Tactical Sonar Data Fusion

"The objective of this proposed research is to define a USW tactical data fusion architecture and develop a fusion algorithm baseline that can continue to mature through an incremental technology and software build process. Phase 1 program emphasis will beplaced on data fusion algorithm assessments and architecture definition for the USW combat system application. AHA will develop an overall data fusion concept that includes raw data fusion, feature-fusion, and track fusion, in a high-level structure thatincorporates consolidation of signal-processing & information-processing displays for all USW combat system functions segments, and leverages the infrastructure of existing information processing databases. Candidate algorithms to be defined and evaluatedwill include commensurate sensor data correlation, non-linear adaptive detector/estimator, and belief theory (fuzzy logic) methods. The research will assess the performance of candidate algorithms and the characteristics of USW tactical sensor featureestimate sources that will provide inputs to the tactical data fusion function. A system design task will define an approach for efficient integration of promising data fusion algorithms into the baseline AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 USW system architecture. We willdefine an integrated display concept that augments existing sonar geo-situation and sensor displays with intuitive overlays to depict data fusion results and confidence levels. The ant