track and identification information from an aircraft's sensor fusion system in order to predict the effect of future sensor resource management decisions. We will extend previously developed algorithms andconcepts for far-sighted sensor resource management to include target valuation as a function of not only discretized tracking and classification states but also both high and low level fusion valuation, which will provide for improved tracking andclassification performance when identifying higher-level object groups, such as convoys. We propose to use Bayesian Networks to provide the mathematical framework for the hierarchical target valuation function. The resulting target valuation algorithmdeveloped will be suitable for implementation with a multiple hypothesis tracker and sensor resource manager using a testbed environment. The development of robust distributed sensor control methods for extended operating conditions has applicability tovideo surveillance, intelligent traffic control, automated manufacturing, and a large variety of remote sensing applications including military intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. Collection management systems that includeboth mission planning and collection schedule execution control may have broad applications in commercial applications for synchronizing collection of airborne sensing, ground sensor networks and satellite imagery.The customers for adaptive sensor control technology include all future developers and users of agile, multi-mode airborne radar systems, both tactical and ISR aircraft. Surveillance and reconnaissance systems with new radars can utilize the technology toincrease the effective footprint of an ISR platform. Tactical systems can utilize adaptive sensor control to reduce pilot workload while increasing situational awareness. There are also significant applications to non-military surveillance systems such asthose needed for enhanced security. Examples include monitoring of airports, border crossings, power plants, and other sensitive public facilities. In particular, these systems utilize video cameras that can be pointed and zoomed to track and identifypeople and vehicles, and these systems can benefit from automation like that for military systems.