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Enhancing the Tactical Data Link Decision Support System

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Intelligent Decision Technology Support in Practice

Part of the book series: Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies ((SIST,volume 42))

Abstract

Coordinating a complex array of deployed assets is a difficult task. Defence employs Tactical Data Link (TDL)s to maintain situation awareness and convey the intent of command and control information. Connectivity is achieved using digital radio communication systems that conform to present military TDL standard waveforms. Managing a TDL is inherently complex and typically requires operators (called TDL Network Managers (TDLNMs)) to actively manage these networks. These TDLNMs are trained military personnel and, due to the transient nature of their careers, most are posted within a few years and are often replaced with less experienced operators. Given this fluctuating level of experience, a Decision Support System (DSS) is being considered to assist the operators in maintaining a network. This chapter describes the conceptual design of an agent-based DSS, that could be used to support an operator, who is responsible for monitoring and optimizing a TDL. This includes tasks such as monitoring, troubleshooting and modifying various aspects of the TDL in order to maintain the required levels of connectivity and performance. One of the key tools used to support this role is a computer-based Network Management System (NMS). The proposed DSS could be developed using an Agent Architecture Framework (AAF) and integrated with the DSS based on Distributed Object Computing (DOC) technology. This approach minimizes the risk of integration between the NMS and the DSS, whilst allowing flexibility for future integration requirements. Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) techniques could also be employed to capture and encode the expertise required for the DSS to operate effectively.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the contribution of William Scott (performed through collaboration with the University of South Australia) in support of the research described in this chapter. In particular, the customized decision ladder and generic task template.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Edinburgh, SA, 5111, Australia

    Christos Sioutis

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  1. Christos Sioutis
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Correspondence to Christos Sioutis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering, KES Centre, University of South Australia , Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

    Jeffrey W. Tweedale

  2. FCT Campus, UNINOVA, Caparica, Portugal

    Rui Neves-Silva

  3. School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

    Lakhmi C. Jain

  4. Sellinger School of Business and Management, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

    Gloria Phillips-Wren

  5. Graduate School of IPS, Waseda University, Fukuoka, Japan

    Junzo Watada

  6. KES International, Shoreham-by-sea, United Kingdom

    Robert J. Howlett

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Sioutis, C. (2016). Enhancing the Tactical Data Link Decision Support System. In: Tweedale, J., Neves-Silva, R., Jain, L., Phillips-Wren, G., Watada, J., Howlett, R. (eds) Intelligent Decision Technology Support in Practice. Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies, vol 42. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21209-8_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21209-8_8

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-21208-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-21209-8

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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