Cooperative Control of Distributed Autonomous Systems with Applications to Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

This thesis extends previously developed self-tuning adaptive control algorithms to be applied to a scenario where multiple vehicles autonomously form a communication chain which maximizes the bandwidth of a wireless sensor network. In the simulated scenario, multiple unmanned aerial vehicles are guided to positions that optimize communication links between multiple ground antennas. Guidance is provided by a self-tuning extremum controller, which uses adaptive techniques to autonomously guide a vehicle to the optimal location with respect to a cost function in an uncertain and noisy environment. In the case of high-bandwidth communication, this optimal location is the point where signal-to-noise ratio is maximized between two antennas. Using UAVs as relay nodes, an optimized communication chain allows for greater communication range and bandwidth across a network. Control system models are developed and tested using computer and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, which will be validated with a flight test at a future date.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA501360

Entities

People

  • Mark G. Richard

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Communication Networks
  • Control Systems
  • Cooperative Control
  • Ground Control Stations
  • Guidance
  • High Bandwidth Communications
  • Line Of Sight
  • Mesh Networks
  • Sensor Networks
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Unmanned Systems
  • Unmanned Vehicles
  • Wireless Communications
  • Wireless Networks
  • Wireless Sensor Networks

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Computer Networking
  • Robotics and Automation.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - Autonomous System Control