U.S. patent application number 14/994916 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-12 for systems, methods, and devices for testing communication lines.
The applicant listed for this patent is INTELLIGENT DECISIONS, INC.. Invention is credited to Steve Anderson, Greg Eoyang, Tim Lannan, Roy Stephan.
Application Number | 20160134748 14/994916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48280655 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160134748 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stephan; Roy ; et
al. |
May 12, 2016 |
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR TESTING COMMUNICATION LINES
Abstract
The invention generally relates to systems, devices, and methods
for testing communication lines. In certain aspects, the invention
provides systems and devices that include a digital/analog
converter configured to operate with a computer processor and
memory to send or receive an analog signal over a communication
line that includes a plurality of signals having known frequencies.
Inbound receiving sub-systems or devices sample the analog signal
and measure a quality of the sampled, digital signal to evaluate
the communication line. The key differentiator is the recognition
that the human mouth and ear are intrinsically analog without
encryption. By locating the test device as close to the user as
possible, this system incorporates testing of complex communication
streams including numerous variables and transforms (e.g.
encryption, Analog to digital, Voice over IP, packet switching,
ATM, SONET). Ultimately, it provides a simple interface to convert
qualitative analysis to quantitative (numerical) analysis.
Inventors: |
Stephan; Roy; (Dunn Loring,
VA) ; Anderson; Steve; (Herndon, VA) ; Eoyang;
Greg; (Ashburn, VA) ; Lannan; Tim; (Cape
Canaveral, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTELLIGENT DECISIONS, INC. |
Ashburn |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48280655 |
Appl. No.: |
14/994916 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14624028 |
Feb 17, 2015 |
9241065 |
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14994916 |
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14251050 |
Apr 11, 2014 |
8964944 |
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14624028 |
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13467510 |
May 9, 2012 |
8737573 |
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14251050 |
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61484028 |
May 9, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
379/22.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/24 20130101; H04M
3/30 20130101; H04M 3/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04M 3/30 20060101
H04M003/30; H04M 1/24 20060101 H04M001/24 |
Claims
1-27. (canceled)
28. A system for testing a communication line, the system
comprising: a first device connected to a communication line and
configured to send and receive an analog signal comprising a
plurality of known frequencies, the first device comprising: a jack
for connection to the communication line; a sampler coupled to the
jack and configured to convert the analog signal into a digital
signal; a non-transitory memory for storing the digital signal; and
a processor operable to measure a quality of the digital signal;
and a second device connected to the communication line, the second
device substantially similar to the first device.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the jack receives a signal via
a phone cord plugged into the base unit of a telephone.
30. The system of claim 28, wherein the sampler comprises a digital
storage oscilloscope.
31. The system of claim 28, wherein the quality measured in the
sampled version of the plurality of known frequencies comprises
noise and jitter.
32. The system of claim 28, wherein both the first device and the
second device are operable to perform: a predefined outbound test
comprising sending a plurality of known frequencies through the
communication line; and a predefined inbound test comprising
receiving the plurality of known frequencies, sampling the
plurality of known frequencies to generate a sampled version of the
plurality of known frequencies, storing the sampled version of the
plurality of known frequencies in the non-transitory memory, and
measuring a quality of the sampled version of the plurality of
known frequencies.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the system is operable to
perform the predefined outbound test by: executing, using the
processor, instructions that cause the processor to issue a digital
signal and send the digital signal to the sampler; converting,
using the sampler, the digital signal into an analog signal
comprising a plurality of known frequencies; and sending the
plurality of known frequencies separately and in sequence through
the communication line.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the communication line is
connected to the system with a USB connection, the jack comprises a
4P4C connector, and the sampler further comprises a handset jack
for connection to a handset of a telephone.
35. The system of claim 32, wherein the system is further operable
to perform a predefined inbound extended test and a predefined
outbound extended test; wherein the predefined inbound extended
test comprises: receiving at least five known frequencies, at least
one of which is below 1000 Hz and at least one of which is above
3000 Hz, the at least five known frequencies sent sequentially by
the second system; sampling the at least five known frequencies to
generate a sampled version of the at least five known frequencies;
storing the sampled version of the at least five known frequencies
in the non-transitory memory; measuring a quality of the sampled
version of the at least five known frequencies; and determining
whether the communication line cannot operate in a secure mode; and
wherein the predefined outbound extended test comprises sending the
at least five known frequencies through the communication line one
after another.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the receiving the at least five
known frequencies comprises receiving at least five megabytes per
second for at least five seconds.
