Architecture Design and Performance Analysis of Supervisory Control System of Multiple UAVs

Guozhong Zhang; Xin Lei; Yifeng Niu; Daibing Zhang

doi:10.14429/dsj.65.5837

Guozhong Zhang National University of Defense Technology, Changsha
Xin Lei National University of Defense Technology, Changsha
Yifeng Niu National University of Defense Technology, Changsha
Daibing Zhang National University of Defense Technology, Changsha

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.65.5837

Keywords: Multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, supervisory control, levels of autonomy, wait times, operator utilisation

Abstract

Although UAV systems are currently controlled by a group of people, in the future, increased automation could allow a single operator to supervise multiple UAVs. Operators will be involved in the mission planning, imagery analysis, weapon control, and contingency interventions. This study examines the architecture and prototype of multiple UAVs supervisory control system. Firstly, the architecture for testing and evaluating human supervisory system controlling multiple UAVs is devised and each sub-system is described in detail. Then a prototype test bed of multiple UAVs supervisory control for demonstrating architecture and adaptive levels of autonomy is built. Finally, with the test bed, the impact of dynamic role allocation on system performance is studied based on quantitative criteria of wait times and operator utilisation. It is shown by simulation that dynamic role allocation can effectively shorten wait times, and eventually improve the system performance.

Defence Science Journal, Vol. 65, No. 2, March 2015, pp.93-98, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.65.5837

Author Biographies

Guozhong Zhang, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha

Dr Guozhong Zhang received his PhD from National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), China, in 2003. Currently working as an Associate Professor at College of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation in NUDT, China. His research interests include: Supervisory control system and intelligent adaptive automation.

Xin Lei, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha

Ms Xin Lei is pursuing her PhD from College of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, NUDT, China. Her research interests include: Mission planning and robot control.

Yifeng Niu, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha

Dr Yifeng Niu received his PhD from NUDT in 2007. Currently working as an Associate Professor at College of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, in NUDT, China. His research interests include: Image processing and cooperative control.

Daibing Zhang, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha

Dr Daibing Zhang received his PhD from NUDT in 2007. Currently working as an Associate Professor at College of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, in NUDT, China. His research interests include: Robot control and neural networks.