The Human Factors of Sensor Fusion

This report discusses select, cognitively based principles associated with the sensor fusion process. A review is made of the standard definitions and descriptions of sensor fusion from an information processing perspective, and that review is tied to basic principles of human cognitive processes which are involved with processing information. Each step of the definition of sensor fusion provided by the Joint Directors of Laboratories is used as a basis of comparison in this report, and elements of human cognition associated with those steps are described in theory and practice. Comparisons of machine cognition are contrasted and compared with human cognition, and recommendations are made about allocation of functions to human and machine in sensor-fused information systems. Implications of sensor fusion as applied to military operations are also discussed. The original document contains color images. Project No. 622716AH70.