Parallax Advanced Research Cognitive Research Scientists Publish Research on Building the Future of ISR Collections: A Revolutionary Collaborative Tool for Intelligence Analysts

Parallax Advanced Research and Air Force Research Laboratory 711th Human Performance Wing cognitive researchers announced the groundbreaking development and evaluation of Sphinx, a state-of-the-art collaborative tool designed to revolutionize Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) collections. This innovative tool, which was presented at the October 2023 IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Security Informatics (ISI) in Charlotte, NC, represents a significant leap forward in supporting intelligence analysts with processing and disseminating crucial information that informs military decisions and strategies.

The primary objective of this research was to evaluate whether integrating a collaborative tool like Sphinx can strengthen the assessment and predictive capabilities of intelligence analysts. The goal is to enhance the decision-making process within the Joint All-Domain Command Control (JADC2) framework, ultimately leading to more informed and timely military actions.

The development of Sphinx represents a vital advancement in ISR technology, offering substantial benefits for the warfighter. By improving the analytical process and reducing the risk of oversight and bias, Sphinx ensures that critical intelligence is accurately processed and effectively utilized.

The challenge and solution

Intelligence analysts must sift through vast amounts of data to extract actionable insights about adversary capabilities. This complex task is compounded by the need to filter and analyze information from multiple sources, all while maintaining accuracy and speed.

To address these challenges, Parallax Advanced Research and the 711th Human Performance Wing developed Sphinx—a collaborative ISR tool aimed at enhancing the analytic process. Sphinx empowers analysts to explore and interrogate collected intelligence efficiently, facilitating the breakdown of Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIRs) into Essential Elements of Information (EEIs), Indicators, and Observables. This systematic approach not only supports more accurate predictions but also allows analysts to contribute to a growing body of knowledge.

Key findings and implications

The study, conducted with sixteen analysts, assessed Sphinx’s usability and effectiveness. Initial findings indicate that Sphinx significantly aids in the systematic breakdown of PIRs, leading to consistent and reliable predictions. Importantly, the research also evaluated how analysts’ ability to input information impacts the accuracy of predictions and whether misleading information introduces biases.

Dr. Mary Frame, Parallax director of Cognitive Research and a lead researcher on the project, said, “Sphinx has demonstrated its potential to enhance the analytic capabilities of ISR operators. By enabling a more interactive and collaborative environment, we are seeing improvements in both the efficiency and accuracy of intelligence assessments.”

Anna M. Maresca, Parallax researcher and lab manager with the Intelligent Systems Division and another key contributor to the research, said, “Our findings suggest that Sphinx not only supports analysts in managing complex scenarios but also helps in mitigating biases introduced by misleading information. This is important for ensuring that intelligence remains reliable and actionable.”

About the conference

The findings were presented at the 2023 IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Security Informatics (ISI), held in Charlotte, NC, USA, from October 2-3, 2023. The conference provided a platform for showcasing cutting-edge research in intelligence and security informatics, highlighting innovations that address current and future challenges in the field.

For more information about Sphinx and the ongoing research, please refer to the publication available through IEEE Xplore (DOI: 10.1109/ISI58743.2023.10297280) and linked here. This paper is approved for public release; distribution unlimited. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official guidance or position of the United States Government, the Department of Defense, or of the United States Air Force.

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About Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute

Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.