BACKGROUND

In simulated network environments (including contested environments) incorporating multiple mobile platforms and/or stations, visualizing key wireless parameters is critical to communicating system capabilities to potential customers. Similarly, visualization in the context of testing and evaluation by engineering and development staff helps to highlight system deficiencies yet to be addressed. Whether in simulated or real-world environments, visualizing wireless links and their critical performance parameters via intuitive displays benefits mission planners responsible for laying out communication networks in contested environments and pilots depending on said wireless networks to fulfill mission objectives. However, the present state of the art is limited both with respect to the amount of information conveyable and to the clarity of the conveyed information (e.g., binary connectivity status; frequencies used and the direction of signal travel; “squawks” and like transmission events; and terrain blockage, e.g., when a wireless link ends or is obscured by the earth's surface).

SUMMARY

A system for multimode visualization of wireless link parameters is disclosed. In embodiments, the system may be associated with a network node of a wireless or simulated wireless network (including, e.g., communications, navigation, ranging, and/or other appropriate types of wireless links). For example, the system may receive sensed and/or simulated performance data for any wireless links between the node and other nodes throughout the network. The system may derive from the received performance data performance parameters specific to each wireless link. The system includes a graphics generator for creating and displaying (e.g., via platform-based, station-based simulated display systems) graphical visualizations of the node (e.g., or of the network, in whole or in part), wireless links between the node and other network nodes, and performance parameters specific to each link.

In some embodiments, the wireless links include non-received links (e.g., wireless links of which an intended recipient does not have reception due to jamming or some other form of interference), and the displayed parameters include a non-reception status of the non-received link, e.g., a reception threshold point (RTP) based on one or more applicable reception metrics, e.g., a required signal-to-interference (S/I) ratio, compared to actual interference levels, the RTP indicating a location where the node would need to be to have reception of the signal.

In some embodiments, the non-received link is a jammed link, and the non-reception status is a jamming status indicating whether the jamming source or platform is hostile (e.g., adversarial) or friendly.

In some embodiments, the wireless links include links received by another platform or node within the network (whether by intended, friendly, or adversarial recipients), and the link parameters include a low probability of interception (LPI; e.g., low probability of detection (LPD)) status. For example, the LPI status may include whether the detecting platform is hostile or friendly, and an excess reception power indicator (ERPI) indicating excess receiving power over a minimum reception threshold at the receiving platform.

In some embodiments, the graphic visualization includes a spectrum analysis display including, e.g., frequency bandwidths and/or power levels (e.g., peak, average) of wireless links associated with a node or nodes.

In some embodiments, the graphic visualization includes interactive text displays for each wireless link, e.g., including in textual form link parameters not otherwise graphically represented or selected for textual display.

In some embodiments, the graphics generator presents graphical visualizations in multiple presentation modes, e.g., link connectivity (LC) mode, electromagnetic (EM) spatial mode, platform focused (PF) mode. The system includes input devices allowing the user to toggle between different presentation modes as needed or desired.

In some embodiments, the presented link parameters include: bandwidth; waveform type; reception status of a transmitted or received packet (e.g., complete transmission or reception, partial transmission or reception, or failed transmission/non-reception); jamming status, LPI/detection status; and/or link margin.

A method for multimode visualization of wireless link parameters is also disclosed. In embodiments, the method includes receiving network performance data for wireless links (including, but not limited to, communications, navigation, and/or ranging links) between nodes of a wireless network environment. The method includes deriving, based on the received performance data, link parameters specific to each wireless link. The method includes generating graphical visualizations representative of the network nodes (e.g., a node and all nodes linked thereto, the network in whole or in part), the wireless links, and the derived link parameters. The method includes presenting the generated graphical visualizations to users via display devices, e.g., platform- or station-based devices or simulator displays.

In some embodiments, the method includes deriving link parameters selected from a group including: success or failure of a transmitted or received packet (e.g., complete transmission/reception, partial transmission/reception, or failed transmission/non-reception); jamming status (e.g., for links not received due to jamming interference), LPI/detection status; and/or link margin.

In some embodiments, the wireless links include non-received links (e.g., jammed or otherwise non-received due to interference), and the method includes deriving an RTP based on one or more applicable reception metrics compared to actual interference levels, the RTP indicating a location where a node would need to be to have reception of the signal.

In some embodiments, the wireless links include detected links associated with a receiving platform (e.g., a platform detecting, identifying, processing, or decoding a wireless signal sent via the wireless link), and the method includes deriving a low probability of interception (LPI; e.g., low probability of detection (LPD)) status. For example, the LPI status may include whether the receiving platform is hostile or friendly and/or an ERPI dB distance based on excess power levels over a minimum reception power threshold at the detecting platform.

In some embodiments, the method includes generating a spectrum analysis display, e.g., representative of a particular network node and its associated wireless links.

In some embodiments, the method includes generating an interactive text display for each wireless link, the interactive text display presenting textually selected link parameters or link parameters not otherwise graphically presented.

In some embodiments, the method includes presenting graphical visualizations in multiple presentation modes, e.g., a link-connectivity mode and/or a platform-focused mode, and, based on control input provided by a user, selecting from among multiple graphical visualizations or associated modes to be displayed.

This Summary is provided solely as an introduction to subject matter that is fully described in the Detailed Description and Drawings. The Summary should not be considered to describe essential features nor be used to determine the scope of the Claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description are example and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the subject matter claimed.

