Adaptive control systems and methods for phased array systems

Abstract

Phased array system employing a dynamic autonomy to counter undesired electronic systems. The system to operate in a first mode in which user input is received for performing: determining a location of targets of interest and attributes, determining an interest score for each, determining energy to be emitted from the phased arrays at each target of interest, determining a priority score based on a simulation of emitting energy at a target of interest, the priority score being determined based on at least one of an expected time or an expected outcome of emitting energy at the particular target of interest; and selecting at least one target of interest for emitting the corresponding energy, operate in a second mode in which user input is not received for any of the preceding actions; and transition from operating in the first mode to operating in the second mode.

Description

ADAPTIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PHASED ARRAY SYSTEMSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 572489, filed on April 1, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to the field of phased array systems, focusing on commanding and controlling phased array systems with diverse autonomy levels.BACKGROUND

[0003] Phased array systems use multiple radiating elements to electronically form, shape and steer beams electronically. By adjusting the amplitude and / or phase of signals across an array of antennas, these systems enable directional control, rapid beam steering, and interference mitigation. Phased arrays are widely used in radar systems for military and civilian applications, including air traffic control, weather monitoring, and missile defense. They are also crucial in modern communication systems, such as 5G networks and satellite communications, where they enhance signal quality, reduce latency, and improve connectivity. Additionally, phased array technology is increasingly being utilized in medical imaging, such as MRI, and automotive applications, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for collision avoidance and autonomous driving. Combining beams from multiple phased array systems remains an active area of research.SUMMARY

[0004] The disclosure introduces adaptive control systems and methods for a phased array system to effectively counteract the impact of undesired electronic systems. The adaptive control systems and methods include a versatile approach for managing diverse autonomy levels within at least one phased array system, enabling real-time adjustments to optimize the performance.

[0005] In various implementations, disclosed systems dynamically adapt the control operations to changing scenarios by incorporating the observe, orient, decide, and act (OODA) loop concept. These control features facilitate real-time adjustments, allowing seamless transitionsbetween fully automated to entirely manual operations. The system’s dynamic responsiveness ensures timely adjustments to counteract the presence of undesired electronic systems, thereby maintaining an effective defense mechanism.

[0006] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system including: one or more phased arrays configured to emit energy to affect one or more targets of interest; a tracking system; one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to: operate in a first mode in which user input is received for performing at least one of the following actions: determining, by the tracking system, a location of a plurality of targets of interest and one or more attributes of each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest; determining an interest score for each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest based on at least one of the location or the one or more attributes; determining energy to be emitted from at least one of the one or more phased arrays at each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest based on the corresponding interest score of each of the targets of interest; determining a priority score based on a simulation of emitting energy at one or more target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest, the priority score being determined based on at least one of an expected time associated with directing the one or more phased arrays at a particular target of interest or an expected outcome indicative of an intended effect of emitting energy at the particular target of interest; and based on the priority scores, selecting at least one target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest for emitting the corresponding energy from at least one of the one or more phased arrays; operate in a second mode in which user input is not received for any of the preceding actions; and transition from operating in the first mode to operating in the second mode responsive to at least one of a user selection or an automatic determination based on at least one of the preceding actions.

[0007] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein an intended effect from the energy emitted to affect the one or more targets of interest includes at least one of interference, disruption, upsetting, damage, or deactivation of at least one of the one or more targets of interest.

[0008] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the intended effect is determined by a user input.

[0009] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the intended effect is determined based on the one or more attributes of each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest.

[0010] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the plurality of targets of interest includes a swarm.

[0011] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the swarm surrounds the one or more phased arrays by 360 degrees.

[0012] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the interest score is based on a relative closeness between each of the targets of interest and the one or more phased arrays, the relative closeness based on the location.

[0013] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the interest score is based on an expected arrival time between each of the targets of interest and a point of interest associated with the one or more phased arrays, at least one of the one or more attributes including the expected arrival time.

[0014] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the priority score is weighed based on at least one of the one or more attributes.

[0015] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the simulation includes: determining the expected time by simulating movement of directing the one or more phased arrays at each of the one or more targets of interest; simulating an effect of emitting the corresponding energy for each of the one or more targets of interest, the corresponding energy being associated with the expected outcome indicative of the intended effect of emitting energy at the particular target of interest; determining a success rate based on the simulated effect compared to the expected outcome; and determining the priority score for each of the one or more targets of interest based on an efficiency, the efficiency based on a combination of the expected time and the success rate.

[0016] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the one or more targets of interest include a number of the plurality of targets of interest with highest interest scores.

[0017] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the number includes at least one of five, ten, or fifteen.

[0018] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the number includes all of the plurality of targets of interest.

[0019] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the expected time is further based on time to emit energy from the one or more phased arrays.

[0020] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the expected outcome includes collateral effect on nearby targets of interest relative to the particular target of interest.

[0021] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the efficiency includes a summation of the expected time and the success rate.

[0022] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the one or more targets of interest include a first number less than a total number of the plurality of targets of interest having highest interest scores, and wherein the simulation includes: determining the expected time by simulating movement of directing the one or more phased arrays at different combinations of a second number of the one or more targets of interest, the second number equal to or less than the first number; simulating an effect of emitting the corresponding energy for each of the one or more targets of interest in sequence for each of the different combinations, the corresponding energy being associated with the expected outcome indicative of the intended effect of emitting energy at the particular target of interest; determining a success rate based on the simulated effect compared to the expected outcome for each of the combinations; and determining the priority score for each of the combinations based on an efficiency, the efficiency based on the expected time and the success rate, wherein the selecting the at least one target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest includes selecting the combination of the one or more targets of interest with a highest priority.

[0023] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, further including a sensor configured to at least one of detect an attribute of the plurality of targets of interest from the one or more attributes or determine the energy to be emitted from at least one of the one or more phased arrays.

[0024] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the tracking system includes at least one of a camera array or a radar.

[0025] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, further including a user interface configured to operate the phased array system in the first mode.

[0026] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the user interface is further configured to transition the operation of the phased array system between the first mode and the second mode.

[0027] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to operate in the first mode or the second mode to perform: at least one of: update to include a location and one or more attributes of one or more additional targets of interest not previously determined by the tracking system; or update at least one of the location or the one or more attributes of the plurality of targets of interest in real-time; determine the interest score, the corresponding energy, and the priority score for the one or more additional targets of interest; update at least one of the interest score, the corresponding energy, and the priority score for at least one of the plurality of targets of interest; and based on the priority scores, select at least one target of interest from the plurality of targets of interest or the one or more additional targets of interest for emitting the corresponding energy from at least one of the one or more phased arrays.

[0028] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the one or more phased arrays include at least two phased arrays.

[0029] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured to emit energy to affect the same target of interest.

[0030] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured to form an extended array.

[0031] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured as coherent transmitters.

[0032] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured as correlated transmitters.

[0033] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured to transition from correlatedtransmitters to an extended array dependent on a bistatic angle between the at least two of the phased arrays and the same target of interest.

[0034] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured to emit energy to affect different targets of interest.

[0035] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured for perimeter defense.

[0036] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the one of the one or more phased arrays are configured to emit the corresponding energy at the selected at least one target of interest in response to the selection of the at least one target of interest.

[0037] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the instructions further the one or more processors to operate in the first mode or the second mode to perform: in response to emitting the corresponding energy at the selected at least one target of interest from the at least one of the one or more phased arrays, evaluating an actual effect on the selected at least one target of interest and comparing the actual effect with the intended effect.

[0038] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein at least one of the one or more attributes includes the comparison of the actual effect and the intended effect, and wherein the interest score for the selected at least one target of interest is based on the comparison.

[0039] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a phased array system, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to operate in the first mode or the second mode to determine at least one next target of interest from the plurality of targets of interest.

[0040] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a method.

[0041] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a method for emitting energy from one or more phased arrays to affect one or more targets of interest including: determining a location of a plurality of targets of interest and one or more attributes of each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest; determining an interest score for each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest based on at least one of the location or the one or moreattributes; determining energy to be emitted from at least one phased array at each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest based on the corresponding interest score of each of the target of interest; and based on the interest scores, selecting at least one target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest for emitting the corresponding energy from the at least phased array, wherein, at a first time, any of the preceding actions are performed in response to a user input, and wherein, at a second time, the preceding actions are performed automatically responsive to at least one of a user selection or an automatic determination based on at least one of the preceding actions.

[0042] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to a system including one or more processors and non-transitory computer storage media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method.

[0043] In some implementations, the techniques described herein relate to non-transitory computer storage media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0044] The disclosure is more fully appreciated in connection with the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 presents an overview of an example system utilizing a user interface, a command-and-control system, and a server system seamlessly integrated with multiple phased array systems.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates an example system overview and control operations of phased array system(s).

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates an example system architecture employing an OODA framework.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates an example graphical user interface (GUI) displaying various control operations of one of the phased array systems on a user interface (UI) at a first time.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates an example graphical user interface (GUI) showcasing various control operations of multiple phased array systems.

[0050] Figure 6 presents an example graphical user interface (GUI) that illustrates various control operations of multiple phased array systems along with an adjustable autonomy selector option.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates example coordination of multiple phased array systems to extend the range of radiations for emission.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates an example process usable by the phased array systems to select targets of interest.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The use of phased array systems, including radio frequency (RF) amplifiers using circuits and methods to improve the power efficiency and linearity and power out performance of the amplifier devices, can be used to affect the operation of electronic systems. Control systems can be used to detect targets and determine attributes associated with the target, which can be used to determine energy characteristics to be emitted and effect the operation of the target, such as to interfere, disrupt, upset, damage, and / or deactivate the target.

