Network-Centric Targeting System Concurrent Module Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing targeting systems in military operations are serial and process-oriented, leading to delayed information sharing and inefficiencies, as each step is performed sequentially without concurrent communication between modules, resulting in stove-piped processes that hinder effective targeting and data management across different systems and services.
Innovation Solution
A network-centric targeting system that integrates modules for planning, sensing, refining, tracking, targeting, delivering, and assessing effects, allowing for concurrent operation and seamless information sharing between modules, regardless of their location or system, using a service-oriented architecture to facilitate data exchange and provide a unified view of both strategic and tactical targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serial processes (F2T2EA or D3A) are used for targeting, then the targeting process follows a structured step-by-step approach, but information is not shared effectively across modules and processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate serial modules (prepare, sense, refine, track, target, deliver, assess) into an integrated network-centric system where all modules operate concurrently and share information through a common data model, eliminating the sequential delays of traditional F2T2EA or D3A processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the network infrastructure, common data model, and module interconnections before targeting operations begin, enabling immediate concurrent processing and real-time information sharing without sequential setup delays
2Ease of operation
If serial processes are used for targeting, then each step is completed sequentially, but a unified battle-space-wide view of targets is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal common data model that serves all modules (prepare, sense, refine, track, target, deliver, assess) simultaneously, enabling each module to access and contribute to the same target information, thereby providing a unified battle-space-wide view while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces
3Device complexity
If traditional targeting systems are used, then modules operate independently, but information sharing across modules is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common data model as an intermediary layer between the modular system components, enabling effective information sharing while preserving system modularity. This intermediary standardizes data exchange formats and protocols, allowing independent modules to communicate seamlessly without losing information
Data Source
AI summary
A network-centric targeting system includes a prepare module to plan for targeting engagements and to identify a target; a sense module to locate targets of opportunity and targets generated by the prepare module to form targeting information; a refine module to enhance the targeting information from the sense module; a track module to maintain a location of a target, a state of the target and target activity, the track module being coupled to the refine module; a target module to select effects and to coordinate delivery of selected effects to the target, the target module being coupled to the track module, the refine module and the sense module; a deliver module to deliver effects to the target, the deliver module being coupled to the track module, the refine module, the target module and the sense module; and an assess module to assess effectiveness of the delivered effects on the target.