Research Summaries

Back Optical Messaging with QR Codes, Digital Flashing Light (DFL), Signal Flags and Li-Fi Networking (Continuation)

Fiscal Year 2018
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) Ha, Tri T.
Brown, Nathan D.
Norbraten, Terry D.
Brutzman, Donald P.
Su, Weilian
Sponsor NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary Primary motivations are from Network Optional Warfare (NOW) operational concept to reduce vulnerability of surface and air platforms to RF intercept by hostile forces by using optical data channels.
FY17 NRP topic yielded Optical Messaging Tactical Decision Aid to include QR streaming, Digital Flashing Light (DFL), Signal Flags, Semaphore. Additional work identified Light Fidelity (LiFi) as a new capability and emerging standard for personal data communication, sharing similar characteristics as WiFi networking but without radio frequency (RF) transmissions.
Ongoing NPS research in NOW showed that optical data communications can reduce vulnerability of surface ships to enemy detection and intercept of radio frequency transmissions. From NPS-17-N091-C, significant work has been accomplished to demonstrate technical feasibility and tactical opportunities found in Quick Reaction (QR) Code and Digital Flashing Light (DFL) data transfer. An NPS-produced Optical Messaging Tactical Decision Aid (TDA) prototype includes 2-way QR code streaming plus operator support for DFL using Morse code, Signal Flags and Semaphore. Standalone disconnected tablets provide strong information security for potential shipboard use. Testing open-source software on ships and aircraft can show value in surface fleet scenarios. New Navy-sponsored commercial capabilities may further assist in automating onboard optical signaling paths.
Related work in progress is evaluating the applicability of Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) networking. Use of Li-Fi aboard ship has the potential to decouple personnel networking from sensitive shipboard networks, also reducing signal vulnerabilities afloat. At least two candidate implementations are available for further testing. Li-Fi seems well suited to below-decks networking in a cluttered metallic environment and technology is sufficiently advanced to merit ashore/afloat prototype experiments.
Co-investigators Don Brutzman (IS, USW) and Weilang Su (ECE)
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal