Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to command-and-control systems, and more specifically, relates to a system and method for maintaining track characteristics across the distributed C2 system in network-centric warfare.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Network-centric surveillance systems have considerably grown in number as well as size over the last few years. To have a centralised unambiguous air situation picture, multiple sensors, smaller network-centric systems (NCS) and weapon systems are integrated into a single NCS. This large network system encompasses sensors and systems with a geographical span of thousands of kilometres covering the whole country. These NCSs allow for a single as well as distributed decision-making entity at the top. With such a huge geographical coverage, there are certain tracking problems encountered. Owing to the asymmetrical shape of the earth's surface and associated parameters, even following standards like WGS-84 (modelling of the earth's surface to an ellipsoid) does not suffice. This results in coordinate transformation errors when reports from a sensor in polar coordinates are transformed with respect to a reference point at a significantly large distance. The operation philosophy of armed forces also has a dedicated responsibility zone, where control and monitoring are done at the local level. This has led to distributing the large area into smaller manageable areas each with its local controlling and monitoring military divisions. Each of the smaller areas has a well-defined boundary defined by a regular shape mostly like a polygon. The nomenclature for identifying a target in an area is unique to its area. One of the challenges faced with such a naming scheme is that track characteristics get changed when crossing over from one area to another.
[0003] A few examples recited in the literature include multisensor data fusion that discusses multiple approaches for multi-sensor data fusion in a standalone and does not address the issues of distributed Multi sensor data fusion in NCS. Another example is recited in the literature “Target Tracking System for Multi-sensor Data Fusion” which presents a distributed fusion structure model but multiple area integrations and target crossing and attribute retentions is not explained at all. All the solutions are explained for a single area and the problem of crossing and maintaining track attributes is completely missing.
[0004] Therefore, it is desired to overcome the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and develop a system and method that maintains track characteristics across the distributed C2 system in network-centric warfare.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] An object of the present disclosure relates, to command-and-control systems, and more specifically, relates to a system and method for maintaining track characteristics across the distributed C2 system in network-centric warfare.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that facilitates seamless and accurate track transitions when targets move across adjacent areas in a distributed processing network-centric command and control system (NCS). It ensures consistent track attributes, such as identity, call sign, and various scores, which are crucial for effective decision-making and operations.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that is designed to achieve the longest possible track life, representing the time duration a target entity remains tracked as it traverses through multiple geographical areas. This enhances the tracking efficiency and continuity of monitoring targets.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a scalable system, allowing the addition of multiple geographical areas within the distributed network-centric command and control system. This scalability extends the control and surveillance area, making the system adaptable to varying operational requirements.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that enables operators to control and monitor the system at both distributed and centralized levels. All track attributes are retained regardless of the area or processing node, ensuring comprehensive control and visibility throughout the entire network.
[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that stores data of track updates trails, including relevant kinematic and non-kinematic parameters of targets in extended geographical areas beyond the current area. These stored track trails are utilized to stabilize the state vector and associated errors, contributing to accurate and consistent tracking across a wider surveillance region.

SUMMARY
[0011] The present disclosure relates to command-and-control systems, and more specifically, relates to a system and method for maintaining track characteristics across the distributed C2 system in network-centric warfare. The main objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawback, limitations, and shortcomings of the existing system and solution, by providing the method and system described here that provides for seamless target transition from one area to another which is key for generating an unambiguous air situation picture. Track characteristics like unique identifiers, target identity and other essential parameters are maintained for the entire lifetime of a target, irrespective of its location, across all geographical areas. This method also results in the minimization of tracking errors over large geographical areas.
[0012] The modern command and control systems (all variants of C2 systems) consist of a large number, distributed and a variety of sensors and subsystems for generating composite air situation picture/situation awareness (ASP/SA) along with suggestive actions and information. This composite ASP/SA is then presented to decision-makers for taking quick and effective decisions. The sensors are strategically placed at different geographical locations to cover the whole/maximum area for surveillance and defence. The distributed network-centric command and control (C2) systems have clusters of sub-systems, with crisp geographical boundaries, of the same type and share data among them. The main aim of distributed C2 system is to have better control and dedicated responsibility. Despite having the operational advantage, the maintenance and management of tracks become a challenge as each subsystem area has its fusion system and the combined ASP/SA should be unique and unambiguous. Therefore, the tracks crossing from one area to another should maintain the track vital information and be as accurate as possible despite of managing by two different fusion systems.
