ENABLING COLLABORATION AND VISUALIZATION OF COMPLEX OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY COMPUTER NETWORKS WITH AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGY

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Authors
Timmerman, Matthew R.
Subjects
network visualization
augmented reality
operational technology
cybersecurity
situational awareness
multiuser environments
collaborative decision making
usability
Hololens
Advisors
Irvine, Cynthia E.
Sadagic, Amela
Date of Issue
2018-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Operational Technology (OT) networks are critical to mission operations on many naval platforms, yet it is often difficult to effectively communicate their status and engage in efficient decision-making at all levels of operation. While the complexity of networks has increased, visualization methods suiting the needs of a diverse set of users have not kept up. To address this problem, this research evaluated whether visualization, provided to a small group of operators acting in a shared work environment on network management, can be supported using commercial off-the-shelf, lightweight, portable augmented reality (AR) technology. The work included building a prototype AR OT network on a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer (DDG) three-dimensional model with four decks and simulated interconnected ship systems. We then designed and implemented a network infrastructure between a set of Hololenses, and built an application that allowed multiple users to collaborate by viewing the same virtual model in a real-world space setting. A study tested the system interface's usability and its value in network management scenarios. The results suggest that a lightweight AR system, with an interface that supports small-team collaboration, could be a valuable tool for increasing situational awareness in cyberspace and allowing effective team decision-making.
Type
Thesis
Description
Department
Information Sciences (IS)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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