CHAPTER 1 - Command and Control Systems

Abstract

This chapter describes the basic functions and operational blocks of command of control systems. Command and control, as the dual name implies, must comprise both a command and a controlled action element. The main function of the command element is decision making, based on the assessments of the reported action of the controlled element, and the controlled element is to carry out the orders issued by the command element. Command of control systems are characterized by the coordination of resources located over scattered geographical areas. They comprise data acquisition, data correlation, data processing, data updating, information displaying, decision making, command dispatching and implementation of commands. When designing a command and control system, the whole system is defined as comprising the master system and all the subsystems. Many elements of the master system may be shared by the smaller subsystems, some of which may share all or only a few of their facilities with others. The operational relationship among the susbsystems within the master system is that of interaction. System interaction requires coherent operation among all the subsystems achieved by the means of common procedures adopted to provide direct communication in passing information and instruction.