Unified Control-Theoretic Bayesian Multi-Sensor Multi-Target Sensor Resource Management

Adaptive real time Sensor resource management (SRM) is inherentlya problem in optimal nonlinear control theory, in which datacollection/interpretation and sensor coordination should betightly connected by a control-theoretic feedback loop thatallows the results of existing collections and anticipated futuresensing and target conditions to influence the choice of futurecollections. Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) and itssubcontractor Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems (LMTS) propose theimplementation of a foundational approach to control-theoreticSRM, and will develop a systematic control-theoretic foundationand calculus for multisensor-multitarget sensor management, aswell as techniques for rendering that foundation computationallytractable. The major objectives of Phase I will be to: (1)develop the necessary theoretical extensions; (2) developscalable and tractable computational approximations; (3)implement concept-feasibility prototype algorithms; (4) test thisalgorithm in simulated, reduced-complexity scenarios involving afew sensors on a single platform operating against a small numberof targets; and (5) develop a detailed plan for further analysisand implementation in a Phase II effort.Phase II will emphasize the development of more sophisticatedprototype versions of the integrated data fusion and sensorresource management algorithms developed in Phase I. Commercialapplications of the approach will also be investigated by SSCIand LMTS during Phase I and fully developed during Phase II. The technology developed in this proposal has specificapplications to military and commercial applications. Theseinclude developers and users of agile, multi-mode airborne radarsystems, both tactical and ISR aircraft. Tactical systems canutilize adaptive sensor control to reduce pilot workload whileincreasing situational awareness. Commercial applications includenon-military surveillance systems such as monitoring of airports,border crossings, power plants, and other sensitive publicfacilities.