A multi-level approach to sensor management

The main issue considered is how to configure a sensor control system for fighter-based ESA-oriented multifunction and multisensor capability. The main structure should be simple, robust and stable. but it is also important to consider the relationship between fine sensor parameters and the large scaled sensor allocation mechanism. An important ontology to tracking and sensor management is given in [1]. Control of complex sensor control mechanisms, especially when an electronically steered array antenna (ESA) is present, requires however applicable software architectures. Two proposals will be given for that, agent modelling and multilevel sensor management architecture. Agent modelling may help to keep the principles of system clean, simple and robust, while the multi-level system architecture will help to organize the relationship between distributed processes in the system. For example, several sensor-oriented tracking processes may be used for the same target, but also other process types may be distributed, such as situation awareness and sensor management. Multilevel architectures will also facilitate a subdivision of the manufacturing process between different subcontractors.