Ad-hoc Interoperability via Support Capability Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional one-to-one interoperability approaches are costly and time-consuming, and poorly suited for dynamic collaboration in net-centric operations environments, where systems need to collaborate and communicate with diverse entities without prior knowledge of interoperability requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided to define and implement various levels of interoperability capabilities, including a basic type, on each node without modifying the application layer, allowing nodes to obtain additional interoperability capabilities on an ad-hoc basis, enabling compatibility and communication among diverse systems and platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional one-to-one interoperability approaches are used, then interoperability between specific systems is achieved, but the cost and time required to provide and test interoperability increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by defining a common set of interoperability support capabilities that can be implemented on any node regardless of its specific function or application. These capabilities provide a universal foundation that enables any node to interoperate with any other node, eliminating the need for custom one-to-one interoperability solutions for each system pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments interoperability into multiple levels (basic type and extended types), where each level represents a distinct set of capabilities. This segmentation allows nodes to achieve interoperability at the basic level universally, and then selectively obtain additional capabilities at extended levels only when needed, reducing overall testing and certification requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional one-to-one interoperability approaches are used, then specific system compatibility is ensured, but the complexity of providing interoperability across diverse systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
By providing a universal set of interoperability support capabilities at the basic level, the patent reduces implementation complexity. Any node implementing these basic capabilities can interoperate with any other node, regardless of the specific system type or application, thereby ensuring compatibility without requiring complex custom integration for each system pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic acquisition of interoperability capabilities, where nodes can obtain additional support capabilities for extended interoperability types on an ad-hoc basis. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to diverse interoperability needs without pre-configuring all possible system combinations, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If stovepipe interoperability requirements are implemented, then specific application layer compatibility is achieved, but the cost and time to modify application layers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the node architecture into application layer and support capability layer, where interoperability capabilities are implemented at the support layer rather than modifying the application layer. This segmentation allows the application layer to remain unchanged while still achieving interoperability through the underlying support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The interoperability support capabilities act as an intermediary layer between different application layers, enabling compatibility without direct modification of applications. This intermediary layer handles the interoperability functionality, allowing diverse applications to communicate through standardized support capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a priori knowledge of interoperability requirements is obtained, then interoperability can be planned in advance, but the adaptability to dynamic mission requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic acquisition of interoperability capabilities, where nodes can obtain additional support capabilities for extended interoperability types on an ad-hoc basis during operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing mission requirements in real-time without requiring pre-planning of all interoperability scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
While enabling dynamic adaptation, the patent also provides preliminary action by establishing a basic set of interoperability support capabilities on all nodes in advance. This preliminary foundation allows nodes to immediately interoperate at a basic level, with the option to acquire additional capabilities as needed, thereby reducing initial setup time while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing interoperability among communications network nodes. Interoperability types, including a basic type of interoperability, are defined. For each interoperability type, a support capability is defined for implementation on a node without modification to the node application layer. On each node is provided at least the basic interoperability type support capability. Each node can use the basic interoperability type support capability to obtain, on an ad-hoc basis, a support capability for another type of interoperability with another node. This method facilitates system-of-systems interoperability while lowering complexity and risk.