CPS: Small: High-Impact Decision Making Using Cyber-Physical Systems: A Distortion-Based Framework

许多新兴的网络物理系统（CPS）都是由自主代理组成的网络，这些代理可以做出具有高影响力的决策，例如，执行搜救（SAR）任务的机器人或无人机网络。这样的系统被称为高影响决策网络物理系统（HI-CPS）。本研究旨在为HI-CPS建立统一的理论框架，并通过全面实施和测试此类系统的具体示例来验证该框架，即在恶劣条件下搜索失踪者的自主代理网络。这项研究汇集了概率论、决策理论、信息论、无线网络、机器学习和运输工程的概念。根据定义，本研究侧重于高影响系统，它可以直接影响重要的新兴现实生活系统的设计。教育和外展活动很好地融入了研究，包括开发荣誉论文研讨会课程，为代表性不足的群体举办讲习班，以及创建开放的教育内容。本研究有两个重点：第一，提出了适用于此类高影响决策的一般性决策理论；这是基于一种新颖的观点，即当我们做出具有重大影响的决定时，概率的概念本身是不够的。结果表明，该方法是期望效用的多维推广。证明了一个普适性结果，表明任何其他决策操作都可以作为该方法的特例，强调了该方法的充分性。推力2侧重于扩展框架，以包括HI-CPS中的两个重要因素：(1)信息传输的及时性和效率以及(2)电源管理。因此，HI-CPS是通过将所有这些因素纳入决策框架来设计和开发的。为了验证该理论，构建并测试了HI-CPS的具体示例，即使用自主代理网络的SAR系统。本研究通过提供统一HI-CPS的新模型和理论，直接解决了信息物理系统科学（CPS）。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Many emerging cyber-physical systems (CPS) are composed of a network of autonomous agents that make high-impact decisions, for example, a network of robots or drones that are on a search and rescue (SAR) mission. Such systems are referred to as high-impact decision making cyber-physical systems (HI-CPS). This research aims at building a unified theoretical framework for HI-CPS and validating this framework by fully implementing and testing a concrete example of such systems, namely, a network of autonomous agents that search for a lost person in dire conditions. This research brings together concepts from probability theory, decision theory, information theory, wireless networks, machine learning, and transportation engineering. By definition, this research focuses on high-impact systems, and it can directly impact the design of important emerging real-life systems. Educational and outreach activities are well-integrated into the research and include developing an honors thesis seminar course, workshops for underrepresented groups, and creating open educational content. The research has two thrusts: In Thrust 1, a new general theory of decision making suitable for such high-impact decision making is developed. This is based on the novel idea that the very notion of probability is insufficient when we are making high-impact decisions. It is shown that the approach is a multi-dimensional generalization of expected utility. A universality result is proved showing that any other decision-making operation can be framed as a special case of the proposed approach, emphasizing the sufficiency of the approach. Thrust 2 focuses on extending the framework to include two vital factors in HI-CPS: (1) timeliness and efficiency of information transmission as well as (2) power management. Thus, HI-CPS is designed and developed by incorporating all of these factors into a decision-making framework. To validate the theory, a concrete example of HI-CPS, i.e., an SAR system using a network of autonomous agents is built and tested. This research directly addresses Science of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) by providing new models and theories that unify HI-CPS.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.