A generic modelling technique for the stochastic analysis of C/sup 3/I systems

A method is described for representing stochastically the behaviour of a C/sup 3/I system for the purposes of analysing its operational effectiveness. The principles of the modelling technique are explained in which a state space is constructed from discrete and continuous variables, and transitions between states are specified. This captures the discrete nature of events such as detections, decisions and message transfer within the C/sup 3/I system, as well as the continuous nature of entity location and movement within the physical environment. By suitably designing the state space, Measures of effectiveness appropriate to the problem of interest may be derived from the solution to the problem expressed as probability distributions over the state space. The principles upon which the method is based are explained and the method formulated mathematically for a number of examples arising from surveillance and command and control by way of demonstration.