A platform-based data fusion and sensor management node

The potential for data fusion (DF) and sensor management (SM) in sensor networks is high but not fully exploited. This is true especially for systems with electronically scanning antenna (ESA) sensors, and it applies both to internal platform networks and to networks of platforms. Some reasons for that are presented here. In order to explore the space of DF and SM methods on the platform level, a fusion node has been designed and implemented. It has been used for realizing all kinds of data fusion processing that are needed in single- and multi-platform sensor systems. A basic design principle is modelling of the function concept, with reference to ´multi function sensors´. It is based on the similarity between the function model and the basic loop for operator action, or OODA loop (observe/orient/decide/act).