A Machine Learning Approach to the Determination of Value of Information to Operators and Applications on the Tactical Edge

Abstract

Value of Information (VoI) is critical to the operators in the field and the backbone of a communications network. With proper determination of VoI the correct information can be routed to the operators that need it and not burden those who don't. VoI is used to determine the relevance, importance, and utility of information objects (discrete elements of information) to an entity (ranging from an individual person to even a software component, such as an agent). The value is always dependent on the context of the receiving entity. In the military domain, context can be defined by the identity, role, current and future activity, current status, current and future location, and type of mission of an operator. Being able to determine the VoI allows systems to prioritize and filter information, thereby reducing information overload on the recipient, as well as network load on the communications infrastructure. The concept of VoI is not new, but has recently begun to be applied to military information systems.