Communication assets survey and mapping tool

A Communication Assets Survey and Mapping Tool. The method includes collecting and storing agency, communication asset and interoperability data in a database, receiving a request for a display of agency, communication asset and interoperability of a geographic area, retrieving data regarding agency, communication asset and interoperability information from the database, determining interoperability between agencies based on their communication assets data and displaying interoperability information. Features include prioritizing interoperability solutions (a need vs ability analysis), data entry graphical user interface, data export, and community forum.

BACKGROUND

The Communication Assets Survey and Mapping Tool is generally in the field of public safety. Frequently, local, state and federal emergency and first responder communication assets are not interoperable. For example, a county fire department may not be able to communicate with a police department of an adjacent county.

A need exists for tools to help improve interoperability of emergency and first responder communication assets between local, state and federal entities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is Communication Assets Survey and Mapping Tool.

Definitions

The following acronyms are used herein:

CAM—Communication Assets MappingCAS—Communication Assets SurveyCASM—Communication Assets Survey and MappingDB—DatabaseDSM—Display Sub-ModuleISP—Internet Service Provider

The Communication Assets Survey and Mapping (CASM) Tool includes a CASM Tool Module, which includes a communication assets mapping (CAM) display sub-module, a communication assets survey (CAS) data collection sub-module, a CAM data sub-module, a map generator sub-module and a CASM database (DB) server. The CASM Tool provides a method and apparatus for viewing interoperability of emergency and first responder communication assets between local, state and federal entities. The CASM Tool provides a mechanism for collecting communication assets data, determining interoperability between agencies based on communication assets and providing interoperability data to users. The CASM Tool provides access to geographically disparate users via the Internet and display of communications equipment and information in a geo-spatial referenced map to users via the Internet.

FIG. 1Ais a block diagram of one embodiment of a communication assets survey and mapping tool. As shown inFIG. 1A, CASM tool system100includes at least one computer110, internet120and system server130, which hosts CASM tool module140. CASM tool module140includes CAM display sub-module146, CAS data collection sub-module142, CAM data sub-module144, map generator sub-module148and CASM DB server150. As shown inFIG. 1A, at least one computer110is operatively coupled to internet120so data can be transmitted between at least one computer110and internet120. Internet120is operatively coupled to system server130so data can be transmitted between internet120and system server130. At least one computer110and system server130can be operatively coupled to internet120in one of many configurations such as connection via an internet service provider (ISP).

CAS data collection sub-module142is operatively coupled to CASM DB server150. CAS data collection sub-module142includes computer programs capable of collecting communication asset data and interfacing with CASM DB server150for storing communication asset data, providing a mechanism for input, validation and viewing of state and urban area communications equipment data and providing forms, reports generation and retrieval/storage of data in CASM DB server150.

CAM data sub-module144is operatively coupled to and provides an interface between CAM Display Sub-Module146and CASM DB Server150. CAM data sub-module144includes computer programs capable of providing an interface between CAM display sub-module146and CASM DB Server150for the storage/retrieval of information regarding data sharing. For example, CAM display sub-module146includes an interface for storage/retrieval of Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan and other user files, which allows data sharing between region managers and their users.

Map generator sub-module148is operatively coupled to CAM data sub-module144. Map generator sub-module148is capable of generating a customized map image to be shown to a user via CAM display sub-module146and at least one computer110. In one embodiment, map generator sub-module148receives input from a user regarding custom map specifications. Map generator sub-module148can also generate a customized map image to CAS data collection sub-module142.

CASM DB server150is operatively coupled to CAM data sub-module144and CAS data collection sub-module142so that data can be transmitted between all three. CASM DB server150is capable of being a central repository for all CASM data. CASM DB server is capable of being used as a storage/retrieval DB for other CASM components (e.g., CAS data collection sub-module142).

