Component Architecture for Distributed Situational Awareness

Physical Sciences Inc. will develop a real-time, open architecture, software component architecture, and associated data access interface, as a key enabling element of a distributed common operating picture (DCOP) capability for future naval combat systems. The Software Component Framework (SCF) provides an execution environment for the various capability modules which comprise a DCOP service, including the dynamic data store, cross-platform synchronization algorithms, access authentication and control, as well as any tightly-coupled data processing applications. The SCF enables these capability modules to be developed independently and to be readily loaded and upgraded on-the-fly during combat system execution without impacting overall system availability. The SCF includes an application programming interface (API) to allow components to request and provide their respective services to each other, and to query, access, and update data entities stored within the DCOP data store component. The primary innovation in the SCF design is the use of dynamic run-time adaptable data structures for representation of the battlespace entities and tactical sensor data streams. This approach enables evolution of the database to incorporate new equipment or sensors into the COP without disrupting system operation, while maintaining efficient real-time performance. In the Phase I effort, PSI will establish feasibility of the core SCF design through focused prototype and benchmark efforts.