Methods and apparatus for decision making of system of mobile robotic vehicles

• US 6,842,674 B2
• Filed: 04/22/2003
• Issued: 01/11/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Solomon Research LLC
• Original Assignee: Neal Solomon
• Inventors: Solomon, Neal
• Primary Examiner(s): Black, Thomas G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hernandez, Olga
• Application Number:
  US10/422,051
• Publication Number:
  US 20040030451A1
• Time in Patent Office: 630 Days
• Field of Search: 701/23, 701/36, 701/200, 701/1, 731/78.R, 342/350
• US Class Current: 701/23
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 39/024 of the remote controlled vehicle type, i.e. RPV
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/00 Means of attack or defence not otherwise provided for details of radar or sonar systems G01S7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0088 characterized by the autonomous decision making process, e.g. artificial intelligence, predefined behaviours using knowledge based models G06N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18517 Transmission equipment in earth stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks

Abstract

In a swarm weapon system, decision-making processes are described for the organization of mobile robotic vehicles (MRVs). After MRV drone sensor data is provided to a lead MRV, an initial decision is made by the lead MRV as a result of the selection of a winning simulation that provides the best opportunity for success of a mission. Once this decision is made, actions are organized for the MRVs, which provide feedback for the continuation of the process until the mission is completed.

Claims

1. A system for rendering decisions for mobile robotic vehicles, comprising:

a plurality of mobile robotic vehicles (MRVs); and

a plurality of squads, each squad having a lead MRV and member MRVs;

wherein initial mission parameters are transmitted to the lead MRV and the member MRVs;

wherein sensor data from the member MRVs is transmitted to the lead MRV;

wherein the sensor data is weighted by the lead MRV and ranked by priority of importance;

wherein the sensor data is further interpreted by the lead MRV by comparing it with mission parameters;

wherein the lead MRV calculates a plurality of possible simulations to meet mission goals;

wherein the lead MRV uses a plurality of methods to test the plurality of possible simulations using the sensor data and the initial mission parameters to determine the best simulation to meet the mission goals; and

wherein the lead MRV generates instructions and transmits the instructions to the member MRVs to allow the member MRVs to form an optimal geometric configuration according to the best simulation.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of methods are sent to the lead MRV from a central command via a satellite by using a plurality of mobile software agents.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the lead MRV resolves a conflict between two member MRVs.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the lead MRV resolves the conflict by comparing MRV priorities with initial program parameters.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein the two member MRVs provide sensor data to allow the lead MRV to resolve the conflict.