Sensor Integration, Management and Data Fusion Concepts in a Naval Command and Control Perspective

Abstract : Sensing techniques are employed in military systems as the primary means to gain knowledge about the external environment, or to update and refine such knowledge. Typically, as a result of their intrinsic shortcomings, single sensor systems have limited capabilities for resolving ambiguities and providing consistent descriptions of the sensed environment. Intelligent military systems thus make use of multiple sensors in order to satisfy the extensive need for precise and timely information. Multi-sensor systems aim to overcome the shortcomings of single sensors by employing redundancy and diversity. The appropriate integration and management of several sensors, and the intelligent use of the resulting optimum data sets through date fusion, should provide en efficient end operationally valuable approach for military systems. The aim of this document is to present a framework for addressing sensor integration, management and data fusion (SIMDF) in the perspective of its relationship to command and control.