AI Magazine - Fall 2019

16 AI MAGAZINE
IF node or the aggregate processing of a suite of
IF nodes, each with similar structure. Figure 1 is
strictly a discussion aid and not an architecture or
processing diagram.

The JDL model (Hall and Llinas 1997) and subsequent revisions (Steinberg, Bowman, and White 1999; Llinas et al. 2004; Blasch et al. 2006), were proposed to provide a useful categorization representing logically different types of problems, generally (although not necessarily) solved by different techniques, and to maintain a degree of consistency with the mainstream of technical usage. Much of the discussion on IF models is drawn, either directly or in modified form, from the revisions to the JDL model by Steinberg, Bowman, and White (1999). We will use the following definitions:

Level 0 — Subobject data assessment. Estimation and prediction of signal/object observable states on the basis of pixel/signal level data association and characterization. This is a new level added to the JDL process model, ascribed to the data sources. One clear example of this type of processing is the detection of blobs of interest in imagery, which signify an unknown entity of interest not having a semantic label.

Level 1 — Object assessment. Estimation and prediction of (ideally) single entity states on the basis of inferences from observations. A frequent example is the estimation of the kinematic properties and the identification or classification of single objects of interest in a situation.

Level 2 — Situation assessment. Estimation and prediction of entity states on the basis of inferred relations among entities. For a variety of applications, this level strives to develop situation assessments based on the collective dynamics among entities as well as the estimated relationships among them.

Level 3 — Impact assessment. Estimation and prediction of effects on situations of planned or estimated/predicted actions by participants (for example, assessing susceptibilities and vulnerabilities to estimated/predicted threat actions given one’s own planned actions). In military applications, a major concern is threat estimation that involves estimating most likely or most damaging potential of an adversary.

Level 4 — Process refinement (an element of resource management). Adaptive data acquisition and processing to support mission objectives. A frequent focus of level 4 design and development is for a sensor management functionality, where observational strategies that From Kessler et al. (1992).