Autonomous UAV Task Allocation via Shared Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-UAV mission systems face inefficiencies in task allocation due to the need for communication between UAVs and ground control stations, leading to lengthy processing times and resource consumption, especially with traditional branch and bound or market-based algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic task allocation system where UAVs autonomously adjust their tasks based on operational status and mission parameters without direct communication, using a shared memory space maintained by a communication UAV to determine and execute tasks efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional branch and bound or market-based algorithms are used for task allocation, then task allocation can be performed, but processing time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized task allocation problem into individual autonomous decision-making units at each UAV. Each UAV independently evaluates its own operational status and mission parameters to determine task allocation, eliminating the need for a centralized algorithm that processes all UAVs collectively. This segmentation dramatically reduces processing time and resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Each UAV autonomously determines its own task allocation by evaluating its operational status and mission parameters without requiring external computation or communication with ground control stations. This self-service approach allows instantaneous task allocation decisions, improving productivity while eliminating the time loss associated with centralized processing.
2Extent of automation
If centralized task allocation with ground control station communication is used, then task allocation can be performed, but communication overhead and processing delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the task allocation decision-making process from the ground control station and places it directly within each UAV. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous communication between UAVs and ground control stations, removing communication overhead and information loss while maximizing the extent of automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shared memory space as an intermediary that allows UAVs to access mission parameters and operational status information without direct communication. This intermediary mechanism enables autonomous task allocation while minimizing information loss by providing efficient data access without communication overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic task adjustment is implemented, then mission flexibility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic task adjustment by allowing each UAV to independently evaluate its own operational status and mission parameters. This local quality approach enables mission flexibility through autonomous adaptation without requiring complex centralized control systems, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for dynamically allocating tasks among multiple UAVs operating autonomously during a mission is discussed. Task assignment is adjusted by each UAV dynamically during the mission based on criteria related to the individual UAV's operational status and/or mission parameters. Task allocation is determined independently without group communication between the UAVs actively taking part in the mission and without direct communication to a ground-based controller. A communication UAV provides a shared memory space that may be utilized by each UAV in determining its own task allocation.