Information-based approach to performance estimation and requirements allocation in multisensor fusion for target recognition

Abstract

A novel methodology offering the potential for resolving two of the significant problems of implementing multisensor target recognition systems, i.e., the rational selection of a specific sensor suite and optimal allocation of requirements among sensors, is presented. Based on a sequence of conjectures (and their supporting arguments) concerning the relationship of extractable information content to recognition perfor- mance of a sensor system, a set of heuristics (essentially a reformulation of Johnson's criteria applicable to all sensor and data types) is devel- oped. An approach to quantifying the information content of sensor data is described. Coupling this approach with the widely accepted Johnson's criteria for target recognition capabilities results in a quantitative method for comparing the target recognition ability of diverse sensors (imagers, nonimagers, active, passive, electromagnetic, acoustic, etc.). Extension to describing the performance of multiple sensors is straightforward. The application of the technique to sensor selection and requirements allo- cation is discussed. © 1997 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. Subject terms: sensor fusion; target recognition; information theory; Johnson cri- teria; requirements allocation; performance analysis; imaging sensors; nonimag- ing sensors.