Stochastic approximation approach to predictive encoding for bandwidth saving in situation awareness

Situation awareness systems must process and disseminate position information from widely dispersed maneuvering warfighters using combat net radios in restrictive environments. Such systems are important for effective monitoring, situation assessment, and mission planning. When information about the current location of friendly forces is combined with their identity, maneuver plans, and expected future locations, a complete situation awareness system is obtained. Due to the large volume of situation awareness data transmitted over the tactical communication links, it is essential to conserve bandwidth. This paper describes a bandwidth saving algorithm using the theory of Stochastic Approximation. Analysis of this algorithm is presented and its performance is validated by means of simulation.