Automated control of hierarchical systems using value-driven methods

An introduction is given to the Value-driven methodology, which has been successfully applied to solve a variety of difficult decision, control, and optimization problems. Many real-world decision processes (e.g., those encountered in scheduling, allocation, and command and control) involve a hierarchy of complex planning considerations. For such problems it is virtually impossible to define a fixed set of rules that will operate satisfactorily over the full range of probable contingencies. Decision Science Applications' value-driven methodology offers a systematic way of automating the intuitive, common-sense approach used by human planners. The inherent responsiveness of value-driven systems to user-controlled priorities makes them particularly suitable for semi-automated applications in which the user must remain in command of the systems operation. Three examples of the practical application of the approach in the automation of hierarchical decision processes are discussed: the TAC Brawler air-to-air combat simulation is a four-level computerized hierarchy; the autonomous underwater vehicle mission planning system is a three-level control system; and the Space Station Freedom electrical power control and scheduling system is designed as a two-level hierarchy. The methodology is compared with rule-based systems and with other more widely-known optimization techniques

Circular formation control of fixed-wing UAVs with constant speeds

In this paper we propose an algorithm for stabilizing circular formations of fixed-wing UAVs with constant speeds. The algorithm is based on the idea of tracking circles with different radii in order to control the inter-vehicle phases with respect to a target circumference. We prove that the desired equilibrium is exponentially stable and thanks to the guidance vector field that guides the vehicles, the algorithm can be extended to other closed trajectories. One of the main advantages of this approach is that the algorithm guarantees the confinement of the team in a specific area, even when communications or sensing among vehicles are lost. We show the effectiveness of the algorithm with an actual formation flight of three aircraft. The algorithm is ready to use for the general public in the open-source Paparazzi autopilot.Comment: 6 pages, submitted to IROS 201

Pose Detection and control of multiple unmanned underwater vehicles using optical feedback

This paper proposes pose detection and control algorithms in order to control the relative pose between two Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) using optical feedback. The leader UUV is configured to have a light source at its crest which acts as a guiding beacon for the follower UUV which has a detector array at its bow. Pose detection algorithms are developed based on a classifier, such as the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM), and chosen image parameters. An archive look-up table is constructed for varying combinations of 5-degree-of-freedom (DOF) motion (i.e., translation along all three coordinate axes as well as pitch and yaw rotations). Leader and follower vehicles are simulated for a case in which the leader is directed to specific waypoints in horizontal plane and the follower is required to maintain a fixed distance from the leader UUV. Proportional-Derivative (PD) control (without loss of generality) is applied to maintain stability of the UUVs to show proof of concept. Preliminary results indicate that the follower UUV is able to maintain its fixed distance relative to the leader UUV to within a reasonable accuracy

Aerospace Avionics and Allied Technologies

Avionics is a very crucial and important technology, not only for civil/military aircraft but also for missiles, spacecraft, micro air vehicles (MAVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Even for ground-based vehicles and underwater vehicles (UWVs), avionics is a very important segment of their successful operation and mission accomplishment. The advances in many related and supporting technologies, especially digital electronics, embedded systems, embedded algorithms/software, mobile technology, sensors and instrumentation, computer (network)-communication, and realtime operations and simulation, have given a great impetus to the field of avionics. Here, for the sake of encompassing many other applications as mentioned above, the term is used in an expanded sense: Aerospace Avionics (AA), although it is popularly known as Aviation Electronics (or Avionics). However, use of this technology is not limited to aircraft, and hence, we  can incorporate all the three types-ground, land, and underwater vehicles-under the term avionics.Defence Science Journal, 2011, 61(4), pp.287-288, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.112

Modeling for Control of Symmetric Aerial Vehicles Subjected to Aerodynamic Forces

This paper participates in the development of a unified approach to the control of aerial vehicles with extended flight envelopes. More precisely, modeling for control purposes of a class of thrust-propelled aerial vehicles subjected to lift and drag aerodynamic forces is addressed assuming a rotational symmetry of the vehicle's shape about the thrust force axis. A condition upon aerodynamic characteristics that allows one to recast the control problem into the simpler case of a spherical vehicle is pointed out. Beside showing how to adapt nonlinear controllers developed for this latter case, the paper extends a previous work by the authors in two directions. First, the 3D case is addressed whereas only motions in a single vertical plane was considered. Secondly, the family of models of aerodynamic forces for which the aforementioned transformation holds is enlarged.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure

Diverse applications of advanced man-telerobot interfaces

Advancements in man-machine interfaces and control technologies used in space telerobotics and teleoperators have potential application wherever human operators need to manipulate multi-dimensional spatial relationships. Bilateral six degree-of-freedom position and force cues exchanged between the user and a complex system can broaden and improve the effectiveness of several diverse man-machine interfaces

Some NASA contributions to human factors engineering: A survey

This survey presents the NASA contributions to the state of the art of human factors engineering, and indicates that these contributions have a variety of applications to nonaerospace activities. Emphasis is placed on contributions relative to man's sensory, motor, decisionmaking, and cognitive behavior and on applications that advance human factors technology

Unmanned Systems Sentinel / 24 June 2016

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