Knowledge Switch® Solution Overview

Enterprise Server Software that Permits Enterprise Awareness

The Knowledge Switch® (KSX) is enterprise server-based software that automates the creation of awareness zone(s). An awareness zone is a virtual or physical zone around an enterprise created by the analysis of information pertaining to potential threats to that enterprise. The KSX utilizes a SOA (service-oriented architecture), and is administered via Web services. Therefore, you can integrate KSX management into your applications (for example, a server-based COP) or you can administer the KSX via the Web-based GUI. As such, the KSX with strategic implementations of GCS/ESRI application architectures allow the KSX and GIS tools to be integrated via standard-based, web service protocols, regardless of application integration barriers.

The KSX allows an organization to take its Standard Operating Procedures and automate them in a cohesive and flexible environment. Note that although the KSX invokes the pre-programmed Standard Operating Procedures, a human (with appropriate authorization) can intervene to override the process at any time. Using the KSX and its patented Knowledge Programming Language (KPL), a user can create scenarios specifying that when an event (or a series of events) is recognized, the KSX will trigger an alert and broadcast the information to appropriate recipients, including a Common Operating Picture (COP). Based upon the pre-programmed information, the KSX will ensure the activation of appropriate responses.

The KSX also supports Complex Event Processing (CEP), which allows the user to specify queries over a temporal and geospatial domain. An “if/then” query (or series of queries) can be created that monitors for an event (or series of events) over a specified or infinite timeframe. Complex events—detected, managed, and appropriately disseminated to the end user—can be placed simultaneously into a geospatial context through near real-time integration into a geospatial SOA application. For example, critical infrastructure sites can be monitored for X number of disparate events that could take place over days, months, or years at disparate locations. The KSX issues an alert once all of the user-specified triggers have been met. Complex Event Processing runs in the background and once the disparate events and timeframe have been programmed, the CEP functionality requires no additional user intervention.

The KSX specifically enhances conventional GIS relational data storage; allowing customers to glean intelligence from GIS noise. KSX functionality permits incorporation of the geospatial components via the integration with GCS’s GAIN server. Data is filtered for a more refined response to or preparation for an event occurring in the spatial-temporal domain.

When the KSX has recognized that an alert is required, it utilizes Knowledge Vector’s patented MicroBroadcasting® to notify the designated recipient(s) of the alert and any mandated response based on the SOP. MicroBroadcasting is a powerful communication platform for multi-modal, personalized, information dissemination. Its capabilities include text-to-speech (TTS), speech-driven interactions, and dynamic addressing (i.e., per the duty roster or job schedule) that is based upon name or recipient’s role. The customer provides MicroBroadcasting with contact information; the outcome is message delivery when and where it is needed. The message recipient is notified on their device of choice, such as PDA, cell phone, or radio. Through metadata (data about data), the KSX enables knowledge extraction from classified or other sensitive databases in a transparent fashion by allowing only pertinent pieces of data to be transferred using predefined rules.
Using GCS/ESRI functionality and geospatial tools, proximity analysis and co-mingling of the event location identifies the responder closest to the event for notification. As an example, if a perimeter breach is detected, the GCS/ESRI software will locate the closest responder and he or she will be dispatched to the event. MicroBroadcasting also offers automatic escalation. If the event is not closed, or if the response is not in line with the SOP, the KSX invokes an automatic escalation based upon the automated SOP. The escalation then continues until the event is handled and closed properly. Automatic bridging across multiple communication channels is an event-driven function of the MicroBroadcasting multiplexer output.

Based on their needs and expertise, end user developers can program the Knowledge Switch with Knowledge Vector’s expression-based procedural language, the Knowledge Programming Language (KPL). KPL is a functional expression language that allows the user to define event patterns. KPL not only provides logical, relational, and mathematical operations and functions, but it also includes functions for temporal and spatial relations, that along with GCS/ESRI’s geospatial functionality, allows for very robust Complex Event Processing. Advanced users can use the KPL plug-in for the Eclipse Project IDE (integrated development environment). By utilizing the graphical user interface provided with the KSX, a user can quickly develop and modify profiles and if-then scenarios.