[0013] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an area crossing scenario showing the problem of target crossing to new area in distributed network-centric C2 system.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates the track fusion system and transition in distributed C2 NCS, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of track attribute transfer and stabilization of new parameters, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates track parameter correction while crossing, and the process of stabilization of the newly created track while crossing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method for maintaining track characteristics across a distributed network-centric command and control (C2) system in network-centric warfare, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0021] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0022] The present disclosure relates, in general, to command-and-control systems, and more specifically, relates to a system and method for maintaining track characteristics across the distributed C2 system in network-centric warfare.
[0023] In FIG 1, an example is shown where a geographical area is divided broadly into two sub-areas (Areas shall/could be more in actual deployment) i.e., AREA-A and AREA-B. Three sensors (Radar 1/Radar 2/Radar 3) are placed in such a way that their coverage area is maximum and the whole area is covered by multiple sensors for generating a better situation picture, the actual deployment is more complex and requires more sensors for better detection. In this network-centric distributed arrangement, any target can move from one area to another and each area has its own set of applications for all operations. As per the control philosophy of armed forces, the area may be controlled by two different (dependent or independent) groups. While the transition of targets between the area it is the responsibility of the fusion system residing at the respective area to maintain the targets' kinematic and non-kinematic parameters otherwise the Air Situation Picture / Situation Awareness (ASP/SA) of the whole area becomes indeterminate. Consider the scenario shown in FIG. 1, at time ‘t’ a target which is residing in sub-area ‘AREA-A’, is moving towards the ‘AREA-B’, the target is detected and fused with radar 1 and radar 3, detection and the responsibility of target remains with ‘AREA-A’. At time ‘t+1’ the target is going from AREA A to B. At time ‘t+2’ target reached inside the area AREA-B, here the radars now reporting tracking in area B. At this point in time, if a new target is created by Area B and all information is dropped by Area A, the whole historic information i.e., its path, kinematics and attributes shall be lost and shall lead to confusion for ongoing operations or surveillance
[0024] The proposed system and method provide the solution for the problem of maintaining the track kinematics and attributes by transferring the estimation level information so that after transition similar levels of parameters can be achieved. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] Modern command and control systems (all variants of C2 systems) are distributed network-centric warfare systems, composed of clusters of smaller systems with fixed or extendable areas of operation and responsibility, receiving input from strategically placed sensors with coverage in multiple areas. Modern command and control systems are distributed network-centric warfare systems designed to detect hostile forces in real-time and provide timely reactions. These systems consist of clusters of smaller systems with fixed or extendable areas of operation and responsibility, receiving input from strategically placed sensors covering the maximum area to increase detection probability. Overlapping sensor coverage poses challenges in data fusion for generating the air situation picture/situation awareness (ASP/SA). To ensure early detection and reaction, sensors are deployed more at the borders, allowing defending forces to respond before threats enter their area. The entire country is divided into smaller units, each with its own network-centric C2 system, interconnected through a network, enabling comprehensive control and surveillance. The distributed approach enhances resource utilization, survivability, and seamless security while protecting designated areas or the whole country based on specific requirements.
[0026] The distributed network-centric approach in modern command and control (C2) systems offers enhanced control and resource utilization for military forces. These distributed systems demonstrate higher survivability against enemy attacks, as disabling the entire C2 system requires the destruction of multiple nodes, consuming significant time and effort compared to a centralized system. To improve availability, distributed systems operate in redundancy mode, enabling nodes to take over responsibilities during emergencies or failures. Decision authority is independent in each C2 node, necessitating faster and more efficient transitions between nodes. The distributed architecture functions hierarchically, combining the output of each node to generate an overall situation picture, facilitating seamless operation and monitoring. Overall, this approach empowers military forces with improved responsiveness, redundancy, and adaptability in protecting designated areas or entire countries.