CAM display sub-module146includes computer programs capable of receiving requests for a display of communication data and interoperability of a geographic area, retrieving communication data and interoperability information and transmitting data and interoperability information in a display format. In one embodiment, CAM display sub-module146uses CAM data sub-module144to obtain system data for a displayed region. In one embodiment, CAM display sub-module146uses data to calculate interoperability data for a selected region and formats the data to be displayed on a map obtained from map generator sub-module148. In one embodiment, CAM display sub-module146allows a user to select all of the applicable data for a region or to select a subset of the data based upon display requirements.

FIG. 1Bis a block diagram of one embodiment of a communication assets survey and mapping tool.FIG. 1Bis substantially similar toFIG. 1A, and thus, similar components are not described hereinbelow. As shown inFIG. 1B, CASM tool system102includes at least one computer110, internet120and system server130, which hosts CASM tool module140. CASM tool module140includes CAS data collection sub-module142, CAM data sub-module144, map generator sub-module148and CASM DB server150. At least one computer110is operatively coupled to internet120so data can be transmitted between at least one computer110and internet120. CAM display sub-module146is operatively coupled and resides on at least one computer110.

FIG. 1Cis a block diagram of one embodiment of a communication assets survey and mapping tool.FIG. 1Cis substantially similar toFIG. 1A, and thus, similar components are not described hereinbelow. As shown inFIG. 1C, CASM tool system104includes at least one computer110, internet120, system server130, CAS data collection sub-module142, CAM data sub-module144, CAM display sub-module146, map generator sub-module148, CASM DB server150and CAS data sub-module152. System server130hosts CAM data sub-module144, CASM DB server150and CAS data sub-module152. CAS data sub-module152is capable of interfacing between CAS data collection sub-module142and CASM DB server150. At least one computer110hosts CAS data collection sub-module142, CAM display sub-module146and map generator sub-module148.

FIG. 2is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of a communication assets survey and mapping tool. Flowchart200ofFIG. 2is one embodiment of a method of CAS data collection sub-module142ofFIG. 1Areferred to as a CAS data collection sub-module method. Referring toFIG. 2, at BOX210of flowchart200, the method collects agency, communication asset and interoperability data. In one embodiment, the method performs BOX210using software. After BOX210, the method of flowchart200ofFIG. 2proceeds to BOX220. At BOX220of flowchart200, the method stores agency, communication asset and interoperability data in a database. In one embodiment, the method performs BOX220using software. After BOX220, the method of flowchart200ofFIG. 2returns to BOX210.

FIG. 3is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of a communication assets survey and mapping tool. Flowchart300ofFIG. 3is one embodiment of a method of CAM data sub-module144ofFIG. 1Areferred to as CAM display sub-module method. Referring toFIG. 3, at BOX310of flowchart300, the method receives a request for a display of agency, communication asset and interoperability of a geographic area. In one embodiment, the method performs BOX310using software. After BOX310, the method of flowchart300ofFIG. 3proceeds to BOX320. At BOX320of flowchart300, the method retrieves data regarding agency, communication asset and interoperability information from the database (e.g., CASM database server150). In one embodiment, the method performs BOX320using software. After BOX320, the method of flowchart300ofFIG. 3proceeds to BOX330. At BOX330of flowchart300, the method determines and displays interoperability information. In one embodiment, the method performs BOX330using software. In one embodiment, the method performs BOX330by determining interoperability between agencies based on their communication assets data. The method of flowchart300ofFIG. 3terminates at BOX330.

The following describes an exemplary operation of CASM tool system100ofFIG. 1A. As shown inFIG. 1A, CASM tool module140includes CAS data collection sub-module142and CAM display sub-module144. A first user (e.g., San Diego City Police Chief) accesses CAS data collection sub-module142via one of at least one computer110. CASM data collection sub-module142and one of at least one computer110are operatively coupled via system server130and internet120. In accordance with BOX210ofFIG. 2, CASM data collection sub-module method200collects agency, communication asset and interoperability data from the first user. For example, the user inputs equipment type and frequency usage data through CAS data collection sub-module142. In accordance with BOX220ofFIG. 2, CASM data collection sub-module method200stores interoperability data in CASM database server150.