[0054] The term, “target of interest” refers to any object towards which radiations (or energy) from the phased array system are directed (e.g., undesired electronic systems). The phased array system can include, but is not limited to, active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs).

[0055] In one example, the disclosure pertains to autonomously controlling one or more energy systems (e.g., phased array systems) based on real time information displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI) of a display device. The display device may be a handheld device (e.g., mobile phone) or a computer or laptop.

[0056] Described herein are phased array systems, designed to generate an effect on targets of interest. These phased array systems can be integrated with external components and systems, comprising user interfaces, sensor systems, command-and-control systems, and server systems to receive real-time data and execute control operations to counteract targets of interest.

[0057] In various implementations, the disclosed systems and methods involve dynamically adjusting the autonomy levels of each phased array system, providing operators (or users) with policy-based control. This allows operators to adapt steering and radiation emission conditions based on external environmental factors. For instance, the phased array system can beoperated and controlled to emit electrical radiation in response to the presence of undesired electronic systems.

[0058] Additionally, the disclosed systems and methods encompass dynamic alterations to decision-making conditions and controls related to the phased array systems. Decision-making conditions may follow an observe, orient, decide, and act (OODA) loop framework for the phased array systems.

[0059] Furthermore, some implementations may involve aligning phase and / or pulse time between multiple phased array systems, enabling them to work in tandem, increasing the radiation emission range, and enhancing efficacy. These systems can be designed to counter individual target of interest devices or swarms of target of interest devices, which may include undesired electronic systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unamanned aerial systems (UASs), electronic devices, ground vehicles, or naval ships, by way of non-limiting example.

[0060] In other implementations, the systems and methods include commanding and controlling multiple phased array systems to achieve a wide beam range for countering individual target of interest devices or swarms of target of interest devices. For example, emitting radiations for an extended period without resetting the phased array system or expanding the effective range while also reducing collateral damage. The systems can monitor multiple areas for the presence of target of interest devices, dynamically steering the phased array system across a wide range to address the target of interest devices effectively. In various implementations, multiple phased array systems or multiple phased arrays can be combined as, but not limited to, an extended array, a coherent arrays, a correlated arrays, or independent.

[0061] In various implementations, the systems and methods described herein encompass phased array systems utilizing phased arrays comprising advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices, in conjunction with the Applicant’s patented smart power management concept to provide electromagnetic radiation (or direct energy beams) in a plurality of frequency ranges - for example in a range between 100 MHz to 20 GHz. Various aspects of phased array systems are disclosed in or more of the following references: U.S. Patent numbers 11658410 and 11,616,295, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference it its entirety.

[0062] Disclosed implementations can include, but are not limited to, methods consistent with the descriptions provided herein as well as articles that comprise one or more computer readable recording media coupled to one or more processors. In such implementations, thecomputer readable recording media store instructions that, as a result of execution by the one or more processors, cause a system to perform operations described herein.

[0063] Computer implemented methods consistent with one or more implementations of the current subject matter can be implemented by one or more processors residing in a single computing system or across multiple computing systems. Such multiple computing systems can be interconnected and can exchange data and / or commands or other instructions or the like via one or more connections, including but not limited to a connection over a network (e.g., the internet, a wireless wide area network, a local area network, a wide area network, a wired network, or the like), via a direct connection between one or more of the multiple computing systems, etc.

[0064] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. While certain features of the currently disclosed subject matter are described for illustrative purposes in relation to particular implementations, it should be readily understood that such features are not intended to be limiting. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.

[0065] In various implementations, the systems and methods disclosed herein encompass interfacing multiple phased array systems with a tracking system, a sensor system (e.g., thermal sensors, LIDAR sensors), an optical system (including, e.g., electro-optical sensors, infrared sensors), a radar system, power management system, command and control system, data centers, and at least a server system.

[0066] Figure 1 presents an overview of an example system utilizing a user interface, a command-and-control (C2) system, and a server system seamlessly integrated with multiple phased array systems.

[0067] In Figure 1, system 100 comprises a user interface 101, a server system 102, a command and control system 104, and multiple phased array systems 106-1, 106-2,... 106-n (collectively referred to as phased array systems 106). The user interface 101, a display screen of the electronic device (e.g., computer, laptop, desktop, mobile device), facilitates the transmission and reception of information to and from the server system 102.

[0068] The server system 102, which may be deployed in the cloud or on an enterprise premises includes a database system or various other network sub-systems to collect and store dataacross the network and systems. For example, the server system 102 collects and transmits data to and from the user interface 101, command and control system 104, and provides instructions to the phased array system 106 to emit radiation. Additional detail of server system 102 is explained with the support of Figures 2-3.

[0069] The server system 102 receives information from the command-and-control system 104, which may include, sensor system and tracking system (shown in Figure 2). The command- and-control system 104 provides target of interest related information (e.g., type of targets of interest and various attributes associated to targets of interest) to the server system 102. Based on the received information, the server system 102 utilizes various data intelligence services from one or more sub-systems (shown in Figure 2) and sends the information to user interface 101. Based on the received information from the user interface 101 or received sensor data, the server system issues the control instructions to phased array system 106 to emit the radiations to address the target of interest. In some implementations, based on the received instructions from the user interface 101, the server system 102 automatically (without a user) issues the control instructions to the phased array system 106. Details of how the user interface issues the control instructions are further elaborated in Figures 2-3.

[0070] The interconnected systems and devices, namely the user interface 101, server system 102, command and control system 104, and phased array system 106, communicate via wired and / or wireless connections. Wired connections or networks may comprise traditional Ethernet, local area networks (LANs), fiber-optic cables, etc. Wireless networks can include cellular, wireless application protocol (WAP), wireless fidelity access point (Wi-Fi), near filed connection (NFC), etc.

[0071] In various implementations, communication between the phased array system 106, server system 102, and command and control system 104 can be achieved by integrated communication devices or one or more external processors or a server executing a software program. Various details of user interface 101, server system 102, command and control system 104, and phased array system 106 are further elaborated in Figures 2 through 6.

[0072] Figure 2 illustrates an example system overview 200 and control operations of phased array system(s). The example system overview 200 includes a user interface (UI) 101 configured to communicate with server system 102, facilitating the transmission and reception of various control operations to the phased array system 106.

[0073] The server system 102 includes several subsystems: a database system 204, a sensor data ingest system 206, an assessment system 208, an analysis system 210, a designation system 212, a track generation system 214, and an authority system 216. Detail descriptions of each subsystem are provided in the subsequent sections.

[0074] The user interface 101 facilitates comprehensive control operations of one or more of the phased array systems 106, utilizing information exchanged between various sub-systems of the server system 102. In various implementations, these control operations may occur automatically, without human intervention, or a user may initiate control operations using UI 101 for one or more of the phased array systems 106. Additionally, the user interface 101 interfaces with authority system 216, continuously updating real time data. The authority system 216 provides policy choices of a human based control process (or No Autonomy), a partial autonomous control process (or Balanced Autonomy), or a full autonomous control process (Full Autonomy), based on data and feedback received from various subsystems (e.g., phased array system 106, a database system 204, a sensor data ingest system 206, an assessment system 208, an analysis system 210, a designation system 212, a track generation system 214). Further details regarding the adjustment of various control processes (No Autonomy, Balanced Autonomy, Full Autonomy) of the authority system 216 are elaborated in Table 1.

[0075] The server system 102 facilitates control operations between the user interface 101 and the phased array systems 106, based on information received from the command-and-control system 104. The command-and-control system 104 comprises a sensor system 200 and a tracking system 202 designed to detect a target of interest and determine its location and attributes. Specifically, the sensor system 200 includes one or more sensors configured to detect the presence and attributes of targets of interest in real time. Non-limiting examples of sensors included in the sensor system 200 include electro / optical sensors, infrared sensors, radio frequency sensors, vibrational sensors, positional sensors, temperature sensors, and radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensors, and LIDAR. The tracking system 202 may include one or more situational awareness sensors, a global positioning system (GPS), co-ordinate system, an air defense command and control system (e.g., lattice system and Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) control system), etc. In various implementations, the tracking system 202 may employ a computer device or a processor executing instructions designed to track and identify various attributes of the target of interest.

[0076] The server system 102 receives target of interest tracking data regarding various attributes of the target of interest devices from the command-and-control system 102. The server system 102 collects the target of interest information and various attributes of the target of interest, processes this information using one or more software programs to determine how much an interest there can be towards the target of interest. The determination process may utilize various software components, command scripts, database / libraries, image recognition applications, etc., to identify various characteristics of target of interest. The server system 102 processes this information and generates target of interest characteristics and interest level information associated with the target of interest, using one or more software applications and programs. The resulting information can then transmitted to the user interface 101. Based on the received information, the user interface issues instructions to activate one or more phased array system 106 to emit radiations, effectively deactivating (or dismantling, effecting) the target of interest(s). Further details regarding the command-and-control system 104, server system 102, and phased array system(s) 106, including scenarios and examples, are detailed in Table 1 and Figures 3-6, 7.

[0077] The database system 204 functions as a storage module encompassing various libraries, programs, software applications, and all automatically collected external data from the command-and-control system 104. The sensor data ingest system 206 continuously provides data to the database system 204, ensuring ongoing updates with the real-time information. For instance, the database system 204 undergoes continuous refreshment with pertinent real-time data received from the sensor data ingest system 206. This can include not only updating data for targets of interest already detected, but adding newly discovered targets of interest during the analysis. The sensor data ingest system 206 leverages both pre-stored information from the database system 204 and real-time data from the command-and-control system 104 to provide information to the assessment system 208. In various implementations, the sensor data ingest system 206 continuously monitors and updates the real-time target of interest information based on the collective information received from the command-and-control system 104 and assessment system 208. The assessment system 208 receives feedback from phased array systems 106, and subsequently, this feedback information can be continuously updated to the sensor ingest system 206 and database system 204. This ensures a constant flow of updated information to both sensor data ingest system 206 and database system 204, enhancing the accuracy and timeliness ofinformation across the entire system, contributing to the ongoing optimization and effectiveness of the overall system.

