Innovative Information System Technologies: Real-Time Monitoring and Correlation of Multiple Streams of Information from Heterogeneous Sources

We are proposing an approach for the "information gathering devices" used in all life cycle phases of C4ISR systems/subsystems (Embedded Systems). These systems produce multiple streams of data in various formats from dissimilar sources while they operate. The proposed approach will support the engineering team that develops these systems as well as the operators and maintainers in the field. This approach will provide the data in a common format and time-correlated so that it can be presented to the user in an understandable and relevant manner. This project will research and develop a data gathering instrument that can simultaneously monitor multiple heterogeneous data streams in real-time and time-correlate the monitored data files. A demonstration of the feasibility of this technology has been conducted in Phase 1. A networked architecture will be developed that incorporates distributed monitor modules for VME backplanes, Mil-Std-1553 data busses. A monitor module will be developed for Ethernet. Additionally, an approach will be developed to time-correlate the software execution in the system's processing units to the data in the heterogeneous data streams. These modules can be distributed throughout the Embedded System and over different physical locations. This architecture will be scalable to include future monitor modules such as cPCI, FibreChannel, Firewire, etc. This technology could take the form of laboratory instruments or on-board monitors with man-machine interfaces supporting operational functions.