[0027] Distributed C2 systems have major shortcomings as it is having distributed data processing systems. This issue is visible in the border area of the C2 node where a target transit from one node to another. Each target is generated by using the input from different sensors, for example if an aircraft/target is detected by five different radars and the input data is forwarded to one C2 node/area. Generation and processing of the target using the provided input is done by the fusion system of that node. If a track goes outside of node/area one and enters node/area two, the track is then generated and processed by node/area two. In this case, the track is deleted at node/area one and initiated at node/area two. While deleting a track at node one, all its associated attributes/commands are also deleted and vital information associated with the track is lost. This process also changes the tracking number (a unique identifier for each track in the whole system) which is a major issue for other applications or humans using the target data for decision-making/operations. The method is designed to handle such situations and make the distributed N/W-centric system more usable and seamless. Each of the nodes has its own set of applications for tracking, surveillance, monitoring and defence. The major role of the transition of track from one area to another is performed by the fusion system, as the ASP /SA generation is its responsibility
[0028] The advantages achieved by the system of the present disclosure can be clear from the embodiments provided herein. Thus, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and provides a system for distributed network-centric command and control, ensuring seamless track transitions, extended track life, scalability for additional geographical areas, comprehensive control and monitoring at both distributed and centralized levels, and the utilization of stored track trails for improved tracking accuracy across a wider surveillance region. This system enhances decision-making and situational awareness in monitoring and responding to targets. The description of terms and features related to the present disclosure shall be clear from the embodiments that are illustrated and described; however, the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the invention can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the following description.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the track fusion system and transition in distributed C2 NCS the system overview of a single area, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts the components of the centric command and control system 200 (also referred to as system 200, herein) and the present disclosure for a single geographical area. The other area has a similar system, and both areas are interconnected through a network switch (N/S). The system 200 can include radar and system network (202-1, 202-2), sensor interface workstation and system interface workstation (204-1, 204-2), network switch (206), multi-sensor data fusion (MSDF) server 208, decision support system (DSS) 210 and seamless track transition system 212,
[0031] The radar and system network (202-1, 202-2) are the sources of target information and are connected to system 200 via Ethernet or radio based on the deployment scenario. They provide data on detected targets to the system. The sensor interface workstation and system interface workstation (204-1, 204-2) receive target information (i.e., tracks) from the radar and system networks (202-1, 202-2), respectively. They act as interfaces to gather and forward the tracks to the network switch 206 of the system.
[0032] The network switch 206 is responsible for communicating input tracks and the air situation picture/situation awareness (ASP/SA) between the system's area and other areas. It facilitates data exchange and connectivity within the distributed network-centric system. The MSDF server 208 performs the fusion of tracks received from various sensors and systems. It can process plot fusion combining positional data, track fusion combining track information, or hybrid plot and track fusion, generating a comprehensive and accurate ASP/SA. In the decision support system (DSS) 210, the fused ASP/SA is utilized for situation enhancement and decision support. This component processes and analyzes the data to provide valuable insights and support decision-making processes.
[0033] The seamless track transition system 212 is specifically designed to manage track crossings and stabilization when targets move from one area to another. It ensures that track attributes and vital information are retained during the transition for consistent and reliable tracking.
[0034] The seamless track transition system 212 is configured to manage track crossings and stabilization when targets move from one area to another, the seamless track transition system can include the area filter unit 214, the data store unit 216, correlator unit 218 and re-estimator unit 220. The area filter unit 214 identifies tracks that are crossing or about to cross into their own area of the system. The area filter unit 214 is a filtering process applied to the fused ASP/SA from other area fusion systems, which are received through the network switch. It identifies tracks likely to cross into the system's own area and stores them for further processing.
[0035] The data store unit 216 coupled to the area filter unit 214 to store the filtered tracks along with corresponding track parameters and attributes. The data store unit 216 is responsible for storing tracks and other relevant information for various operations. It maintains a repository of historical track data and other parameters for reference and analysis. The correlator unit 218 coupled to the data store unit 216 correlates the newly created track with the tracks stored in the data store and the re-estimator unit 220 coupled to the correlator unit 218 to stabilize the track parameters and attributes using information from the correlator and data store. The re-estimator 220 is responsible for estimating the newly initiated track using fused track parameters generated by other area fusion systems. It updates and stabilizes the track's attributes and parameters.
[0036] The track attributes and parameters include attributes such as call sign, track number, and manually assigned operations. They are transferred to the newly estimated track, ensuring consistency and accuracy even after the track is not updated by other area fusion systems.
[0037] An example of implementation of the embodiment, the target information is received from radar and system network (202-1, 202-2). Radar network and system network (202-1, 202-2) are connected to the system via ethernet/radio based on deployment. The target information (also referred to as tracks herein) is received from the sensor interface workstation and system interface workstation (204-1, 204-2). The tracks are then forwarded to the network switch 206 of the system. The network switch 206 is responsible for communicating input tracks and ASP/SA between its own area and other areas. The system can include MSDF server 208 for fusion of tracks from sensors and systems. This fusion system can process plot fusion, track fusion or hybrid plot and track fusion. The fused ASP/SA is then used for situation enhancement, DSS and display 222 to the user. Tracks and other information are stored in data stores for various operations.
[0038] The seamless track transition system is responsible for track crossing and stabilization. The area filter 214 is the process of filtering track from fused ASP/SA of other area fusion systems received from the network switch 206 from other areas. The fused tracks which are likely to cross into their own area are identified and stored. All newly initiated tracks received from MSDF are correlated with tracks stored in the area filter stage. The newly initiated track is estimated with fused track parameters generated by other area fusion systems in the re-estimator 220. The other attributes are then updated in the newly estimated track.
[0039] The track attributes like call sign, track number and other manually assigned operations are transferred to the newly estimated track. The track shall have the same characteristics even after the track is not updated by other area fusion systems. The track which is coming from one area to other areas must have been updated more than once, the track parameters like covariance, position and velocities etc have converged/stabilized up to a certain accuracy level. The newly created track has very large errors and it takes multiple updates to converge to smaller errors and to stabilize its parameters. One of the solutions is to just transfer the attributes and track number to newly created tracks and delete the track from the previous area. This approach shall not cater for the parameters stabilization of the new track (result of crossing). These parameters shall affect the decisions of other applications using fused data as input.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of track attribute transfer and stabilization of new parameters, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. To address the above challenges, FIG. 3 illustrates the implementation of forced/assisted stabilization of fusion for newly created tracks immediately after transitioning. This stabilization process involves transferring fusion parameters and fusion weights, as well as modifying the initial covariance, to ensure rapid and effective stabilization of the track.
[0041] Input tracks\plots are received and they are subjected to the association process. If the track gets associated with any existing track, it is used to update the associated track. If the input track/plot does not associate, the input is then utilized for track initiation. The new contender track/plot is matched with crossing fused tracks coming from other areas. If no match is found from the crossing fused track for the contender track, then a new track number along with parameters shall be calculated for the input track/plot. If any suitable match found from crossing the fused track is found for the newly initiated track, the parameters such as position, velocity, acceleration, covariance and estimation parameters and other attributes and the likes and track attributes are taken from the matched crossing track. This information is used to estimate the position of the newly created track along with its accuracies.
[0042] At block 302, the input tracks/plots are received from various sensors and systems.
[0043] At block 304, the received tracks/plots undergo an association process to determine if they can be associated with any existing tracks in the system. If an input track/plot is successfully associated with an existing track, the associated track is updated with the information from the input track/plot.
[0044] At block 306, in case the input track/plot does not associate with any existing track, it is considered a new contender track for track initiation. The new contender track is then matched with crossing fused tracks coming from other areas in the distributed network-centric system. If no suitable match is found from the crossing fused tracks for the contender track, a new track number is calculated along with the parameters, such as position, velocity, acceleration, covariance, and estimation parameters for the input track/plot.
[0045] At block 308, if a suitable match is found from the crossing fused tracks for the newly initiated track, the parameters, position, velocity, acceleration, covariance, estimation parameters, and other attributes, are taken from the matched crossing track. The information obtained from the matched crossing track is used to estimate the position of the newly created track along with its accuracy.
[0046] At block 310, the resulting track is then ready for further processing and integration into the distributed network-centric system for generating an accurate and consistent Air Situation Picture/Situation Awareness (ASP/SA).
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates track parameter correction while crossing, the process of stabilization of a newly created track while crossing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method described in FIG. 4 is of a generic nature and is applicable to Bayesian class filters, including multi-model filters, as well as track-to-track fusion approaches. It demonstrates the process of stabilizing new track parameters effectively, ensuring their seamless integration into the overall system for improved accuracy and consistency.
[0048] At block 402, If an input track/plot is successfully associated with an existing track, the associated track is updated with the information from the input track/plot. In case the input track/plot does not associate with any existing track, it is considered a new contender track for track initiation.
[0049] At block 404, the new contender track is then matched with crossing fused tracks coming from other areas in the distributed network-centric system. If no suitable match is found from the crossing fused tracks for the contender track, a new track number is calculated along with the parameters, such as position, velocity, acceleration, covariance, and estimation parameters for the input track/plot. On the other hand, if a suitable match is found from the crossing fused tracks for the newly initiated track, the parameters, position, velocity, acceleration, covariance, estimation parameters, and other attributes, are taken from the matched crossing track.
[0050] At block 406, the information obtained from the matched crossing track is used to estimate the position of the newly created track along with its accuracy.
[0051] At block 408, the resulting track is then ready for further processing and integration into the distributed network-centric system for generating an accurate and consistent Air Situation Picture/Situation Awareness (ASP/SA).
[0052] In an implementation, once the decision is taken to initiate a new track, a matching pair is reached from other area’s fused ASP/SA. Once the track is identified as crossing area A and going into the area B, the following parameters are transferred from the fusion system of area A to B,
• a) Position, velocities and covariance
• b) Filter weights (for multi-model filter algorithms)
• c) Track-to-track fusion weights, if track-to-track fusion is performed
• d) All track attributes and track numbers.
[0053] After reception of the above fusion parameters, the new track estimate is corrected with information received from another node as follows,
[0054] Track state such as position, velocities, acceleration etc and covariance of newly initiated track at area B is corrected as follows,
????= ??????+ (1-??)?? (1)
????= ??????+ (1-??)?? (2)
Where,
????, ???? are state vectors of positions of track in node B and Node A. ???? is temporally corrected up to the time of ????.
????, ???? are Covariance of track in node B and Node A. ???? is temporally corrected upto the time of ????.
?? is mixing coefficient and value is calculated based on data and may vary in actual deployment. Max value of ?? is 1.
[0055] The model mixing probabilities/weights in case of multiple model filters are also shared to Area B so that a similar filter state is achieved. In multiple model filters, the initial state is assumed and updated at each iteration. Since the system is integrated with other C2 systems, their input is processed as track to track fusion approach rather than a multimodal or single model filter. The track-to-track fusion approach starts with weights calculation and these weights are used for weighted averaging of all inputs (state and covariance). These weights are transferred to area B so that new weights at area B can be calculated based on the previous weights. On the correction of track state and covariance of new track, the other attributes and identifies are transferred to the new track in area B from area A and the track is removed from area A
[0056] Thus, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and provides a system for distributed network-centric command and control, ensuring seamless track transitions, extended track life, scalability for additional geographical areas, comprehensive control and monitoring at both distributed and centralized levels, and the utilization of stored track trails for improved tracking accuracy across a wider surveillance region. This system enhances decision-making and situational awareness in monitoring and responding to targets.
[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method for maintaining track characteristics across a distributed network-centric command and control (C2) system in network-centric warfare, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0058] At block 502, the seamless track transition system is configured to manage track crossings and stabilization when targets move from one area to another. At block 504, the area filter unit identifies tracks that are crossing or about to cross into their own area of the system.
[0059] At block 506, the data store unit coupled to the area filter unit to store the filtered tracks along with corresponding track parameters and attributes. At block 508, the correlator unit coupled to the data store unit that correlates the newly created track with the tracks stored in the data store and at block 510, the re-estimator unit coupled to the correlator unit to stabilize the track parameters and attributes using information from the correlator and data store.