[0078] The sensor data ingest system 206 receives the target of interest information regarding various attributes of the targets of interest from the command-and-control system 104 and provide the target of interest tracking information based on the pre-stored information from the database system 204 or real time information generated by the sensor data ingest system 206 and provide the target of interest tracking information to the analysis system 210. The pre-stored information may be information related to target of interest (e.g., type of target of interest, size of target of interest, any payload, tracking information, interest level information, etc.) previously stored in the database system 204. Concurrently, the sensor data ingest system 206 and database system 204 also plays a pivotal role in continuously monitoring and updating real-time information regarding target of interest devices and the phased array system 106. This dynamic process involves collecting feedback data from the assessment system 208, ensuring that the target of interest tracking information forwarded to the analysis system 210 can be consistently updated or supplemented with the latest feedback data.

[0079] The assessment system 208 shares the target of interest information regarding various attributes of target of interest, interest level information associated with the target of interest, and any previous attempts in addressing the target of interest, with the user interface 101. The user (or operator), based on the information received via the user interface 101 provides operational instructions to the assessment system 208. In various implementations, information can be exchanged among the assessment system 208, user interface 101, and the authority system 216. This exchange of information facilitates the provisioning of operational instructions to the phased array system 106, specifying the level of autonomy-whether to perform in no autonomy, partial autonomy, or full autonomous mode. The details of the different autonomous modes (e.g., no autonomy, partial autonomy, and full autonomy) of the authority system 216 are elaborated in Table 1.

[0080] In various implementations, the analysis system 210 receives target of interest data from sensor ingest system 206. The analysis system 210, in response to receiving the target of interest data from sensor data ingest system 206, assigns relative interest levels to each detected target of interest track based on the continuously updated information. The interest level conditions, in various implementations, can be calculated from a combination of data collected bythe sensor data ingest system 206 and pre-stored information from the database system 204. The analysis system 210 evaluates various factors, including the velocity / di stance of the target of interest to the protected zone, target of interest size, payload, type of target of interest (UAS, bird, aircraft, etc.), make and model of the target of interest, total time tracked by the sensor system 200 and / or the tracking system 202, time on target of interest of a phased array system, and the number of attempts made to address the target of interest device. Subsequently, based on the comprehensive analysis of this information, an interest level condition can be defined. This condition may involve designating priority to address the target of interest; ignoring the target of interest; or defining the positions, orientations, and / or timings of operations performed by one or more of the phased array systems 106. The interest level conditions can be then transmitted to the designation system 212 to optimize the target of interest addressing approach. For example, upon receiving the interest level conditions from the analysis system 210, the designation system 212 designates a priority addressing approach to handle the target of interest. Further details of the analysis system 210 is elaborated in the subsequent Table 1, Figures 3 through 6, Figure 7, and elsewhere herein.

[0081] Designation system 212 provides target of interest designation information based on the interest analysis information received from the analysis system 210. For instance, the designation system 212 utilizes data such as calculated interest levels, positions of one or more energy systems 106, target of interest velocity, and position to assign tracks to the connected or distributed energy systems 106. In various implementations, designation system 212 includes one or more software programs that can be interchangeably used for target of interest designation to minimize the overall time that may be required to address a swarm of target of interest devices. Additionally, in various implementations, the designation system 212 autonomously provides target of interest designation information to assign positions to one or more phased array systems 106 for addressing the targets of interest. Alternatively, in various other implementations, a user can also access the target of interest designation information from the designation system 212 using user interface 101 and can assign the target of interest addressing positions to one or more of the phased array system 106. Further details of geometry -based algorithms (or software programs) used to position each phased array system 106 for addressing targets of interest or designating priority levels are elaborated in Table 1.

[0082] In various implementations, designation system 212 can dynamically assign waveform attributes to one or more phased array systems to a deactivate a specific variety of targets of interest. For example, designation system 212 can utilize software programs, and / or trained artificial intelligence (Al) models to specify a type, a frequency range, a duty cycle, pulse duration, etc. of a waveform to address a specific kind or classification of undesired electronic system during one or more time periods of radiation emission. As another example, the designation system 212 can optimize the time for deactivating targets of interest by sending information regarding waveform attributes to the phased array system 106.

[0083] The track generation system 214 receives the target of interest tracking data for each phased array system from designation system 212 and generates various track conditions for addressing the targets of interest by each phased array system. Various track conditions include target of interest position, target of interest velocity, and assigned priority level to each target of interest and phased array system. Alternatively, in various implementations, a user can also manually generate track conditions using user interface 101.

[0084] The one or more energy systems 106 receive track generation data from the track generation system 214 and initiate the emission of radiations towards a target of interest. Realtime data regarding the status of the target of interest and phased array system can be fed back to the assessment system 208. In various scenarios, the real-time data regarding the status of the target of interest and the status of phased array system 106 can be synchronously fed back to the assessment system 208. This feedback data aids in optimizing the target of interest addressing approach or refining the interest analysis conditions, target of interest designation approach, or track generation data for the phased array system.

[0085] The assessment system 208 performs the real time damage assessments of each target of interest based on the feedback received from one or more energy systems 106. In various implementations, the assessment system 208 conducts target of interest damage assessments using a human controlled feedback mechanism and / or fully automatic mechanism and / or partially automatic mechanism, utilizing feedback data from energy system 106. The feedback data from the phased array system 106 may include time stamped emission information that can be correlated with one or more phased array system 106 emitting radiations towards a target of interest device and the corresponding target of interest device falling from the sky or target of interest devicedisappearing from the command-and-control system 104, or other tracking data or telemetry data of target of interest directly from the phased array system 106.

[0086] In various implementations, the phased array system 106 also includes software modules or processor system configured directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly (Wi-Fi or NFC) to the server system 102. The phased array system 106 seamlessly transmits and receives instructions from server system 102. In various implementations, phased array system 106 employs various sensor systems and telemetry systems to continuously monitor and send real-time data back to assessment system 208 to optimize the performance on targets of interest. This continuous update keeps the assessment system 208 informed about the status of target of interest and one or more phased array systems 106. In various implementations, the assessment system 208 dynamically adjusts the various conditions based on the real-time feedback received from the phased array system 106.

[0087] Figure 3 illustrates an example system architecture 300 employing an OODA framework. The system architecture 300 includes various sub-systems similar to the systems detailed under Figure 2, following the OODA concept. The system architecture 300 shows the database system 204, the sensor data ingest system 206, and the assessment system 208 under the Observe framework; shows the analysis system 210 under the Orient framework; shows the designation system 212 under the Decide framework; and shows the track generation system 214 under the Act framework of the OODA loop concept. The detailed policy generation of the Observe, Orient, Decide and Act (OODA) framework can be performed within the authority system 216.

[0088] The authority system 216 maintains the policy levels of various sub-systems in the server system, including Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. This ongoing communication facilitates the policy setting process to one or more components of the OODA loop (autonomous, partially autonomous, or user defined formulation of policies) and is referenced by 301, 304, 306, and 308. These policies strategically position the phased array system 106 to address targets of interest. In various implementations, the OODA framework emphasizes beneficial aspects of swift, iterative decision-making and adaption, recognizing the advantage of comprehending and responding to unfolding events faster than an opponent implementing one or more target of interest devices. In various implementations, each subsystem within the server system 102 dynamically adjusts to the autonomy policies defined by the authority system 216. This adaptability enables theserver system 102 to respond effectively and efficiently to various conditions, providing instructions to phased array system 106 for addressing the targets of interest.

[0089] The Observe framework within the OODA loop performs the task of gathering information to collect data and insights about the current environment. As illustrated in Figure 3, the database base system 204, the sensor ingest system 206, and the assessment system 208 continuously collect real-time information about the environment from the command-and-control system 104. In various implementations, policy adjustments and / or updates will be initiated by a user via a user interface 101 (denoted as, 302).

[0090] The Orient framework facilitates the evaluation of various options to weigh the appropriate course of action. As illustrated in Figure 3, the analysis system 210, operating under the Orient framework, gathers information from the sensor data ingest system 206 within Observe framework and conducts an analysis of the information received from the Observe module (indicated as, 303). For instance, the analysis system 210 receives target of interest data such as the type of target of interest device detected, velocity with which the target of interest device can be approaching towards one or more of the phased array systems 106 or collection of assets to be protected, size of target of interest device, payload of a target of interest device, number of target of interest devices, make and model of target of interest device, time tracked by the sensor system 200 or tracking system 202, and any attempt to address one or more of the target of interest devices by the phased array system 106, by way of non-limiting example. Based on this information, the analysis system 210 determines the interest level of each target of interest.

[0091] The Decide framework facilitates the selection of an action based on the information received from the Orient module. As shown in Figure 3, the designation system 212 operating under the Decide framework retrieves information from the analysis module 210 and determines the designation of a set of the phased array systems 106 to address the target of interest devices. For instance, the designation system 212 utilizes calculated interest level information and target of interest velocity to establish the position of the phased array system 106 and assign the emission tracks. The authority system 216 sets the policy of the Orient module to assign targets of interest and prioritization utilizing various levels of autonomy, This will either be a human assigning all priorities with the user Interface 101 (i.e., no autonomy), or the module making its own prioritization determinations utilizing algorithms that optimize the destruction of target of interest devices. In various implementations, the Decide framework may receive designation ofone or more of the phased array systems 106 to address the target of interest devices based on user instructions, providing the user with full control to manually designate target of interest devices to one or more of the phased array system 106 and assign each phased array systems 106 a priority order relative to each other. Additionally, in various implementations, the Decide framework may receive user defined policy instructions from the authority system 216 (shown as, 306) to adjust policies for designating each phased array system (e.g., 106-1, 106-2, . .. ,106-n) to the priority level of target of interest devices.

