Exploring Network-Centric Information Architectures for Unmanned Systems Control and Data Dissemination
Abstract
The exploration and development of an information architecture for networked unmanned systems is described. The unmanned systems discussed utilize standard components for guidance and navigation, coupled with additional computing devices for interfacing with a network. These platforms in turn communicate with a broader network of devices, applications, and users via a variety of wireless network links. Networking a platform that is traditionally operated via serial control links and analog sensor downlinks provides two distinct advantages: (i) high-level control, or "tasking," of the platform is easily extended from the single operator to any authorized user on the network; and (ii) sensor data and status information may be disseminated rapidly across the network to all interested recipients. The architecture developed through this exploration is applied in a prototype UAV which is utilized as both a high-resolution imaging platform and a wireless network relay. Testing and evaluation of the architecture occurs on an ongoing, quarterly basis through a cooperative field experiment program run by U.S. Special Operations Command and the Naval Postgraduate School.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA589305
Entities
People
- Eugene Bourakov
- Kevin D. Jones
- Michael R. Clement
- Vladimir Dobrokhodov
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School