Method and apparatus for controlling the movement of a plurality of agents
US6507771B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0257
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for controlling the movement of agents using local communications is provided. Generally, each agent maintains an optimal distance from other local neighbor agents by, for each agent 200, selecting a local agent 202, measuring the distance and angle to the agent 204, performing a distance maintenance calculation 218, and repeating the distance maintenance calculation 218 for each local agent. In the distance maintenance calculation 218, an attraction/repulsion map is used in order to determine whether an agent is attracted to or repelled from other agents. A motion vector is used to determine agent responses to the attraction or repulsion. Over time, the agents settle into a neutral configuration where each is optimally distanced from the other agents. Reference agents and leader agents can be designated to direct the movement of other agents, and agents can be designated as blocking beacons to repel other agents from undesirable areas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.