Distributed Target Engagement via Hybrid Agent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized control systems for autonomous or semi-autonomous agents in cooperative target engagement face issues such as single-point failure, impractical data collection and maintenance, and communication bottlenecks, especially in distributed or coalition scenarios where compatibility and negotiation protocols are challenging.
Innovation Solution
A distributed system where agents autonomously determine targets using a hybrid approach combining a greedy behavior-based component for simple, robust decision-making and a tactical component for minimal coordination, allowing each agent to announce its target selection without requiring a central auctioneer or perfect knowledge of other agents' capabilities and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized control is used to coordinate autonomous agents, then target engagement coordination is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to single-point failure and communication bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed control modules located on each autonomous agent. Instead of one central controller, each agent has its own control logic that enables it to independently make target engagement decisions while still coordinating with others through simple communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Each autonomous agent is equipped with the capability to independently determine its own target assignments and engagement strategies without requiring constant direction from a central controller. The agents self-organize and adapt to changing conditions autonomously.
2Reliability
If distributed control is implemented among autonomous agents, then system reliability improves, but communication overhead and coordination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements minimal necessary communication between agents rather than exhaustive information exchange. Each agent shares only the critical data needed for coordination (such as target assignments and engagement status) rather than all available sensor and system data, reducing communication overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
Agents pre-establish communication protocols and coordination rules before engagement begins. Target assignment algorithms and conflict resolution mechanisms are predetermined, allowing agents to quickly execute decisions without extensive real-time negotiation.
3Productivity
If auction schemes are used for target assignment, then target allocation efficiency improves, but information transfer burden and negotiation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex auction negotiation process and replaces it with simplified target assignment algorithms running locally on each agent. Instead of agents submitting detailed bids and engaging in multi-round negotiations, each agent independently evaluates targets based on predefined criteria and assigns itself targets it is best suited to engage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simplified models or representations of target价值和agent capabilities rather than complete information sets. Each agent works with a copied or summarized version of the battlefield state and target priorities, reducing the information that must be transmitted and processed while still enabling effective target assignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed system for cooperative engagement generally includes a control system in communication with an actuation system, an effector system, a sensor system and a communications interface. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to realize improved distributed designation and/or engagement function. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide cooperative designation and engagement of targets for air-, land-, sea- or space-based weapon systems.