A conceptual definition of a holonic processing framework to support the design of information fusion systems

Abstract

This paper proposes a conceptual definition of an information fusion (IF) processing framework. Several concepts borrowed from complex systems theory, informational philosophy and computer sciences have been integrated to conceptualize that framework. The concepts of holon and informon developed by Koestler, Sulis, Alonso, Paggi et al. are exploited here to develop an information fusion processing framework. The proposed functional holonic structure is suitable for processing any level of information abstraction of the Joint Directors of Laboratory (JDL) data fusion model. The framework comprises the characterization of a basic element of information and the definition of an IF cell as a basic IF system unit to achieve fusion of information. The framework advocates a goal-driven approach with notions coming from business sciences to take into account quality of information for managing the fusion process. The framework is illustrated through several examples namely with an elaborated case in remote sensing.