Reconfigurable Data Distribution System for Armored Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Armored vehicles face challenges in integrating new hardware and software components due to proprietary platforms, leading to increased system integration costs, decreased operational situational awareness, and delays in fielding new technologies, which hinders their ability to effectively defend against emerging threats.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable data distribution system that includes a stream generator to convert analog sensor data into digital format, a router to forward data, and a display processor to format and display data on a single console, allowing integration of multiple modular sensors, communication devices, and weapon systems into a single networked solution, regardless of the sensors' operational platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary platforms are used for each hardware and software component, then each component can operate on its own optimized platform, but system integration costs increase and operational situational awareness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal networked system architecture that allows multiple proprietary sensors and components to interoperate through a common network interface. The system provides a standardized data distribution network that can accommodate various sensor types (video, audio, infrared, radar) from different vendors, enabling universal compatibility without requiring each component to be customized for specific platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a networked system architecture as an intermediary layer between proprietary sensors and the command system. This network layer acts as a mediator that translates and routes data from various proprietary platforms using standard communication protocols, reducing integration complexity while maintaining component compatibility
2Productivity
If new hardware and software components are integrated into armored vehicles, then operational capabilities improve, but integration costs increase and fielding delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic, reconfigurable networked system that can adapt to new sensors and components as they become available. The system allows for flexible addition and removal of sensors without requiring complete system reintegration, enabling rapid fielding of new capabilities while maintaining operational productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the system into modular, independently integrable components connected through a networked architecture. Each sensor can be integrated separately through standard network interfaces, allowing parallel development and testing of individual components rather than requiring complete system integration, thereby reducing fielding delays
3Quantity of substance
If multiple proprietary sensors are integrated into armored vehicles, then sensor coverage and data sources increase, but system integration costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple proprietary sensors into a unified networked system where all sensors communicate through a common data distribution network. This consolidation approach reduces integration complexity by providing a standardized interface layer, allowing numerous sensors to be managed through a single architectural framework rather than requiring separate integration pathways for each sensor type
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer programs products for a reconfigurable data distribution system are described herein. An embodiment includes a stream generator that receives analog data from a plurality of sensors. Data received from sensors, for example, may include video data received from an externally mounted camera on an armored vehicle. The stream generator converts analog data received from the sensors into a digital format that can be transmitted to a router. The router forwards the data in the digital format to a display processor. The display processor formats the data received from the router for display on a display device. The display processor may also receive data from other peripherals, including but not limited to, a touch screen device or a keypad. Furthermore, the display processor may communicate with the sensors and includes all operational information needed to operate the sensors that provide data to the stream generator, regardless of the sensors' operational platform.