Multi-Message Translator for Tactical Network Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks that use different message formats face challenges in exchanging messages and data due to incompatible protocols, such as Cursor On Target (CoT) and Variable Message Format (VMF), which are commonly used in tactical environments, making it difficult to share situational awareness information across disparate systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system, known as Multi-Message Translator (MMT), that translates messages from a source format into a common message format (CMF) and then maps them into a sink format, enabling interoperability across heterogeneous networks by using Extensible Markup Language (XML) for routing and filtering rules, and supporting various protocols like TDL-J/Link 16, JREAP C, VMF, CoT, and others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a one-to-one message translator is used to translate messages between different formats, then message format compatibility is achieved, but the system complexity and reconfiguration overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common message format (CMF) as an intermediary layer between source and sink message formats. Instead of direct one-to-one translation between incompatible formats, the system translates source messages to CMF first, then from CMF to sink formats. This mediator approach simplifies the translation process and eliminates the need for complex reconfiguration of individual translators for each format pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The common message format serves as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple source and sink message formats. A single CMF-based translator can handle translations to multiple different sink formats without requiring separate translators for each format pair, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a one-to-one message translator is used for each destination format, then accurate translation is maintained, but the time required for message distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary translation of source messages into the common message format once, before distribution to multiple destinations. This preliminary action is followed by rapid translation from CMF to various sink formats simultaneously, eliminating the need to reconfigure and re-translate for each destination sequentially, thereby reducing total distribution time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation process is segmented into two independent stages: first translating from source format to common message format, then from common message format to sink formats. This segmentation allows parallel processing and independent optimization of each stage, improving overall efficiency without compromising translation accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple translators are deployed for different message formats, then comprehensive format support is achieved, but the cost and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The common message format acts as a universal translation hub that enables a single translator to support multiple source and sink message formats. Instead of requiring separate translators for each format pair, the system uses one CMF-based translator that can dynamically translate to any supported sink format, significantly reducing the quantity of translators needed while maintaining comprehensive protocol support.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing military and commercial networks use different message formats, then network autonomy and customization are maintained, but interoperability and information sharing are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The common message format serves as a neutral intermediary that allows autonomous networks to maintain their own message formats while still being able to communicate with each other. Each network can continue using its preferred format (CoT, VMF, etc.), but the CMF enables efficient bidirectional translation and information exchange between different networks, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing autonomy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of translating a source message having a first set of defined word fields in a source message format, into a sink message having a second set of defined word fields in a desired sink message format. A common message format (CMF) is defined to have a third set of word fields that corresponds to a union of the first and the second sets of word fields. For any given word field in the third set of word fields in the CMF, information contained in a corresponding word field in the source message, if any, is mapped to the given word field in the CMF. For any given word field in the second set of word fields in the sink message format, information contained in a corresponding word field of the CMF, if any, is mapped to the given word field in the sink message.