Building Bridges with Distributed Agents
Written by Andrew Mellon, Clyde Springen and Stanley Young
MIT 2009 Volume: 13 Issue: 10 (November)
High-Order Data Processing.
Several methods exist to create this interoperability, but not all solutions are created equal. Forging basic links between systems may allow them to “talk” among themselves, usually by sending basic messages, but the resulting data, services and processing capabilities may be too simplistic for true utility.
Distributed agent-based systems interoperability (DABSI) is a solution that not only enables interoperability among existing systems, but also delivers high-order data processing and discovery capability. As a result, systems can access data to which they never would have had access previously, and utilize it to deliver timely, actionable information to warfighters.
These solutions can be applied across a wealth of DoD tactical, logistical and systems management applications. The common link among the possible applications is the need to connect existing systems and create intelligent processing capability for a more comprehensive common operating picture.
DABSI solutions create connectivity among disparate systems by installing customized agents—effectually small software programs that run on each system to create these linkages and define system capabilities, responsibilities and interactions.
Each agent is designed to operate autonomously. They are programmed with a set of goals encompassing information gathering, filtering and processing, as well as with “skills” that enable the system to achieve those goals. These skills are created through plug-ins that might govern simpler actions such as data compression or data transfer, or complex processing capabilities including correlation, pattern recognition or tracking.
Upon collecting information from all of the nodes connected to the existing system, the agent processes it according to its goals and skills. When combined, a distributed set of agents acts as a true network application. Because it is not a part of any one system, it is a net-centric solution.
Agents in a DABSI solution are fully distributed to create a genuine peer-to-peer environment. No centralized controls are required; interoperability among the systems does not rely upon aggregating data to a single location for processing. Because the solution resides within the network instead of at a central location, an added benefit is that the inevitable system disruptions expected in tactical environments or among older systems do not affect interoperability.
Further, agents are not simply programmed to complete their own tasks, but also to collaborate within the larger system of systems. DABSI solutions incorporate a “blackboard,” which basically functions as a clean slate upon which agents can post the pertinent results of their efforts. Each agent utilizes its own skills to complete its goals by recognizing important data points among the streams incoming from the system’s nodes. It processes that information according to its programming and unique skills, then posts it to the distributed blackboard. Other agents recognize the information that is essential to their own goals and retrieve it from the blackboard to apply their own processing skills. In other words, each agent applies its own expertise to work on problems it recognizes, and to produce some portion of a solution.
INTELLIGENT SYSTEM
This brings up one of the most important features of this approach, which is that DABSI creates an intelligent system. Users do not just have access to data from other systems through simple aggregation and messaging functionality. Data from all of the linked systems can be processed and managed as if the systems were originally intended to collaborate.
Further, data is available to system users through the familiar interfaces to which they have become accustomed. User interfaces can be constructed to meet any requirement using customized plug-ins. From the user’s perspective, the data becomes a part of the distributed system in which the agent resides, enabling a seamless experience. Applications for DABSI solutions are limited only by the imagination. Any scenario in which users could benefit from information sharing among legacy systems is a viable application. The most opportunity for benefit exists in networks that are:
• Distributed—Installing and running agents is a fast, easy solution for interoperability.
• Intermittent—Examples of intermittent networks might include mobile systems or tactical networks that are highly susceptible to connectivity disruptions or low bandwidth. This is a decided advantage over systems that require continuous access to other nodes in the network for interoperability, as typically seen in a server-client environment.
• Variable—Systems generally will not be able to contribute their portions of the work at regularly scheduled intervals or in predictable patterns. Agents can access data from the blackboard and post results when necessary, persistently and autonomously working even without regular inputs from other sources.
Yet even these descriptions might not fully capture the spectrum of possible applications that can be benefited by DABSI solutions. A few real-world examples will bring the power of DABSI solutions into clearer relief.
In a tactical environment, unique systems control artillery and other weapon system fires, maneuvering, intelligence and situational awareness. Using a DABSI approach, warfighters can do much more than simply access data from all of these systems in a simple messaging format. Instead, that information can be discovered, fully aggregated and processed using each system’s own interface. The warfighter achieves a more comprehensive operational picture to increase safety and mission effectiveness.
Users who are responsible for large networks can utilize DABSI solutions for monitoring and management. Each component provides status reports at intervals over time or by exception. These systems can be connected to ascertain overall health, usage and load balancing. Logistics support and services require constant access to information from several sources. Depots can utilize DABSI solutions to connect the many systems that drive their supply chains, such as inventory, scheduling and staffing, to ensure continuous availability of assets. DABSI solutions also can be utilized as a way to bridge the gap between old and new. New systems are constructed at different times and for different purposes, using technologies that may be entirely unlike those within previously deployed systems. DABSI solutions can enable these systems to interoperate while creating a seamless user experience.
CREATING A SOLUTION
The first step in creating a DABSI solution is determining which data needs to be available, where it needs to be available within the network, and how the systems should collaborate. Next, the existing interfaces are identified within the distributed systems to ensure they can be utilized by the agents moving forward.
Then the architects must determine the type of information adaptation necessary at the individual system level in order for the other systems to access and use it. This step establishes basic data accessibility. Finally, plug-ins are created to govern the advanced processing functions that the user has requested. For example, one important plug-in might establish data authentication for added system security. Because these plug-ins are custom designed, essentials like information assurance can be built into the DABSI solution.
In terms of deployment, installation of agents onto the individual systems is straightforward and requires no system hardware modifications. In fact, the process is similar to loading a new software program onto a PC. Nor are DABSI solutions affected when the individual systems are upgraded or modified. As long as data interfaces remain the same, agents can continue their work, access the blackboard and provide data to users.
Because of their custom design to specifically address individual applications, DABSI solutions provide valuable benefits, including serving as a viable alternative to fielding expensive new systems or for gap-filling during long acquisition cycles; ease of installation; operation in low-bandwidth or intermittent communication networks; flexible architecture to accommodate large or small applications; no requirement for hardware system modification; and access and use of data through familiar, system-specific interfaces.
These benefits create a powerful value proposition for customers over the life of the system. Generally, total cost of ownership can be extended over several years, and the utility of the individual systems can be improved. Further, DABSI technology occupies a minimal footprint in the overall system and does not demand system-level modifications to operate.
As a result, DABSI technology represents a robust, value-added solution at all levels of military networks, and spanning a wide spectrum of applications from tactical to logistical. In so doing, users can build bridges between existing systems for faster, more efficient, and more comprehensive system interoperability, and a more complete operational picture. ♦
Andrew Mellon, Clyde Springen and Stanley Young are with Overwatch Tactical Operations.
