Autonomous Software Module Acquisition in Ad Hoc Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous machines often require human intervention to distribute software modules for processing specific data modalities, complicating their operation in mission scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method for software distribution in a wireless ad hoc network that allows autonomous machines to automatically determine data processing needs, search for and acquire necessary software modules across nodes, and use them without human intervention, utilizing a distributed and federated approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous machines are pre-loaded with software modules for data processing, then they can operate autonomously on missions, but they cannot adapt to new data modalities without human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous machine automatically determines its own software needs by analyzing sensor data modalities, broadcasts requests for required software modules, and receives installations without human intervention. The system serves itself by self-diagnosing capability gaps and self-provisioning necessary software through wireless communication with other nodes in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads software modules into local repositories on each autonomous machine before missions begin. This preliminary preparation enables rapid deployment and immediate use of software modules when needed during mission operations, reducing latency between identifying a need and having the capability available.
2Productivity
If software modules are distributed manually to autonomous machines, then software can be updated and added, but operational efficiency is reduced due to human intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous machine automatically determines its own software needs by analyzing sensor data modalities, broadcasts requests for required software modules, and receives installations without human intervention. The system serves itself by self-diagnosing capability gaps and self-provisioning necessary software through wireless communication with other nodes in the network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous machines communicate with hubs or ground stations for software distribution, then centralized control is maintained, but network dependency and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The software distribution system is segmented into distributed nodes, each with its own local repository and software module. Instead of a centralized hub architecture, each autonomous machine becomes an independent node capable of storing, sharing, and distributing software modules to other nodes in the ad hoc network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional centralized hierarchy (machines communicating only with ground stations) to a three-dimensional mesh network where machines can communicate directly with each other in multiple directions. This adds the dimension of peer-to-peer wireless communication between autonomous machines.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of acquiring software by a source node in a wireless ad hoc network. The method includes the source node executing application software from which a need to process a particular modality of data is identified, and making a determination that the source node is incapable of processing the particular modality of data. Responsive to the determination, the source node searches a local module repository (MR) of the source node for a software module usable to process the particular modality of data, and responsive to the source node failing to locate the software module in the local MR, broadcasts a request for the software module to neighbor nodes of the plurality of nodes in radio range of the source node. The source node receives the software module from the neighbor node, and uses the software module to process the particular modality of data.