A UAV routing and sensor control optimization algorithm for target search

Gaemus E. Collins; James R. Riehl; Philip S. Vegdahl

doi:10.1117/12.718888

8 May 2007 A UAV routing and sensor control optimization algorithm for target search

Gaemus E. Collins, James R. Riehl, Philip S. Vegdahl

Proceedings Volume 6561, Unmanned Systems Technology IX; 65610D (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.718888
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

An important problem in unmanned air vehicle (UAV) and UAV-mounted sensor control is the target search problem: locating target(s) in minimum time. Current methods solve the optimization of UAV routing control and sensor management independently. While this decoupled approach makes the target search problem computationally tractable, it is suboptimal. In this paper, we explore the target search and classification problems by formulating and solving a joint UAV routing and sensor control optimization problem. The routing problem is solved on a graph using receding horizon optimal control. The graph is dynamically adjusted based on the target probability distribution function (PDF). The objective function for the routing optimization is the solution of a sensor control optimization problem. An optimal sensor schedule (in the sense of maximizing the viewed target probability mass) is constructed for each candidate flight path in the routing control problem. The PDF of the target state is represented with a particle filter and an "occupancy map" for any undiscovered targets. The tradeoff between searching for undiscovered targets and locating tracks is handled automatically and dynamically by the use of an appropriate objective function. In particular, the objective function is based on the expected amount of target probability mass to be viewed.

Citation Download Citation

Gaemus E. Collins, James R. Riehl, and Philip S. Vegdahl "A UAV routing and sensor control optimization algorithm for target search", Proc. SPIE 6561, Unmanned Systems Technology IX, 65610D (8 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.718888

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