[0092] The Act framework of the OODA concept facilitates the implementation the chosen course of action from the Decide framework to the phased array systems 106. As shown in Figure 3, the track generation system 214, operating under the Act framework, provides the generated track for each phased array system (e.g., 106-1, 106-2, ... , 106-n) as determined by the Decide framework to the phased array system 106. In various implementations, the decisions from the Act framework can be generated automatically by the track generation system 214 and can be sent to one or more of the phased array systems 106. Alternatively, the policy / autonomy levels associated with the authority system 216 can be adjusted through the user Interface 101 and transmitted (shown as, 308) to track generation system 214 to require a user input before sending the track data to the phased array system(s) 106 and consequently having them engage the targets of interest. The track generation system 214 then disseminates these instructions to one or more of the phased array systems 106 to address the relevant target of interest devices.

[0093] In the realm of policy formulation, particularly for systems requiring varying degrees of autonomy, the OODA loop stands out as an invaluable framework. It advocates for policies characterized by adaptability and responsiveness, encouraging continuous observation of outcomes and swift adjustments to evolving circumstances. This approach proves especially crucial in dynamic environments where conditions change rapidly, rendering rigid policies obsolete or ineffective.

[0094] The OODA framework, as discussed in Figure 3, seamlessly aligns the functionalities of both internal (e g., subsystems of server system 102) and external systems (phased array system 106, command and control system 104, user interface 101). This framework empowers users with policy-based control over the autonomy levels of each system. For example, users can exercise policy control, whether user-based or fully autonomous, over subsystems such as the sensor data ingest system 206, the assessment system 208, the analysis system 210, thedesignation system 212, and / or the track generation system 214 within the OODA framework. The spectrum of autonomy spans from full user-in-the-loop to a fully autonomous system capable of defending an area without human intervention.

[0095] The integration of adjustable autonomy introduces a dynamic dimension to the application of the OODA loop in policy development. Adjustable autonomy refers to the capability of a system or policy to adjust its level of independence based on current conditions and observed outcomes. In the creation of policies, especially those governing autonomous or complex adaptive systems, there can be a growing interest in embracing this concept.

[0096] In various implementations, the OODA framework facilitates the implementation of varying autonomy levels, spanning from fully automated to entirely manual, contingent upon the situation and observed outcomes. By incorporating adjustable autonomy within the OODA loop framework, policies can be designed not only to respond swiftly to changes but also to dynamically adapt the autonomy level. This ensures that decisions can be made at the most appropriate level, striking a balance between efficiency and control, and adapting in real-time to the intricacies of the environment.

[0097] Table 1 provides a conceptual categorization of various autonomy levels for each stage of the OODA loop in accordance with certain implementations of the present disclosure.Table 1

[0098] As illustrated in Table 1, the adjustable autonomy policy provides users with the flexibility to select the level of support offered by the proposed system, adjusting to the environment. Users can choose the support level from a spectrum ranging from no autonomy level to full autonomy levels. This approach ensures that, when applicable, configurations involving user-in-the loop interactions remain feasible. Additionally, it capitalizes on the benefits of rapid autonomous decision-making.

[0099] In the subsequent sections, various scenarios illustrate the interaction and adjustment of policies by the authority system (216) within the range of No Autonomy level to Full Autonomy level in the OODA framework, as depicted in Table 1 and with regards to systems discussed in Figures 1 through 3.

[0100] Various scenarios are explained following the Observer, Orient, Decide and Act policy under the OODA framework with the support of systems and sub-systems as discussed in Figures 1 through 3.

[0101] Scenario One: This scenario includes continuous user involvement at every stage of the OODA policy process. It can be suitable for implementation in a low-level interest environment, such as CONUS infrastructure.

[0102] Observe: Figures 1 through 3 illustrates the operation of the command-and-control system 104, which initiates target of interest detection within the environment and tracks the identified targets of interest. Upon detection, the command-and-control system 104 relays the target of interest information to the sensor ingest system 206. The sensor ingest system 206 equipped with target of interest analysis capabilities, processes this information, and forwards the target of interest details and tracking data to the user interface 101. The user, typically a human operator, may be presented with an option to approve or reject the addition of this target of interest information to the database system 204.

[0103] In various implementations, the user interface 101 receives a real time data feed from both the sensor ingest system 206 and the assessment system 208. The assessment system 208 collects data from the sensor ingest system 206 and may collect information from one or more of the phased array systems 106, such as current elevation and / or azimuth, current status (e.g., emission status, power level, maintenance status). The former provides real time target of interest information, such as the type of target of interest device, position of the target of interest device, payload of the target of interest device, make / model of the target of interest device, and / or velocity of the target of interest device. The assessment system 208 provides telemetry data related to radiation emission events of the phased array system 106. The telemetry data encompasses information about whether the phased array system 106 has performed any radiation emission towards a target of interest device. The user, relying on the combined information from sensor ingest system 206 and assessment system 208, assesses whether the target of interest device has been successfully neutralized or deactivated. Confirmation of successful neutralization can be based on visual confirmation, sensor data received, or feedback from the command-and-control system 104.

[0104] If the user determined that the target of interest device can be deactivated, the server system 102 ceases tracking that specific target of interest. Conversely, if the user perceives that the target of interest device remains active based on the combined information from the sensor ingest system 206 and assessment system 208, a decision can be prompted to the user via the user interface 101 regarding whether to attempt another engagement in the decision step. This processensures a dynamic and responsive approach to target of interest engagement within the OODA framework.

[0105] Orient: In the Orient phase (as depicted in Figures 1 through 3), the analysis system 210 operates within the OODA loop, performing manual interest analysis for each target of interest. The interest analysis utilizes the target of interest tracking information obtained from sub-systems 204, 206 and 208, all of which can be part of the Observe framework. The target of interest tracking information can be presented to the user by the user interface 101, facilitating manual assignment of an interest level to each target of interest. User(s) have the flexibility to assign an interest level within a specified range, typically ranging from 1 to 100. In various implementations, the user (via the user interface 101) can drive interest level ranges based on continuously gathered data intelligence from the Observe framework. This heuristic approach enables the user to prioritize the affect orders based on the perceived interest level of each specific target of interest, fostering adaptability and responsiveness within the OODA loop.

[0106] Decide: In the decide phase as illustrated in Figures 1 through 3, the designation system 212 actively engages in the decision-making process as part of the OODA loop. The user can be presented with each of the comprehensive target of interest tracking information and insights from past attempts to address the target of interest from Observe phase, along with the interest level heuristic derived from the Orient phase. The user leverages this singular and / or combined information from Observe and Orient phase and proceeds to assign the target of interest to a specific phased array system 106 for emission. In scenarios where multiple targets of interest can be designated to a single phased array system, the user has the flexibility to select a priority affect order. For example, the user has the flexibility to optimize the target of interest affect operation by designating a first set of the phased array systems 106 to address the targets of interest in order based on priority levels. In various implementations, as part of decision-making process, the operator can also choose to assign a specific set of waveforms that can be utilized by the phased array system to deactivate (or affect or emit energy) at the target of interest. The strategic customization enhances the adaptability and responsiveness of the system within the Decide phase of the OODA loop.

[0107] Act: Illustrated in Figures 1 through 3, the Act phase involves the track generation system 214 receiving the generated track for each phased array system and assigning the received tracks to each phased array system assigned to address targets of interest. By following the insightsgained from the Observe, Orient and Decide phase, the operator can be presented with all the affect tracks associated with each of the phased array systems 106 individually. The Act phase signifies the final approval step before the phased array systems automatically emit radiations toward each assigned target of interest in the priority order designated by the user.

[0108] Scenario Two; This scenario comprises a balanced autonomy approach. The Authority system 216 enables the system 102 to offers suggestions and default recommendations to the user interface 101 to expedite decision making, while still allowing user intervention at each step. In various implementations, critical decision making can be left, at least in part, to the user’s discretion. This approach can be beneficial for CONUS base operations, aiming to alleviate fatigue and minimize repetitive tasks.

[0109] Observe: Figures 1 through 3 illustrates the operation of the command-and-control system 104, initiating target of interest detection within the environment and tracking the identified targets of interest. Upon detection, the command-and-control system 104 relays the target of interest information to the sensor ingest system 206. The sensor ingest system 206 equipped with target of interest analysis capabilities, processes this information, and forwards the target of interest details and tracking data to the user interface 101. The user, typically an operator or human, can be presented with an option to approve or reject the addition of this target of interest information to the database system 204.

[0110] In various implementations, the user interface receives a real time data feed from both the sensor ingest system 206 and the assessment system 208. The assessment system 208 collects data from the sensor ingest system 206 and the phased array system 106. The sensor ingest system 206 provides real time target of interest information, such as the type of target of interest device, position of the target of interest device, payload of the target of interest device (if any), make / model of the target of interest device, velocity of the target of interest device, etc. The assessment system 208 provides telemetry data related to radiation emission events of one or more of the phased array systems 106. The telemetry data encompasses information about whether the phased array systems 106, individually or collectively, have performed any radiation emission (or firing events) towards a target of interest device.

