Using hybrid multiobjective machine learning to optimise sonobuoy placement patterns



Taylor, Christopher M ORCID: 0000-0002-9844-1001, Maskell, Simon ORCID: 0000-0003-1917-2913 and Ralph, Jason F ORCID: 0000-0002-4946-9948
(2023) Using hybrid multiobjective machine learning to optimise sonobuoy placement patterns. IET RADAR SONAR AND NAVIGATION, 17 (3). pp. 374-387.

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Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>This paper presents a new approach to finding optimal patterns for the placement of fields of sonobuoys in a complex undersea environment. We model the problem as a biobjective one, where the aim is to minimise both sensor placement time and uncertainty over target localisation. Both objectives may be important in time‐critical localisation scenarios and our approach allows an operator to choose between different optimal solutions, favouring lower placement time or lower localisation uncertainty as operational circumstances require. We develop a two‐phase algorithm, where an offline multiobjective evolutionary phase finds initial Pareto‐non‐dominated solutions to a static problem and then an online multiobjective reinforcement learning phase finds improved solutions using updated information. We find that the evolutionary algorithm improves significantly on standard grid patterns and that the  reinforcement learning algorithm improves further on the evolutionary phase. The number of sonobuoys required may also be reduced.</jats:p>

Item Type: Article
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 25 Nov 2022 11:24
Last Modified: 04 Sep 2023 03:04
DOI: 10.1049/rsn2.12347
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1049/rsn2.12347
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3166381