Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for measuring a relative utility for each of a plurality of goals which comprise a system objective. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for quantifying the relative contribution of specific goals to a set of broader goals, and for enabling decision making, and resource allocation, with regard to the performance of those goals based on the quantified relative contribution. In preferred embodiments, a lattice is created based on an ordering relation and relative values are apportioned to the goals using their position in the lattice as including, included, and/or unrelated goals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing sensors. In preferred embodiments of the invention, a sensor management system determines system information needs, selects one of several measurement functions capable of satisfying the system information needs, and identifies sensors to be used for performing the selected measurement function.