An evolutionary algorithm technique for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance plan optimization

John T. Langton; Joseph A. Caroli; Brad Rosenberg

doi:10.1117/12.784272

2 May 2008 An evolutionary algorithm technique for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance plan optimization

John T. Langton, Joseph A. Caroli, Brad Rosenberg

Proceedings Volume 6964, Evolutionary and Bio-Inspired Computation: Theory and Applications II; 696407 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.784272
Event: SPIE Defense and Security Symposium, 2008, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

To support an Effects Based Approach to Operations (EBAO), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) planners must optimize collection plans within an evolving battlespace. A need exists for a decision support tool that allows ISR planners to rapidly generate and rehearse high-performing ISR plans that balance multiple objectives and constraints to address dynamic collection requirements for assessment. To meet this need we have designed an evolutionary algorithm (EA)-based "Integrated ISR Plan Analysis and Rehearsal System" (I2PARS) to support Effects-based Assessment (EBA). I2PARS supports ISR mission planning and dynamic replanning to coordinate assets and optimize their routes, allocation and tasking. It uses an evolutionary algorithm to address the large parametric space of route-finding problems which is sometimes discontinuous in the ISR domain because of conflicting objectives such as minimizing asset utilization yet maximizing ISR coverage. EAs are uniquely suited for generating solutions in dynamic environments and also allow user feedback. They are therefore ideal for "streaming optimization" and dynamic replanning of ISR mission plans. I2PARS uses the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) to automatically generate a diverse set of high performing collection plans given multiple objectives, constraints, and assets. Intended end users of I2PARS include ISR planners in the Combined Air Operations Centers and Joint Intelligence Centers. Here we show the feasibility of applying the NSGA-II algorithm and EAs in general to the ISR planning domain. Unique genetic representations and operators for optimization within the ISR domain are presented along with multi-objective optimization criteria for ISR planning. Promising results of the I2PARS architecture design, early software prototype, and limited domain testing of the new algorithm are discussed. We also present plans for future research and development, as well as technology transition goals.

Citation Download Citation

John T. Langton, Joseph A. Caroli, and Brad Rosenberg "An evolutionary algorithm technique for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance plan optimization", Proc. SPIE 6964, Evolutionary and Bio-Inspired Computation: Theory and Applications II, 696407 (2 May 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.784272

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