[0111] The user, relying on the combined information from sensor ingest system 206 and assessment system 208, assesses whether the target of interest has been successfully neutralized or deactivated. The assessment can be performed by correlating the telemetry data from the radiationemission of the phased array systems 106 to address any designated target of interest with any tracking data that command-and-control system 104 has on that specific target of interest. The assessment system 208 attempts to automatically determine if the target of interest device was deactivated (or affected or taken out) by received information regarding current trajectory, altitude, orientation, and / or flight pattern of the target of interest device. The assessment system 208 presents this assessment data information to the user on interface 101 for the user’ s approval. Based on the information received, the user can determine whether the target of interest was deactivated or taken out using either visual data or with feedback from the command-and-control system 104. The user can mark the target of interest devices that are defeated, and the system can stop tracking those target of interest devices. Whereas, if the user determines that the assigned targets of interest are not defeated, the user will be queried to attempt to give instructions to phased array system 106 by following the decision step in the Decide loop of the OODA framework.

[0112] If the user determined that the target of interest is deactivated, the server system 102 ceases tracking that specific target of interest device. Conversely, if the user perceives that the target of interest remains active based on the combined information from the sensor ingest system 206 and assessment system 208, a decision can be prompted regarding whether to attempt another engagement in the decision step. This process ensures a dynamic and responsive approach to target of interest engagement within the OODA framework.

[0113] Orient: In Figures 1 through 3, the analysis system 210 operates within the Orient framework of the OODA loop, performing interest analysis for each target of interest using the target of interest tracking information from 204, 206 and 208- all encompassed by the Observe framework. The target of interest tracking information serves as the basis for deriving comprehensive interest analysis data. This interest analysis data includes various parameters, including, but not limited to, target of interest device velocity toward and / or distance from the protected zone, size of the target of interest device, payload of the target of interest device, make / model of the target of interest device, time the target of interest device has been tracked, and the number of attempts made to deactivate the target of interest device. In various implementations, interest analysis may include estimating the time until the target of interest reaches the protected zone, calculated using current velocity and position in real-time. A longer estimated time signifies a lower-level interest.

[0114] The interest analysis data produces different interest levels for each target of interest device (e.g., in a swarm of targets of interest) or a group of target of interest devices, considering a diverse range of parameters. These interest levels can be then presented to the operator via the user interface 101, enabling them to manually review and potentially adjust the interest assessments based on user’s expertise. This manual intervention ensures that the interest analysis aligns with the operator’ s contextual understanding and knowledge, contributing to a more informed and nuanced interest evaluation within the OODA framework.

[0115] Decide: The Decide phase as depicted in Figures 1 through 3, incorporates a designation system 212 that actively engages in the decision-making process of assigning radiation emission tracks to one or more phased array systems 106 based on the data received from the observe and orient phase. For example, the designation system 212 analyses the tracked target of interest data along with their interest levels and begins designating them to a specific one of the phased array systems 106.

[0116] In the Decision phase, the target of interest designation algorithm analyzes the tracked target of interest device along with their assigned interest levels. Initially, the designation system 212 focuses on a target of interest device within a single direct energy radiation emission zone, where the radiation emission zone represents the region within which the system can slew and emit radiations (or emit energy radiations) at target of interest devices. This radiation emission zone can be a configurable parameter, with phased array systems possessing a full 360-degree slew capability.

[0117] For each target of interest device within a single direct energy radiation emission zone, the designation system 212 assigns the target of interest devices to that specific phased array system and establishes a priority based in part on the interest level calculated during the previous step (e.g., Orient phase). Additionally, in the case where two or more target of interest devices can be in a shared emission zone, the designation system 212 designates the target of interest devices to one of the phased array systems 106 based on certain criteria, such as the relative number of currently assigned target of interest devices to the phased array systems 106.

[0118] In various implementations, the user can be presented (via the user interface 101) with target of interest device designation suggestions and provided with the flexibility to confirm the suggestions or modify the suggestions as needed. This step allows the user to exercise control over the target of interest assignment process, ensuring alignment with their contextualunderstanding and knowledge. In various other implementation, the user can choose to assign a specific waveform or collection of waveform parameters to one or more phased array system to emit specific radiations at the target of interest device, adding another layer of customization to the target of interest engagement process.

[0119] It can be important to acknowledge that the presented target of interest designation algorithm is a foundational example, and further exploration, optimization, and potential integration with Al in subsequent phases can enhance its adaptability and efficiency within the OODA loop.

[0120] Act: The Act phase involves receiving, by the track generation system 214, the generated track for individual ones of the phased array systems 106 and assigning the received tracks to each of the phased array systems 106 to address target of interest devices. By following the insights gained from the Observe, Orient and Decide phase, the operator can be presented with all the affect tracks associated to each of the phased array systems 106. The Act phase signifies the final approval step before the phased array systems 106 automatically emit radiations toward each assigned target of interest device in the priority order designated by the user.

[0121] Scenario Three: This scenario comprises a nearly full autonomy approach. The Authority system 216 policies can be selected to meet a rapid operational tempo that human decision making may not be able to keep up with. The nearly full autonomy approach may be employed for sensitive CONUS base operations, aiming to protect critical assets as the highest priority.

[0122] Observe: Figures 1 through 3 illustrates the operation of the command-and-control system 104, which initiates target of interest detection within the environment and tracks the identified targets of interest. Upon detection, the command-and-control system 104 relays the target of interest information to the sensor ingest system 206. The sensor ingest system 206 equipped with target of interest analysis capabilities, processes this information, and forwards the target of interest details and tracking data to the database system 204.

[0123] In various implementations, the assessment system 208 receives a real-time data feed from both the sensor ingest system 206 and phased array system 208. The assessment system 208 collects data from the sensor ingest system 206 and one or more of the phased array systems 106. The assessment system 208 former provides real time target of interest information, such as the type of the target of interest device, position of the target of interest device, payload of thetarget of interest device, make / model of the target of interest device, velocity of the target of interest device. The sensor ingest system 206 provides telemetry data related to radiation emission events of the phased array systems 106. The telemetry data encompasses information about whether the phased array system 106 has performed any radiation emission towards a target of interest device. The assessment system 208, relying on the information from sensor ingest system 206, assesses whether the target of interest device has been successfully neutralized or deactivated. The assessment can be performed by correlating the telemetry data from the emission of radiations from the phased array systems 106 to address any designated target of interest device with any tracking data that command-and-control system 104 has on that specific target of interest device. The assessment system 208 attempts to automatically determine if the target of interest device was deactivated (or affected or taken out) by its current trajectory and flight pattern. The assessment system 208 automatically determines based on this assessment data whether the target of interest device was taken out successfully by the current trajectory, elevation, and / or flight pattern of the target of interest device.

[0124] In case the assessment system 208 determines that the target of interest device is not defeated successfully, the sensor ingest system 206 will keep the target of interest in the affect queue and continue to attempt to defeat the target of interest device. In case the assessment system 208 determines that the target of interest devices are defeated, the server system 102 can stop tracking those target of interest devices.

[0125] Orient: In Figures 1 through 3 the analysis system 210 functions within the Orient framework of the OODA loop, performing interest analysis for each target of interest by utilizing the target of interest tracking information from subsystems 204, 206 and 208, all encompassed by the Observe framework. The target of interest tracking information serves the basis for deriving comprehensive interest analysis data. This interest analysis data includes various parameters, including, but not limited to, target of interest velocity toward and / or distance relative to the protected zone, size of the target of interest device, payload of the target of interest device, make / model of the target of interest device, time tracked of the target of interest device, and the number of attempts made to deactivate the target of interest device. In various implementations, interest analysis may include estimating the time until the target of interest device reaches the protected zone, calculated using current velocity and position in real-time. A longer estimated time may signify a lower-level interest.

[0126] The interest analysis data generates distinct interest levels for each target of interest device, especially in scenarios with multiple target of interest devices (e.g., in a swarm), individually or in a group, considering a diverse range of parameters. The analysis system 210 utilizes the interest analysis data to derive an interest heuristic level for each target of interest device. The automatic evaluation of the interest analysis aligns with the understanding and pretrained knowledge of the analysis system 210, contributing to a more informed and nuanced interest evaluation within the OODA framework. In various implementations, the interest levels of all target of interest can be automatically saved and subsequently utilized during the target of interest designation system 212 (Decide phase) and track generation system 214 (Act phase).

[0127] Decide: The Decide phase, as depicted in Figures 1 through 3, incorporates a designation system 212 that actively engages in the decision-making process. It generates a priority order for each phased array system 106 and assigns radiation emission tracks or elevation / azimuth vectors to one or more of the phased array systems 106 based on the data received from the Observe and Orient stage. For example, the designation system 212 analyses the tracked target of interest data along with the interest levels of the target of interest devices and begins assigning the track data to a specific one of the phased array systems 106.

[0128] In the Decision stage, the target of interest designation system 212 analyzes the tracked target of interest device along with the assigned interest levels of the target of interest device. Initially, the designation system 212 focuses on a target of interest device within a single direct energy radiation emission zone. This zone represents the region within which the phased array system can slew and emit radiations at target of interest devices. This emission zone can be a configurable parameter, with the phased array systems 106 possessing a full 360-degree slew capability.

[0129] For each target of interest device within a single direct energy radiation emission zone, the designation system 212 assigns the target of interest devices to that specific phased array system and establishes a priority based on the interest level calculated during the previous step (e g., Orient phase). Additionally, in a case where the target of interest devices can be in a shared emission zone, the designation system 212 designates them to the phased array system 106 based on the relative number of currently assigned targets of interest to the phased array systems 106.

[0130] In various implementations, the designation system 212 can assign a specific waveform or collection of waveform parameters to one or more of the phased array systems 106to emit radiations and address any specific type of target of interest device 106. This feature adds another layer of customization to the target of interest engagement process.

