Sigma QL - A decision support tool for target recognition in a multisensor environment

SQL is a query language for target recognition designed for an environment of multiple sensor data sources where sensor data fusion plays an important role. The main purpose of this query language is to use it as a decision support tool integrated into a command and control system. Currently, the attached sensors are laser-radar, IR-camera and CCD-camera. The sensors can be attached to various types of platforms. The query language is designed for simple user interaction where the queries are applied in a sensor in sensor data independent way. The consequence of this is that the end-users are allowed to apply their queries without any concern for sensor technology or how sensor data are analyzed, i.e. they just need to focus their attention on their primary work. A further purpose of the query language is to give support to situation analysis and contribute to the generation of a consistent operational picture (COP). The decision support system can be subdivided into five separate parts, i.e. the query language, and four modules for respectively sensor data analysis, multisensor data fusion, terrain modelling and situation analysis. These modules and the status of the demonstrator subject to implementation are described in this report. The decision support system is based on an architecture that allows scalability, which is an essential aspect for network-based environments. To properly handle varying sets of sensors the architecture is designed to be sensor and sensor data independent; this is controlled by an ontological knowledge-base. Finally, the system will be possible to used in intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance and other applications where support for situation analysis is required.