A Software Prototype of the Message Processor in Navy C3I Station

Abstract

Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (C3I) systems are hard real-time systems that assist a force commander in understanding a tactical situation within his area of responsibility. The system provides the commander with the necessary information to enable him to evaluate options and direct appropriate responses. This paper focuses on a sub-module of the entire system, the Message Processor (MP), which is responsible for message passing of data between ships and aircraft. The Message Processor is a time constrained system, that is, it must meet real time processing deadlines in order for the C3I system to provide the force commander with timely information. The complexities of design of large real time systems, such as the Message Processor, has often resulted in low programming productivity and reliability. These problems may be alleviated through the modelling of the system by rapid design prototypes. The Prototyping System Description Language (PSDL) is well suited to the construction of these rapid prototypes. The requirements of real time systems may be firmed up in an iterative approach through PSDL executable prototypes. This iterative approach clarifies requirements and eliminates a large amount of wasted effort currently spent on software development using traditional software life cycle models. PSDL is designed to operate within a software support environment which contains a software-base management system, a syntax directed editor, a design database and an execution support subsystem. This paper presents a PSDL prototype of the Message Processor subsystem suitable for execution within this software support environment.