Implementing a Blackboard Based Information Fusion Architecture Using the CEENSS Methodology

Abstract

Two of the many problems confronting avionics developers today are the need to rapidly design, prototype, develop, and insert modern technology into avionics platforms and the need to support that technology under conditions where the pace of obsolescence is much smaller than the devices' required service life. SYMVIONICS' Complex System Information Fusion Tools (CSIFT) program is facing both of these issues. In this paper, we will present our findings and recommendations to-date as a case study of the goals, approach, and accomplishments of the program. The CSIFT program uses a Data Activated Operating System (commonly referred to as a Distributed Blackboard), in the context of an offboard/onboard information fusion application, to implement a version of the Information Dispatcher function of the USAF's Airborne Information Fusion Architecture (AIFA). Our approach provides an efficient environment for prototyping and developing data oriented avionics applications. The CSIFT program addresses the technology obsolescence issue by our use of the Continuous Electronics Enhancements Using Simulatable Specifications (CEENSS) methodology. This methodology provides for rigorous requirements modeling and formal verification, and promotes the use of vendor neutral, tool neutral simulatable specifications for electronic designs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA355515

Entities

People

  • Harold W. Dean
  • Paul W. Salchak

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Application Software
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Complex Systems
  • Data Association
  • Data Fusion
  • Detection
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Intelligent Agents
  • Life Cycles
  • Operating Systems
  • Simulations
  • Situational Awareness
  • Software Development
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test Facilities

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Software Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics