Implementation of approximations of belief functions for fusion of ESM reports within the DSm framework

Abstract

Electronic Support Measures consist of passive receivers which can identify emitters which, in turn, can be related to platforms that belong to 3 classes: Friend, Neutral, or Hostile. Decision makers prefer results presented in STANAG 1241 allegiance form, which adds 2 new classes: Assumed Friend, and Suspect. Dezert-Smarandache (DSm) theory is particularly suited to this problem, since it allows for intersections between the original 3 classes. However, as we know, the DSm hybrid combination rule is highly complex to execute and requires high amounts of resources. We have applied and studied a Matlab implementation of Tessem's k-l-x, Lowrance's Summarization and Simard's approximation techniques in the DSm theory for the fusion of ESM reports. Results are presented showing that we can improve on the time of execution while maintaining or getting better rates of good decisions in some cases.