Ten Principles of Command and Control System Automation

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes ten principles which govern the way in which data fusion functions should interact when automated. Most of these principles are expressible as simple rules which restrict the structure of the directed graph representing the overall C3I system architecture. Others preserve the integrity and statistical independence of the sensor data to be fused. Although essentially mathematical in nature, the principles lend themselves to expression as system engineering rules of thumb, as follows: Fuse Similar Sources First Use Covariances Avoid Multiple Sensor Data Paths Support Distributed Fusion Decisions Don't Mix Security Classifications Don't Replace Measurements With Look‐Ups Do Fusion Before Classification Provide Feedback to Interfacing Systems Don't Disregard Future System Connectivity Know Who The System Users Are After expounding these, the paper concludes with various maxims which did not quite attain the status of “principles.”