Visualizing Ad-Hoc Network Nodes for Dynamic Topology Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing mobile ad-hoc networks in military operations is challenging due to their dynamic topology and unpredictability, making it difficult to visualize trends and potential issues in real-time, especially in network-of-networks scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A system for managing communications networks that displays ad-hoc nodes relative to their current geographic location, allowing for visualization of node capabilities and network health on a geographical background, using a combination of logical simulation, visualization, and network performance subsystems to monitor and manage network health and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If MANET nodes are mobile to provide flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but topology stability deteriorates making real-time visualization difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidtopology stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the dynamic MANET topology on a display device. This graphical representation updates in real-time to reflect current network state, allowing operators to visualize and understand the changing topology without directly interacting with the mobile nodes themselves. The copy stabilizes the information presentation even as the actual network topology changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary visualization layer between the mobile MANET nodes and the user. This intermediary component (the display system with graphical user interface) mediates the complex, changing network topology into comprehensible visual representations, allowing users to monitor and manage the network without being overwhelmed by its dynamic nature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If real-time visualization is implemented to monitor network health, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork health detectionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the network monitoring function into distinct components: network nodes that generate data, a visualization system that processes data, and a display interface that presents information. This segmentation allows each component to focus on a specific task, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time detection capability. The modular architecture enables independent optimization of each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual monitoring and analysis mechanisms with an automated computer-based visualization system. Instead of manually tracking network health parameters, the system uses software to automatically collect, process, and display network status information, substituting mechanical/manual processes with electronic automation to reduce operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9276774B2Visualizing and modifying ad-hoc network nodes

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method of managing a network including a plurality of nodes. The nodes are displayed, in a pictorial display, relative to a current geographic location of the nodes. The method includes modifying, via the display and via the network, one or more capabilities of one of the nodes. The node is an ad-hoc node. This method can improve network management flexibility, asset utilization, resource sharing, and load leveling.