Tactical Communication Hub with Dynamic Port-Group Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intercom systems struggle with dynamic configuration challenges in demanding environments where user configurations and access are not pre-programmed, leading to complex communication setups and potential misunderstandings, especially in military and public safety operations.
Innovation Solution
A controllable tactical communication system featuring a communication hub with configurable connectors and processing elements that enable real-time monitoring and dynamic control of communication paths, allowing on-the-fly reconfiguration of access and links, and providing a graphical user interface for clear communication status overview.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-programmed user configurations are used in intercom systems, then system setup is simplified, but adaptability to dynamic mission requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-programmed configurations to dynamic on-the-fly configuration. The communication hub allows users to add, remove, and modify communication devices and personal devices during mission operations, enabling the system to adapt to changing mission requirements in real-time without requiring reprogramming of all configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration where users can independently add or remove communication devices and personal devices from the intercom system without requiring administrator intervention or complex reconfiguration procedures. The hub automatically manages the dynamic configuration based on device connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication devices and channels are integrated, then communication coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication hub serves as an intermediary device that centralizes the management of multiple communication devices and channels. It provides a unified interface for controlling VHF radios, UHF radios, HF radios, SATCOM radios, and Tactical Data Links, simplifying the user experience while supporting diverse communication platforms through a single control point.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub is designed with universal connectivity capabilities, featuring multiple types of connectors (first connectors for communication devices, second connectors for personal devices) that can interface with various communication platforms. This multi-functional design allows a single hub to manage diverse communication devices without requiring separate specialized systems for each device type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time configuration changes are enabled, then mission adaptability is improved, but control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time status information about connected communication devices and personal devices. This feedback enables users to monitor the current configuration state and make informed decisions when adding or removing devices, reducing control difficulty while maintaining real-time adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 2A
AI summary
The present invention relates to A communication hub (101, 137, 203) to be used in a demanding environment, the communication hub (101, 137, 203) comprising a first number, e.g. a plurality, of first connectors (103f-i), each first connector (103f-i) configured to connect to a communication device (207a-d), and a second number, e.g. a plurality, of second connectors (103a-e), each second connector (103a-e) configured to connect to a personal user device (3, 5, 149, 209a-h) e.g. or preferably of a set of personal communication equipment (13, 209a-h), a communication control data structure (119) controlling which communication devices (207a-d), being connected to the communication hub (101, 137, 203), that can communicate, via the communication hub (101, 137, 203), with which personal user devices (3, 5), being connected to the communication hub (101, 137, 203), the communication control data structure (119) comprising data representing a first number of first port channel data structures (125a-j), each respectively designated or assigned to a respective one of the first connectors (103f-i), or at least one or some first connectors thereof, data representing a second number of second port channel data structures (125a-j), each respectively designated or assigned to a respective one of the second connectors (103a-e), or at least one or some second connectors thereof,, and data representing at least one port group data structure (123, 131, 133, 135) for at least one, e.g. each, of the first port channel data structures (125a-j) and/or for at least one, e.g. each, of the second port channel data structures (125a-j), data representing two or more links (129), and one or more processing elements (109, 113, 115, 227) configured to link (129), in the communication control data structure (119), a first port channel data structure (125a-j), having a communication device (207a-d) connected therefore, to at least one port group data structure (123, 131, 133, 135) and/or, link (129), in the communication control data structure (119), a second port channel data structure (125a-j), having a personal user device (3, 5, 209a-h) connected therefore, to at least one port group data structure (123, 131, 133, 135), so that at least one first port channel data structure (125a-j) is linked (129) to a second port channel data structure (125a-j) via at least one port group data structure (123, 131, 133, 135), and only allow or facilitate communication between a particular communication device (207a-d) and a particular personal user device (3, 5, 209a-h) if the respective first port channel data structure (125a-j) and second port channel data structure (125a-j) is linked via the same port group data structure (123, 131, 133, 135).