[0131] Act: The Act phase involves the track generation system 214 receiving the generated track of radiation emission for each of the phased array system 106 and assigning the received tracks to address target of interest devices. By following the insights gained from the Observe, Orient and Decide phases, the authority system 216 generates tracks of radiation emission associated to individual ones of the phased array system 106. The Act phase signifies the final approval step before the phased array systems 106 emit radiations toward each assigned target of interest device in the priority order designated by the designation system 212.

[0132] Figure 4 illustrates an example graphical user interface (GUI) 401 displaying various control operations of one of the phased array systems 106 on a user interface (UI) at a first time. In Figure 4, the GUI 401 displays various control operations of the phased array system 106- 1. The disclosed features can be combined in numerous ways across many implementations to provide an intuitive, dynamic, and accurate display of the status of the phased array system 106- 1, potential targets of interest of the phased array system 106-1, and current aim direction 404 on the GUI 401. The GUI 401 shows the current field of view (FOV) of a main lobe of the radiation beam 406 emitted from a phased array system 106 for user visualization. In various implementations, the FOV of the radiation beam 406 can be synonymous with the current zone of energy system that can be instantly aimed at without gimble movement of the phased array system 106-1. The main lobe radiation beam 406 represents electromagnetic radiation, with a graphical indicator showing where a target of interest can be to be affected by the emitted radiations. The main lobe radiation beam 406 shows the current radiation emission track where the target of interest device may be affected (or deactivated). In scenarios involving a swarm of targets of interest, the phased array system 106-1 can be controlled to steered (via rotation of a gimbal) in 360 degrees, emitting radiation in a software defined radiation zone 402. This zone can be where the phased array system 106-1 is permitted to emit radiations based on the assigned target of interest tracks, as discussed above in Figures 1 through 3 and Scenarios 1-3.

[0133] In various implementations, the GUI 401 displays various control operations. For instance, 408 shows a green indicator when the phased array system 106-1 is activated ready to radiate and turns red to indicate that the phased array system 106-1 is not ready. Indicator 410 displays a lit red light to indicate that the phased array system 106-1 is transmitting radiations,whereas a dull red light indicates that the phased array system 106-1 is not actively transmitting radiations. Similarly, field 414 displays one the type of waveforms currently selected for the phased array system 106-1. Field 415 displays the status of the radio frequency (RF) transmitters inside the phased array system 106-1, with an OFF button 416 and ON button 418 that power on to prepare the RF transmitters for emission.

[0134] The GPS coordinate indicator 420 displays the connectivity to an external GPS module. Additionally, the phased array system 106-1 has a rotational gimbal associated with interactive buttons (422, 424, and 426) with 422 showing an emergency stop button to stop any rotation of the gimbal. Field 424 on the GUI 401 shows the option to manually position the gimbal in any direction, and the field 426 shows a button that enables the gimbal to automatically rotate to aim at targets of interest without user input.

[0135] In various implementations, other control operations may include a button 428 to return to the home page of the GUI 401, a field 430 to adjust various configurations of the control operations for each phased array system 106-1, a field 432 to monitor the overall health of phased array system 106-1 and / or each integrated system or sub-system thereof, a field 434 for the characterization of each system and sub-system of the phased array system 106-1, and a field 436 to control one or more settings of system or sub-system of the phased array system 106-1. The user can also see a bird’s-eye view of the overall mission environment in the aiming box 438 and can move, rotate, scale, lock, zoom the FOV by using control setting 440. The aiming box 438 allows a user to select an azimuth and elevation to emit the currently loaded waveforms at from the boresight of the phased array system 106-1.

[0136] Figure 5 illustrates an example graphical user interface (GUI) showcasing various control operations of multiple phased array systems. In Figure 5, GUI 501 displaying an overview of field, control options, phased array systems 106-1 and 106-2, and target of interest device information. The various control operations (408, 410, 412, 414,415, 416,418,420,422,424,426, 428,430, 432,434, 436, 438, and 440) shown on GUI 501 can be similar to the GUI 401 discussed with respect to Figure 4.

[0137] In this example, Figure 5 displays a GUI 501 displaying the current positions of phased array systems 106-1 and 106-2, the field of view (FOV) of the main lobe of radiations, such as main lobe 404-1 of the phased array system 106-1, and main lobe 404-2 of from the phased array system 106-2. Various targets of interest assigned within the FOV of main lobe of radiationfor each of the phased array systems 106-1 and 106-2 can be designated manually and / or automatically using one or more control operations of the OODA framework. For example, target of interest devices 403-1 and 405-1 can be assigned to phased array system 106-1, while target of interest devices 403-2 and 405-2 can be assigned to phased array system 106-2. The main lobe indicators 406-1 and 406-2 represent radiation emitted toward indicators of the target of interest devices 405-1 and 405-2. For instance, main lobe indicator 406-1 intersects with an indicator of target of interest device 405-1, and main lobe indicator 406-2 intersects with an indicator of the target of interest device 405-2. Using one or more control operations, the user can control the positioning of phased array systems 106-1 and 106-2 to address the target of interest devices approaching the protected zone. For example, target of interest device indicators s 403-1 and 403- 2 can be observed outside the protected zone. Based on information received from the sensor data ingest system 206, the assessment system 208, the analysis system 210, and the designation system 212, priority tracks can be generated using one or more control operations and assigned to one or both of the phased array systems 106-1 and 106-2.

[0138] In instances in which the phased array system is fully surrounded by a swarm of targets of interest, such as being surrounded around 360 degrees, a single phased array system can have difficulty handling the wide array.. In some instances, the phased array system can have a range that the energy emission can reach away from the system and a width along that range that the energy emission can reach from a particular oriented position. In such instances, the range and width of energy emission can be much more limited than the surrounding swarm. In order to direct energy emissions toward all of the swarm 360 degrees around the phased array system, the targets of interest may need to fall within the range and the phased array system may need to slew to face the remaining targets of interest in the swarm to get them within the width to emit energy. However, depending on the speed of the targets of interest, the phased array system may be unlikely to slew to affect all the targets of interest before the targets of interest reach their respective positions of interest. In contrast, if the phased array system is only partially surrounded by a swarm of targets of interest, then it is more likely that the phased array system can handle the swarm. For example, if the swarm is within approximately 60 degrees surrounding the phased array system and the width to emit energy is approximately 60 degrees. . In such instances, it is likely that the phased array system will be able to handle most of the swarm (assuming a high enough energy emission rate) due to not needing to slew much. Accordingly, having multiplephased array systems to each provide respective width to emit energy can reduce slew time and increase efficiency to handle swarms of targets of interest to provide perimeter defense. For example, if each phased array system can handle approximately 60 degrees, then strategically placing six phased array systems against the 360 degree surrounding swarm would have a higher efficiency in handling the swarm as each would only need to have minimal slewing time. In some instances, one or more of the multiple phased array systems can be used in conjunction to target the same target of interest as needed, and otherwise, can be used individually.

[0139] Figure 6 presents an example graphical user interface (GUI) that illustrates various control operations of multiple phased array systems along with an adjustable autonomy selector option. In Figure 6, GUI 601 displays an overview of field, control options, phased array systems, and target of interest information, similar to the explanations provided in Figures 4 and 5. The control operations shown on GUI 401 can be similar to those explained in the preceding Figures 4 and 5.

[0140] In addition to the control features elaborated in Figures 4 and 5, GUI 401 incorporates an adjustable autonomy selector option 602. This feature allows the user dynamic control over the autonomy levels of the entire system. The autonomy selector option 602 showcases autonomy levels (level 1 to level 5) for each stage of the OODA loop, as detailed in Table 1. For example, 602 displays the Observe, Orient, Decide and Act phases of the OODA loop, including levels such as 1 for “No Autonomy”, 2 for “Low Autonomy”, 3 for “Balanced Autonomy”. Users can dynamically select autonomy levels from 602 to administer control operations to the phased array system based on identified interest levels in the environment. In various implementations, a simple tool tip 604 may appear for each level, describing the changes that each autonomy level introduces to each system.

[0141] Figure 7 illustrates an example illustrating the coordination of multiple phased array systems to extend the range of radiations for emission.

[0142] In the realm of phased array systems, accurately defining the effective range involves intricate considerations, hinging on the probability of effect, which can be influenced by emitted power, distance, and target of interest vulnerability. This vulnerability aspect, encompassing various variables like materials, geometry, inner structure, and polarization, underscores the necessity for an innovative strategy to extend the weapon's range withoutmodifications to individual hardware. The coordinated operation of multiple phased array systems emerges as a promising avenue.

[0143] In some cases, a key exploration in achieving extended range lies in the orchestration of energy emission through a coordinated multi-source attack. This involves the classification of transmitters into Correlated, and Uncorrelated Transmitters, each presenting unique advantages and challenges. To be effective, precise geolocation of phase arrays and targets of interest, coupled with a tight time and frequency lock, can be imperative.

[0144] Figure 7 illustrates the configuration of at least two phased array systems (106-1 and 106-2) intended to enhance power range. In various implementations, due to the inherent complexity of precisely measuring path lengths between physically remote systems, achieving full phase coherence can be generally limited to two systems that are placed next to each other, approximating a single, continuous antenna face. However, for distant targets of interest, physically separated antennas may still work for far away targets of interest, if the bisector angle P 704, is approximately 0 (see Figure 7). This allows approximation of path length differences as D*cos(0) where D is distance between the phase centers of each system, and 0 is the steering angle to the target of interest 702. Under these simplifying assumptions, full correlation of radiation beams may exist at every range for a given angle 0, thus removing any need to precisely estimating path lengths to the target of interest. In some instances, the 704 being approximately 90 degrees offset can result in the waveforms having no impact on each other due to the orthogonal relationship between the phased array systems. In such cases, the level of effect can collapse to the waveform with the highest individual effect. The phased array systems (106-1 and 106-2) can be combined to both target the same target of interest 702, which can be combined by using, but not limited to, an extended array, coherent transmitters, correlated transmitters, and independent arrays.

[0145] Extended Array: Position two or more phased array systems close enough that they approximate a single array. This pseudo-single array allows a coherently combination of the energy beams from the phased array system, which can provide similar results as other phased array if the phased array systems are finely calibrated (e.g., based on time, phase, and amplitude). The allowable separation can in part depend on distance to target, which can be represented by the bisector angle p between each system towards the target.

[0146] Coherent transmitters: Separate arrays for the phased array system, but which are calibrated and synchronized to get the waveforms to cohere at the target location. This calibration can be similar to an extended array (e.g., based on time, phase, and amplitude), and can further depend on the exact path length between each system and target. However, determining the exact path length can be difficult to determine, especially for small, highly maneuverable targets. Several techniques can be used to determine the exact path length, but may suffer from tight latency requirements and repeated measurements.

[0147] Correlated Transmitters: Correlated transmitters introduce randomness into phase offsets between waveforms provided by the phased array systems, leading in a pseudo-random interference pattern. This randomness, influenced by factors like bistatic angle and polarization, enhances the performance on the effect of the combined phased array systems for moving targets of interest, such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Careful consideration of bistatic angles can be essential for optimal performance, with a balance between avoiding potential issues and creating a desirable random phase correlation pattern. Based on the random fluctuating pattern of peaks on nulls, correlated transmitters can achieve over 90% of the ideal power that coherent transmitters can provide, but with a simpler approach. However, in some instances, the introduced randomness can increase dwell times as the pulses may need to be repeated.

[0148] Independent or Uncorrelated Transmitters: In contrast to correlated transmitters, uncorrelated transmitters offer a more flexible approach, requiring no coordination of waveforms or timing across different systems. Each phased array system can be operated independent and split up the magazine between them to decrease dwell time. While samples may randomly align in phase, this alignment may not be sustained throughout the pulse duration. The linear relationship in Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) increase with a mean of N and significantly smaller variance makes uncorrelated transmitters an easily applicable option.

[0149] Figure 8 illustrates an example process 800 usable by the phased array systems to select targets of interest to affect. The phased array systems can be similar to those described in Figures 2 and 3 and incorporate GUIs similar to those presented in Figures 4 and 5, such as by implementing an OODA framework using the process 800. In some instances, the phased array systems can select a target of interest from those detected by selecting the nearest target of interest or by determining a target of interest that is soonest to arrive at a determined point of interest, including but not limited to, a location associated with the phased array system. Each of the stepsbelow may not be required by the process 800 and in some instances, may be skipped. Similarly, the steps described below may not encompass every step of the process 800, and further steps may be included. As described above, although the process 800 may be performed fully autonomously, in some instances, a user input may be required in each of the below steps. Whether a user input is required can be dependent on a selection for manual input, as shown in Figure 6, or if an automatic determination is made that user input is required. This automatic determination may be based on data received by the OODA framework, such as a target of interest determined to require an energy emission above a threshold amount. There may be an automatic determination for each step of the OODA framework to require manual intervention. Similarly, the process 800 may switch from requiring manual input to being fully automatic in response to a selection for such or an automatic determination, such as a target of interest arriving at a point of interest below a threshold timeframe.

[0150] At step 802, the tracking of each target of interest can be determined, such as by using the tracking system 202 and / or the sensor system 200 of the command-and-control system 104. The information obtained can include the number of targets of interest and attributes or characteristics associated with each of the targets of interest, including but not limited to the type of target of interest, the size of the target of interest, a location of the target of interest, any associated payload, speed, acceleration, wingspan size, length, etc. From these attributes, parameters for some or all of the targets of interest can be determined that can include the attributes themselves or information that can be derived from the attributes, including but not limited to expected arrival time, risk, expected radiation and power to affect the target of interest, and expected affectability in response to energy emissions. The tracking and determination of parameters can be considered the observing step of the OODA framework.

[0151] At step 804, the tracked targets of interest can be fdtered based on the determined parameters. For example, the filtering may be an initial sorting of the targets of interest based on one or more of the parameters, such as sorting the targets of interest according to the expected arrival time. In some instances, this step, among other steps, is optional. At step 806, an interest score can be determined for each of the targets of interest based on the parameters. This interest score can be weighted to emphasize the importance of some parameters over others. For example, a target of interest associated with a payload may have an overall higher interest score because the parameters are more highly weighed. Based on the interest score, at step 808, the tracked targetsof interest can be sorted to provide an initial important for focusing on by the phased array system. These steps can be performed by the assessment system 208 and / or the analysis system 210. Similarly, these steps can be considered the orient step of the OODA framework. In some instances, the tracking of each target of interest can be updated in real time during the remainder of the process 800 to re-evaluate the interest scores and re-sort the targets of interest.

[0152] At step 810, the targets of interest with the highest interest score can be evaluated by simulating an efficiency to affect each target of interest to determine a priority score. The step evaluates the N targets of interest with the highest interest score, such as but not limited to the top 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50 targets of interest. Each of these N targets of interest goes through simulations, as described in steps 812 through 816. At step 812, the movement of the phased array system to direct towards each target of interest is simulated. The time spent for this movement can include time spent slewing the phased array system, time spent emitting the energy (which can be 1 second), and / or time spent adjusting the settings of the directed to the determined energy emission. If there are multiple phased array systems, the process 800 can simulate each phased array system being used and / or time spent to further calibrate and sync multiple systems together for a combined energy emission. At step 814, the actual energy emissions are simulated to provide the intended effect on each of the targets of interest. These energy emissions can be determined based on respective parameters associated with the target of interest. At step 816, a likelihood for the energy emission being successful is evaluated based on the intended effect. This likelihood can include the chance of success but can also further be based on whether a different effect might occur (e.g., expecting deactivation but simulation showed interference). Furthermore, success rate can be based on collateral damage to nearby targets of interest that would also be affected by targeting a particular target of interest. After each of the top N targets of interest are simulated, a priority score is determined for each target of interest at step 818 based on the likelihood of success and the time simulated to emit energy. This priority score can be a rate of total targets of interest being affected per second. Each of these steps can be performed by the analysis system 210 and the designation system 212. These steps can be considered the decide step of the OODA framework.

[0153] At step 820, the target of interest with the highest priority score can be selected, and, at step 822, the phased array system can be scheduled to emit energy at said target of interest. The scheduling can include scheduling for the movement of the phased array system towards the targets of interest with the highest priority score and operating the phased array systems accordingto the energy profiles simulated to generate that associated efficiency. These steps can be done by the designation system 212 and the track generation system 214. These steps can be considered the act step of the OODA framework, and can further include the actual energy emission by the phased array systems.

[0154] In some instances, rather than selecting a single target of interest using the process 800 to schedule energy emission towards, several targets of interest can be selected. For example, M targets of interest can be scheduled to be directed at by the phased array systems. In some instances, the schedule M targets of interest can be equal to the N number of tracked targets of interest evaluated in step 810, such that if the top 10 highest scoring targets of interest are evaluated for the most efficient combination, those 10 targets of interest are scheduled based on the efficient combinations to be affected by the phased array systems. Similarly, if M=5, only 5 of the 10 highest targets of interest may be scheduled. In some instances, the simulation involves different combinations to determine efficiency, e.g., simulating energy emission at TARGET 1, TARGET 2, then TARGET 3 vs. simulating energy emission at TARGET 2, TARGET 1, then TARGET 3. In some instances, the individual efficiencies are used sorted and then used to determine combinations. If there are multiple phased array systems, the efficiency can be determined from speed saved from using a closer phased array system rather than a farther or slewing both at the same time to target two different targets of interest, as well as the predicted locations after targeting a first target of interest to target a second target of interest. Furthermore, the process 800 can evaluate when to use a combined phased array system, as described in Figures 7 and 10.

[0155] In some instances, steps 810-818 can be skipped and the target of interest with the highest interest score (or targets of interest with the N highest interest scores) can be scheduled for energy emission towards by the phased array systems. For example, this could be the M soonest expected targets of interest or the M closest targets of interest. In some instances, interest scores can be adjusted based on the weight of the parameters, and in other instances, the interest score can be based only on an initial filtering in step 804.

[0156] Once the scheduling of targets of interest is complete, the process 800 can be restarted and each of the remaining targets of interest within the view of the system can be tracked again at step 802 to select the next target of interest (or targets of interest) to schedule energy emission towards. In some instances, the tracking can begin during the actual energy emission by the phased array systems at the scheduled target(s) of interest (and / or movement to aim toward thescheduled target(s) of interest) with the assumption that the intended effect (e.g., disablement, interference, etc.) occurred to the target of interest. In other instances, the process 800 may wait until the energy emissions are complete and the tracking can further evaluate the effect on the scheduled target(s) of interest. If there was no effect, or the effect different from the intended effect (interference vs disablement), then the previously scheduled target(s) of interest can still be candidates for tracking, although any effect from the earlier energy emission may alter a later determined interest score. In some instances, the previous emission of energy at a particular target of interest can affect the parameters, interest score, and / or weighing of that particular target of interest. These evaluations can be performed by the assessment system 208. In instances where M targets of interest are scheduled, the assessment of the actual effect of energy emissions can be used to stop the schedule and restart the process 800. For instance, if the expected result of an energy emission differs from the actual result, then the remaining scheduled targets of interest may be cancelled. In such instances, the schedule may only be cancelled if there the assessment shows there was no effect on a target of interest, rather than only a different effect.Other Variations

[0157] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0158] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of themethods and systems described herein may be made. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes disclosed and / or illustrated may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. For example, the actual steps and / or order of steps taken in the disclosed processes may differ from those described and / or shown in the figure. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added.

