The Quick Utility for Intelligence Planning and Scheduling (QUIPS) computer program automates the scheduling of resources that must be shared among multiple tasks or groups. Designed to aid coordination of military intelligence operations at the division and brigade levels, QUIPS might also prove useful in coordinating other large-scale operations in which resources and tasks are dispersed to various locations. QUIPS generates one primary display to show all resources on a battlefield or other area of interest, the statuses of the resources, and timeliness for their availability. A graphical user interface enables the user to point and click instead of type, thereby reducing the user's workload and increasing efficiency. In the original military application, QUIPS is coupled with the Tactical Movement Analyzer (TMA) and Sensor Placement Analyzer (SPA) programs to create an end-to-end asset-management software module. TMA digests data on roads, rivers, railroads, urban areas, vegetation, and elevation to present a picture that helps a military analyst determine the possibilities for movement by enemy and friendly forces. SPA helps in determining the most effective locations for placing a limited number of sensors, taking account of the area that could be covered by each sensor at a given location, and of effects of weather, terrain, and distance on the propagation of radio signals to and from the sensors.
This work was done by Nora Mainland, Kurt Stadsklev, and Paul Maglio of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com under the Computer Software category, or circle no. 165on the TSP Order Card in this issue to receive a copy by mail ($5 charge).
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-20207.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Software for scheduling use of shared resources
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Overview
The document outlines the Quick Utility for Intelligence Planning and Scheduling (QUIPS), a software application developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to automate the scheduling of resources in military intelligence operations. Initiated on March 17, 1992, QUIPS is designed to address the complexities of resource allocation among multiple tasks, particularly in large-scale operations where resources are oversubscribed.
QUIPS enhances coordination at the division and brigade levels by providing a graphical user interface that allows users to easily view the status and availability of all assets in a given area of interest. This interface reduces the workload on users by enabling point-and-click interactions instead of manual typing. The software generates a primary display that shows all resources, their statuses, and timelines for availability, facilitating quick decision-making for asset managers.
The application is coupled with two key analytical tools: the Tactical Movement Analyzer (TMA) and the Sensor Placement Analyzer (SPA). TMA assists analysts in determining movement possibilities for both friendly and enemy forces by integrating data on terrain features such as roads, rivers, and vegetation, along with weather conditions. This analysis helps create a detailed picture of the area, allowing for effective planning of military movements.
SPA, on the other hand, focuses on optimizing the placement of sensors. It evaluates potential sensor locations based on coverage effectiveness, taking into account factors like radio frequency propagation, terrain, and environmental conditions. This combinatorial optimization problem is typically challenging for human analysts, but SPA leverages advanced models to provide optimal sensor layouts.
The document also highlights the progress made during the fiscal year 1995, noting that QUIPS was selected as the Asset Management Module for the U.S. Army’s Block II All Source Analysis System (ASAS), which was undergoing operational evaluation at the time. The integration of QUIPS with TMA and SPA creates a comprehensive asset management module that enhances the capabilities of military intelligence operations.
Overall, QUIPS represents a significant advancement in automating resource scheduling and improving the efficiency of military operations, making it a valuable tool for intelligence collection and battlefield management. The software is available for commercial licensing, indicating its potential applicability beyond military use.
