Radar Mission Planning via Rate Monotonic Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar mission planning is complex due to varying task times influenced by factors like maximum range and antenna orientation, making it challenging to predict whether a set of tasks can be completed within the available mission time, especially when tasks compete for operating time and interact with each other.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using rate monotonic scheduling to estimate and assess the execution time of periodic radar tasks, displaying graphical representations to indicate task feasibility and field of view, allowing for rapid what-if analysis and simulation to determine if tasks can be executed at planned repetition rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple radar tasks are performed concurrently to improve mission productivity, then the quantity of tasks completed increases, but the complexity of predicting whether tasks can be completed within available time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task scheduling problem into discrete analysis points along the flight path. At each analysis point, the system evaluates task feasibility independently by calculating execution times and checking scheduling constraints, then aggregates these segment-level assessments to determine overall mission feasibility. This segmentation transforms an intractable global optimization problem into manageable local evaluations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scheduling analysis before the actual mission execution. By pre-calculating execution times, pre-assessing scheduling feasibility using rate monotonic scheduling, and pre-identifying critical analysis points where task completion may be compromised, the system prepares a comprehensive task completion prediction in advance, avoiding complex real-time decision-making during flight.
2Reliability
If task execution time estimation is performed with high precision to improve prediction accuracy, then the reliability of task completion prediction increases, but the time required for mission planning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing detailed execution time calculations only at critical analysis points along the flight path rather than continuously at every point. The system identifies points where task feasibility may change and concentrates computational effort there, achieving sufficient prediction accuracy without the excessive time cost of continuous analysis. This selective approach balances reliability requirements with planning efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for planning radar missions. The system includes a processing unit and a display. The method includes estimating the execution time of a plurality of radar tasks to be executed periodically at respective planned repetition rates, and assessing, using rate monotonic scheduling, whether the tasks can be executed at their respective planned repetition rates. The display may be employed to display a graphical representation of a path to be flown repeatedly by the aircraft, and, superimposed on the displayed path, symbols indicating whether at any point on the path the radar will be able to execute each task at its respective planned repetition rate, and whether each of a plurality of areas to be surveyed by the radar, each corresponding to a respective radar task, is in the field of view pattern of the radar.