A second user (e.g., San Diego City Fire Chief) accesses CAS data collection sub-module142via one of at least one computer110. The second user inputs agency, communication asset and interoperability data to CAS data collection sub-module142regarding the second user's communication assets. In accordance with BOX210ofFIG. 2, CAS data collection sub-module method200collects agency, communication asset and interoperability data from the second user. In accordance with BOX220ofFIG. 2, CASM data collection sub-module method200stores agency, communication asset and interoperability data in CASM database server150.

If given access permission, a third user (e.g., Coast Guard Official) via one of at least one computer110accesses CAM display sub-module146, which interfaces with CASM DB server150through CAM data sub-module144. CAM data sub-module144and one of at least one computer110are operatively coupled via CAM display sub-module146, system server130and internet120. In accordance with BOX310ofFIG. 3, CAM display sub-module method300receives a request from the third user for a display of interoperability of the San Diego geographic area. In accordance with BOX320ofFIG. 3, CAM display sub-module method300retrieves San Diego area information regarding agency, communication asset and interoperability data from CASM database server150through CAM data sub-module144. In accordance with BOX330ofFIG. 3, CAM display sub-module method300determines interoperability data and transmits interoperability information in a display format to the third user.

FIGS. 4-7show a need vs analysis feature, which provides communications planners with an ability to differentiate between agencies that have the ability to communicate versus those that actually “need” to communicate, thus a “Need vs Ability” feature. Identifying interoperability gaps can be achieved by comparing agencies' stated need to talk to each other on a day-to-day basis with their ability to talk based on interoperability calculated by CAM, and finding agency pairs that have the most need to talk, but have the least ability. This can be displayed on an interactive graph with printable graph interpretation and report. The need vs ability analysis compares agencies' need to talk versus their ability to talk, based on data entered into CAS. The visualization identifies agency pairs with the highest need and the least ability so that planners can prioritize interoperability solutions.

As shown inFIG. 4, agency talk partners enter tabular data indicating how often an agency(s) needs to talk to other agencies in a state/urban area on a day-to-day basis. This can be in a table showing entries based upon daily/often; sometimes; rarely/never; or undecided/unknown. For the example shown inFIG. 4, a user is asked how often an agency (s) need to talk to other agencies in the state/urban area on a day-to-day basis. In the example shown, the selected user agency is the Carson City Police, and the selected jurisdiction is California-All Agencies. The user inFIG. 4makes entries into the tabular form, as described above.

In the example shown inFIG. 4, the partial table shows the Carson City Police communicating with the California Highway Patrol (Rarely/Never); Cameron Park Police (Rarely/Never); Dollar Point Police Dept (Rarely/Never); Kings Beach Fire (Sometimes); and Kings Beach Police (Sometimes). The remaining selected jurisdiction tabular date would be entered in the same manner inFIG. 4.

The need vs ability analysis also analyzes communications interoperability, which can be defined as the ability of public safety agencies to talk across disciplines and jurisdictions via radio communications systems, exchanging voice and/or data with one another on demand, in real time, when needed, and as authorized. Interoperability resources for this urban area are summarized below (and shown inFIG. 5):

Swap Radio Swapping radios refers to maintaining a cache of standby radios that can be deployed to support regional incidents. These radios may be from a regional cache, or from a participating agency. This allows all responders to use a common, compatible set of radios during an incident.
Shared Channel “Shared channels” refers to common frequencies or channels that have been established and are programmed into radios to provide interoperable communications among agencies. Specific shared interoperable communications channels available within the region are listed in the table below.
Gateway Gateway systems interconnect channels of different systems (whether on different bands or modes), allowing first responders to use their existing radios and channels to be interconnected with the channels of other users outside of their agency. Specific gateway systems available for use within the region are listed in the table below.
Shared Systems (Proprietary or Standards Based Systems) refers to the use of a single radio system infrastructure to provide service to multiple Public Safety agencies within a region.

InFIGS. 4 and 5, the entry data indicates from an agency perspective the other agencies with whom it needs to communicate, and on what basis. Once selected, a table can be populated with all agencies in the selected jurisdiction.