[0159] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, especially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features can comprise implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which can be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may comprise clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0160] These computer programs, which can also be referred to programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, comprises machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object- oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical programming language, and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” (or “computer readable medium”) refers to any computer program product, apparatus and / or device, such as for example magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, comprising a machine- readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” (or “computer readable signal”) refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. The machine- readable medium can store such machine instructions non-transitorily, such as forexample as would a non-transient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium can alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, such as for example as would a processor cache or other random-access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0161] Any of the memory components described herein can include volatile memory, such random-access memory (RAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM), double data rate (DDR) memory, static random-access memory (SRAM), other volatile memory, or any combination thereof. Any of the memory components described herein can include non-volatile memory, such as magnetic storage, flash integrated circuits, read only memory (ROM), Chalcogenide random access memory (C-RAM), Phase Change Memory (PC-RAM or PRAM), Programmable Metallization Cell RAM (PMC-RAM or PMCm), Ovonic Unified Memory (OUM), Resistance RAM (RRAM), NAND memory (e.g., single-level cell (SLC) memory, multi-level cell (MLC) memory, or any combination thereof), NOR memory, EEPROM, Ferroelectric Memory (FeRAM), Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), other discrete NVM (non-volatile memory) chips, or any combination thereof.

[0162] To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as for example a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as for example a mouse or a trackball, by which the user may provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as for example visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including, but not limited to, acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Other possible input devices comprise, but are not limited to, touch screens or other touch-sensitive devices such as single or multi- point resistive or capacitive trackpads, voice recognition hardware and software, optical scanners, optical pointers, digital image capture devices and associated interpretation software, and the like.

[0163] Any user interface screens illustrated and described herein can include additional and / or alternative components. These components can include menus, lists,buttons, text boxes, labels, radio buttons, scroll bars, sliders, checkboxes, combo boxes, status bars, dialog boxes, windows, and the like. User interface screens can include additional and / or alternative information. Components can be arranged, grouped, displayed in any suitable order.

[0164] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0165] In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and / or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and / or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and / or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

[0166] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, or within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

[0167] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations.

[0168] The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems, apparatus, methods, computer programs and / or articles depending on the desired configuration. Any methods or the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and / or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein.

[0169] Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. Further features and / or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. The implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and sub combinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and sub combinations of further features noted above. Furthermore, above-described advantages are not intended to limit the application of any issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the advantages.

[0170] Additionally, section headings shall not limit or characterize the protection set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Further, the description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the protection set forth in issued claims.

[0171] Furthermore, any reference to this disclosure in general or use of the word “invention” or “embodiment” in the singular is not intended to imply any limitation on the scopeof the claims set forth below. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A phased array system comprising: one or more phased arrays configured to emit energy to affect one or more targets of interest; a tracking system; one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to: operate in a first mode in which user input is received for performing at least one of the following actions: determining, by the tracking system, a location of a plurality of targets of interest and one or more attributes of each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest; determining an interest score for each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest based on at least one of the location or the one or more attributes; determining energy to be emitted from at least one of the one or more phased arrays at each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest based on the corresponding interest score of each of the targets of interest; determining a priority score based on a simulation of emitting energy at one or more target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest, the priority score being determined based on at least one of an expected time associated with directing the one or more phased arrays at a particular target of interest or an expected outcome indicative of an intended effect of emitting energy at the particular target of interest; and based on the priority scores, selecting at least one target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest for emitting the corresponding energy from at least one of the one or more phased arrays; operate in a second mode in which user input is not received for any of the preceding actions; andtransition from operating in the first mode to operating in the second mode responsive to at least one of a user selection or an automatic determination based on at least one of the preceding actions.

2. The phased array system of claim 1, wherein the intended effect from the energy emitted to affect the one or more targets of interest comprises at least one of interference, disruption, upsetting, damage, or deactivation of at least one of the one or more targets of interest.

3. The phased array system of claim 2, wherein the intended effect is determined by a user input.

4. The phased array system of any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the intended effect is determined based on the one or more attributes of each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest.

5. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of targets of interest comprises a swarm.

6. The phased array system of claim 5, wherein the swarm surrounds the one or more phased arrays by 360 degrees.

7. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interest score is based on a relative closeness between each of the targets of interest and the one or more phased arrays, the relative closeness based on the location.

8. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interest score is based on an expected arrival time between each of the targets of interest and a point of interest associated with the one or more phased arrays, at least one of the one or more attributes comprising the expected arrival time.

9. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the priority score is weighed based on at least one of the one or more attributes.

10. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the simulation comprises: determining the expected time by simulating movement of directing the one or more phased arrays at each of the one or more targets of interest; simulating an effect of emitting the corresponding energy for each of the one or more targets of interest, the corresponding energy being associated with the expectedoutcome indicative of the intended effect of emitting energy at the particular target of interest; determining a success rate based on the simulated effect compared to the expected outcome; and determining the priority score for each of the one or more targets of interest based on an efficiency, the efficiency based on a combination of the expected time and the success rate.

11. The phased array system of claim 10, wherein the one or more targets of interest comprise a number of the plurality of targets of interest with highest interest scores.

12. The phased array system of claim 11, wherein the number comprises at least one of five, ten, or fifteen.

13. The phased array system of any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the number comprises all of the plurality of targets of interest.

14. The phased array system of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the expected time is further based on time to emit energy from the one or more phased arrays.

15. The phased array system of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the expected outcome comprises collateral effect on nearby targets of interest relative to the particular target of interest.

16. The phased array system of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the efficiency comprises a summation of the expected time and the success rate.

17. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more targets of interest comprise a first number less than a total number of the plurality of targets of interest having highest interest scores, and wherein the simulation comprises: determining the expected time by simulating movement of directing the one or more phased arrays at different combinations of a second number of the one or more targets of interest, the second number equal to or less than the first number; simulating an effect of emitting the corresponding energy for each of the one or more targets of interest in sequence for each of the different combinations, the corresponding energy being associated with the expected outcome indicative of the intended effect of emitting energy at the particular target of interest; determining a success rate based on the simulated effect compared to the expected outcome for each of the combinations; anddetermining the priority score for each of the combinations based on an efficiency, the efficiency based on the expected time and the success rate, wherein the selecting the at least one target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest comprises selecting the combination of the one or more targets of interest with a highest priority.

18. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor configured to at least one of detect an attribute of the plurality of targets of interest from the one or more attributes or determine the energy to be emitted from at least one of the one or more phased arrays.

19. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking system comprises at least one of a camera array or a radar.

20. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a user interface configured to operate the phased array system in the first mode.

21. The phased array system of claim 20, wherein the user interface is further configured to transition the operation of the phased array system between the first mode and the second mode.

22. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to operate in the first mode or the second mode to perform: at least one of: update to include a location and one or more attributes of one or more additional targets of interest not previously determined by the tracking system; or update at least one of the location or the one or more attributes of the plurality of targets of interest in real-time; determine the interest score, the corresponding energy, and the priority score for the one or more additional targets of interest; update at least one of the interest score, the corresponding energy, and the priority score for at least one of the plurality of targets of interest; and based on the priority scores, select at least one target of interest from the plurality of targets of interest or the one or more additional targets of interest for emitting the corresponding energy from at least one of the one or more phased arrays.

23. The phased array system of claim 22, wherein the one or more phased arrays comprise at least two phased arrays.

24. The phased array system of claim 23, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured to emit energy to affect the same target of interest.

25. The phased array system of claim 24, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured to form an extended array.

26. The phased array system of any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured as coherent transmitters.

27. The phased array system of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured as correlated transmitter28. The phased array system of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured to transition from correlated transmitters to an extended array dependent on a bistatic angle between the at least two of the phased arrays and the same target of interest.

29. The phased array system of claim 23, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured to emit energy to affect different targets of interest.

30. The phased array system of claim 29, wherein the at least two phased arrays are configured for perimeter defense.

31. The phased array system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one of the one or more phased arrays are configured to emit the corresponding energy at the selected at least one target of interest in response to the selection of the at least one target of interest.

32. The phased array system of claim 31, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to operate in the first mode or the second mode to perform: in response to emitting the corresponding energy at the selected at least one target of interest from the at least one of the one or more phased arrays, evaluating an actual effect on the selected at least one target of interest and comparing the actual effect with the intended effect.

33. The phased array system of claim 32, wherein at least one of the one or more attributes comprises the comparison of the actual effect and the intended effect, and wherein the interest score for the selected at least one target of interest is based on the comparison.

34. The phased array system of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to operate in the first mode or the second mode to determine at least one next target of interest from the plurality of targets of interest.

35. A method of operating the phased array system of any one of the preceding claims.

36. A method for emitting energy from one or more phased arrays to affect one or more targets of interest comprising: determining a location of a plurality of targets of interest and one or more attributes of each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest; determining an interest score for each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest based on at least one of the location or the one or more attributes; determining energy to be emitted from at least one phased array at each target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest based on the corresponding interest score of each of the target of interest; and based on the interest scores, selecting at least one target of interest of the plurality of targets of interest for emitting the corresponding energy from the at least phased array, wherein, at a first time, any of the preceding actions are performed in response to a user input, and wherein, at a second time, the preceding actions are performed automatically responsive to at least one of a user selection or an automatic determination based on at least one of the preceding actions.

37. A system comprising one or more processors and non-transitory computer storage media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of claim 36.

38. Non-transitory computer storage media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of claim 36.

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