Context-Awareness at the Service of Sensor Fusion Systems: Inverting the Usual Scheme

Proceedings of: 11th International Work-Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (IWANN 2011). International Workshop of Intelligent systems for context-based information fusion (ISCIF 11). Torremolinos-Málaga, Spain, June 8-10, 2011Many works on context-aware systems make use of location, navigation or tracking services offered by an underlying sensor fusion module, as part of the relevant contextual information. The obtained knowledge is typically consumed only by the high level layers of the system, in spite that context itself represents a valuable source of information from which every part of the implemented system could take benefit. This paper closes the loop, analyzing how can context knowledge be applied to improve the accuracy, robustness and adaptability of sensor fusion processes. The whole theoretical analysis will be related with the indoor/outdoor navigation system implemented for a wheeled robotic platform. Some preliminary results are presented, where the context information provided by a map is integrated in the sensor fusion system.This work was supported in part by Projects ATLANTIDA, CICYT TIN2008-06742-C02-02/TSI, CICYT TEC2008-06732-C02-02/TEC, SINPROB, CAM MADRINET S-0505/TIC/0255 DPS2008-07029-C02-02.Publicad

Research Opportunities in Contextualized Fusion Systems. The Harbor Surveillance Case

Proceedings of: International Workshop of Intelligent Systems for Context-Based Information Fusion (ISCIF 2011) associated to 11th International Work-Conference on Artificial Neural Networks, IWANN, Torremolinos-Málaga, Spain, June 8-10, 2011.The design of modern Information Fusion (IF) systems involves a complex process to achieve the requirements in the selected applications, especially in domains with a high degree of customization. In general, an advanced fusion system is required to show robust, context-sensitive behavior and efficient performance in real time. It is necessary to exploit all potentially relevant sensor and contextual information in the most appropriate way. Among modern applications for IF technology is the case of surveillance of complex harbor environments that are comprised of large numbers of surface vessels, high-value and dangerous facilities, and many people. The particular conditions and open needs in the harbor scenario are reviewed in this paper, highlighting research opportunities to explore in the development of fusion systems in this area.This work was supported in part by Projects CICYT TIN2008-06742-C02-02/TSI, CICYT TEC2008-06732-C02-02/TEC and CAM CONTEXTS S2009/TIC-1485.Publicad