Using collective decision system support to manage error in wireless sensor fusion

When sensor fusion uses voting methods to produce collective decisions on the basis of incomplete and imperfect information that would be produced if voting information were perfect and complete, the collective outcomes will be error-resilient. These outcomes will not be changed by breakdowns in wireless network communications or decision making errors. Error-resilient collective outcome (ERCO) analysis makes it possible to predict how long to wait or how many votes to reach an optimal collective decision. ERCO analysis also provides a new framework for gaining strategic and tactical advantages from network-centric information sharing. This framework raises new theoretical and empirical research opportunities for integrating voting theory and fusion research.