An approach for generic sensor models

We present an approach to representing a wide range of sensor types in a single modelling platform. Our generic sensor model design uses an electromagnetic transmission level of resolution starting with the radar equation, and uses a multiplier model to represent two active and four passive electromagnetic sensors. The advantages of the multiplier model approach are that it is founded in accepted physics equations, which helps in model future validation, and it is inherently modular in that the resolution of each transmission path segment may be different. Therefore the generic sensor multiplier model approach is very flexible in how and where it can be applied, and efficient in terms of being able to support a wide range of sensitivity analysis. We conclude by describing our preliminary implementation, the limits encountered when trying to model large operational military scenarios at electromagnetic transmission levels of detail, and future directions for research. Journal of Simulation (2012) 6, 103-111. doi:10.1057/jos.2011.25; published online 13 January 2012