ABSTRACT

This chapter provides a discussion of the evolving roles of humans as part of information fusion systems, acting as sensors, analysts, and collaborative decision makers. A second role of humans in human-centric information fusion is acting as a collaborator with automated computer-based pattern recognition or inference processes. It should be noted that research is being conducted on hybrid cognition involving human collaboration mixed with teams of intelligent agents. Advances in human–computer interaction technology and collaboration technologies enable humans to augment automated fusion systems by pattern recognition, semantic level contextual reasoning, and distributed ad hoc team collaboration. These lead to an emerging concept of human-centered information fusion in which humans are fully engaged in observations, reasoning and analysis, and collaboration. With the assistance of ubiquitous smart phones and robust data networks, human observers have the capability to transmit annotated, geospatially and temporally stamped high-resolution imagery and video nearly instantly.