The graph data shown inFIG. 5shows a need versus ability CAM display which will allow for planners to prioritize interoperability solutions, by identifying agency pairs with the highest need and the least ability, based on the data entered into CAM. In the example shown inFIG. 5, the circled portion shows agency pairs where need exceeds ability and needs the most attention.

FIG. 6shows a graph interpretation ofFIG. 5to further visualize the need vs ability feature, indicating, for example, agency pairs (3%) which have identified a need to talk that is greater than their ability to talk; agency pairs (5%) which have identified a need to talk which is approximately equal to their ability to talk: agency pairs (0%) which have identified a need to talk which is less than their ability to talk; and agency pairs (91%) which have a need to talk that is undecided or unknown. The yellow region on the graph space inFIG. 6represents the area where need approximately equals ability, which may be interpreted as the preferred area for agency pairs on the graph ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 7shows a suitable Need/analysis Report which can be generated for a user of the CASM tool, showing, for example, agency need analysis information based upon need designation by selected agency and by an agency in a selected row ofFIG. 4. In the example shown inFIG. 7, the generated report is for Alpine Meadows Police Department as the selected agency, in Lake Tahoe, Calif., indicating other agency names, with the need designation (made by the selected agency) and the need designation (made by the agency in row). For instance, the Loomis Police agency inFIG. 7has a Need Designation of “Rarely/Never” as made by the selected agency and a Need Designation of “Undecided/Unknown” made by the agency in row (FIG. 4).

FIG. 8shows a screen shot of a GUI (Graphic User Interface) which allows for very simple data entry and a simple intuitive process to enter data into the CASM tool. The CAS data entry GUI shown inFIG. 8allows a user to log in without selecting an agency. InFIG. 8, a user is allowed to: easily add/edit data for all agencies that the user is normally able to add/edit data for; streamlined data entry process, such as in a radio system section; ability to review the level of completion for a whole section or for a particular asset; ability to monitor the user's level of completeness while entering data, via a color-coded side menu shown inFIG. 8. A filter mechanism on all major tables allows a user to zero in on interested data, and a sorting option is allowed on all tables.

In the example shown inFIG. 8for an add/edit radio system, a user assigns the radio system name and identifies the owning/responsible agency for the radio system name, either alphabetically or by jurisdiction hierarchy. The agency can be selected as primary or secondary/backup system, including the number of mobile/portable radios use on the system. The radio system definition shown inFIG. 8can include primary manufacturer, system type (trunked/convention/both), model name; P25 compliancy, encryption protocol, and other definitions such as repeated/duplex, analog/digital, wideband/narrowband, voted, simulcast. Latitude/longitude data can also be selected, as shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 9shows a data export feature. A data export capability allows users the ability to export data out of CASM for use in other applications. Data may be exported from the CASM database to tab separated files for use in, for example, MS Excel or in a custom application. The data export feature shown inFIG. 9may be used to review, manipulate, or visualize the CASM data easily in the custom application or in the MS Excel application. In the example shown inFIG. 9, a user is exporting database information for Lake Tahoe, Calif. InFIG. 9, the user exports the Lake Tahoe information to all selected agencies, by simply clicking on the Export Data button.

FIG. 10(which includesFIG. 10AandFIG. 10B) is a screen shot showing a CASM community forum feature. The forum feature allows users to freely share information (interact) via the internet about CASM or general public safety communication and interoperability issues with other CASM users across the country. All CASM users can have access to the CASM general forum shown inFIG. 10. Each state/urban area that uses CASM can have a private forum accessible only to users who have access to that state/urban area data.

In the example shown inFIG. 10, the CASM General forum can include announcements, frequently asked questions, training, general help, overall CASM enhancements, CASM usage, software bugs, and documentation, with number of topics/posts and last post indications. For illustrative purposes only, forums shown inFIG. 10include Indiana, Lake Tahoe, Crater Lake, Ohio, National Capital region, and Michigan, again with topics/posts and last post indications.