[0060] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that system 200 of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0061] The present invention provides a system that facilitates seamless and accurate track transitions as targets move across adjacent areas in a distributed processing network-centric command and control system (NCS). This ensures that there are no gaps or loss of critical track attributes during the transition, enabling effective decision-making and operations.
[0062] The present invention provides a system that is designed to achieve the longest possible track life for target entities, even as they traverse through multiple geographical areas. This extended track life enhances tracking efficiency and continuity in monitoring targets, providing a comprehensive picture of target movement over a longer duration.
[0063] The present invention provides a system that is highly scalable, allowing for the addition of multiple geographical areas within the distributed network-centric command and control system. This scalability provides flexibility in adapting to varying operational requirements and extends the system's control and surveillance area as needed.
[0064] The present invention provides a system where the operators can control and monitor the system at both distributed and centralized levels. The retention of all track attributes regardless of the area or processing node ensures comprehensive control and visibility throughout the entire network, enabling effective management and decision-making.
[0065] The present invention provides a system that stores data of track updates trails, including relevant kinematic and non-kinematic parameters of targets in extended geographical areas beyond the current area. These stored track trails are utilized to stabilize the state vector and associated errors, leading to improved tracking accuracy and consistency across a wider surveillance region. This feature ensures that the system can provide reliable and continuous tracking information for better situational awareness and response.
, Claims:1. A system (200) for maintaining track characteristics across a distributed network-centric command and control (C2) system in network-centric warfare, the system comprising:
a seamless track transition system (212) configured to manage track crossings and stabilization when targets move from one area to another, the seamless track transition system comprising:
an area filter unit (214) that identifies tracks that are crossing or about to cross into their own area of the system;
a data store unit (216) coupled to the area filter unit to store the filtered tracks along with corresponding track parameters and attributes;
a correlator unit (218) coupled to the data store unit that correlates the newly created track with the tracks stored in the data store; and
re-estimator unit (220) coupled to the correlator unit to stabilize the track parameters and attributes using information from the correlator and data store.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the track attributes pertain to call sign, track number and other manually assigned operations and the track parameters pertain to covariance, position and velocities.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises radar and system networks (202-1, 202-2) connected via Ethernet or radio, acting as sources of detected target data, wherein the sensor interface workstation (204-1) and system interface workstation (204-2) as interfaces configured to collect and forward target tracks to a network switch (206), enabling efficient data exchange within the distributed network-centric system.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a multi-sensor data fusion (MSDF) server (208) that performs track fusion by combining positional and tracking data from various sensors and systems, wherein the MSDF server processes plot fusion, track fusion, or hybrid plot and generating a comprehensive and accurate air situation picture/situation awareness (ASP/SA) used for enhanced situation analysis and decision support.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises situation enhancement and decision support system (DSS) (210) utilizes the fused ASP/SA for data analysis and providing valuable insights to support informed decision-making processes.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system ensures a seamless air situation picture/situation awareness (ASP/SA), enabling easy control and monitoring at both the area level and centralized level.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system allows for the addition or removal of any number of smaller distributed network-centric systems (NCS) units without affecting the operation or performance of other NCS units.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system handling out-of-sync data from multiple sensors during track transition from one geographical area to an adjacent geographical area through the use of interpolation and extrapolation techniques, ensures accurate and reliable track transitions despite discrepancies in sensor data synchronization.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system maintains consistent accuracy of calculations, even with variable track update rates, as it seamlessly transitions and continues tracking targets from one geographical area to an adjacent area asynchronously, wherein the input data is handled from multiple sensors received at different times, ensuring reliable and continuous target tracking across distributed areas in the network-centric command and control system.
10. A method (500) for maintaining track characteristics across a distributed network-centric command and control (C2) system in network-centric warfare, the method comprising:
managing (502), by a seamless track transition system, track crossings and stabilization when targets move from one area to another;
identifying (504), by an area filter unit, tracks that are crossing or about to cross into the own area of the system;
storing (506), at a data store unit coupled to the area filter unit, the filtered tracks along with corresponding track parameters and attributes;
correlating (508), by a correlator unit coupled to the data store unit, the newly created track with the tracks stored in the data store; and
stabilizing (510), by re-estimator unit coupled to the correlator unit, the track parameters and attributes using information from the correlator and data store.