37. A method for testing a communication line, the method
comprising: sending an analog signal comprising a plurality of
known frequencies via a communication line from a first device to a
second device comprising a sampler coupled to a jack for connection
to the communication line and a processor coupled to a
non-transitory memory and in communication with the sampler, and
wherein the first device is substantially similar to the second
device; receiving the analog signal with the second device;
sampling with the sampler the plurality of known frequencies to
generate a sampled version of the plurality of known frequencies;
storing the sampled version of the plurality of known frequencies
in the non-transitory memory; and measuring with the processor a
quality of the sampled version of the plurality of known
frequencies.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the plurality of known
frequencies are sent through the communication line one after
another and received by the second device one after another.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the measuring is performed on a
digital copy of the sampled version of the plurality of known
frequencies after the sampled version of the plurality of known
frequencies has been stored in the non-transitory memory.
40. The method of claim 37, wherein the plurality of known
frequencies is sampled at a sampling rate between about 100 kHz and
about 1000 kHz.
41. The method of claim 37, wherein the analog signal is received
from a telephone base unit.
42. The method of claim 37, wherein the measuring comprises
measuring noise and jitter.
43. The method of claim 37, wherein the plurality of known
frequencies comprises at least five known frequencies spanning
about 2000 Hz.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the receiving step comprises
receiving at least two megabytes per second for at least two
seconds.
45. The method of claim 43, wherein at least one of the at least
five known frequencies is below 1000 Hz and at least one of the at
least five known frequencies is above 3000 Hz.
46. The method of claim 37, further comprising: providing the
measurement to a user; and determining a suitability of the
communication line for secure operation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/624,028, filed Feb. 17, 2015, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/251,050, filed
Apr. 11, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/467,510, filed May 9, 2012, which claims the benefit of
related U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/484,028, filed
May 9, 2011, the contents of each of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to systems, devices, and
methods for testing communication lines.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Communication lines use a variety of different components.
For example, phone calls can involve cell phone networks,
publically switched telephone networks, voice-over-internet
protocol, and a wide variety of different hardware. As service
providers implement new technologies, the quality of their
communication lines may vary.
[0004] Further, many communication systems involve mobile
components. For example, one end of a phone call may take place on
an airplane. The variety and mobility of different aspects of
communication systems means that the quality of communication links
is affected by variables that are constantly changing and
unpredictable.
[0005] However, system users such as, for example, businesses or
military, may require consistent, quality performance from
communication systems. If a particular communication link is not
performing up to a certain standard, important commercial or
security-related communication may fail. To prevent this,
communication customers use service-level agreements to contract
for consistent quality service. However, given the global scope and
high complexity of communication systems, having a contract in
place does not guarantee that communication links will always meet
minimum quality standards, such as those set out in SLAs.
[0006] Additionally, some communication systems are designed to
handle secure communication protocols that require high quality
service across a broad bandwidth. In some cases, the inability of a
communication line to support secure communication may not be
evident. Voice calls may go through without problems even though a
line is compromised for security purposes, for example, due to
insufficient quality or a breach of security.
SUMMARY
[0007] The invention generally relates to devices, systems, and
methods for testing communication lines. The invention provides a
device that can be coupled to a communication line at one end point
and send a signal through the line comprising a number of known
frequencies. Similarly, a device can receive the signal at another
endpoint of a communication line. The receiving device samples the
received signal to produce a digital signal and analyzes the
different frequency components within the digital signal for
quality. By measuring jitter, phase, signal strength, or noise, the
receiving device can evaluate whether the communication line is
operating to meet a certain quality standard. Devices and methods
of the invention can be used with communication networks having
complex, mobile, or variable components to determine if any given
point-to-point communication line is operating at a certain
quality. Communication lines can thus be evaluated for their
quality as relevant to voice calls, service level agreements, or
security protocols.
[0008] A key benefit of the invention includes the recognition that
the human mouth and ear are intrinsically analog without
encryption. By locating the test device as close to the user as
possible, this system incorporates testing of complex communication
streams including numerous variables and transforms (e.g.
encryption, Analog to digital, Voice over IP, packet switching,
ATM, SONET). Ultimately, it provides a simple interface to convert
qualitative analysis to quantitative (numerical) analysis.
[0009] The invention provides network quality tracking, analyzing,
recording, monitoring, and reporting tools. Devices and methods of
the invention are used to measure quality of signals at a number of
frequencies and the results of the measurements are stored. Stored
results can be analyzed and patterns can be identified that
indicate issues such as insufficient quality, trends or changes
over time, and security breaches. Thus, systems and methods of the
invention provide the ability to evaluate a communication line for
an immediate quality determination as well as for analyzing trends,
diagnosing problems, and selecting remedial measures.
[0010] In certain aspects, the invention provides a device for
testing a communication line that includes a sampler with a jack
for connection to a communication line. The sampler samples an
analog signal received over the communication line. A processor and
memory in communication with the sampler measures a quality of a
known frequency in the sampled signal and stores the sampled signal
and the measurement. The jack on the sampler can be a standard
phone jack so that the sampler can be plugged into the handset jack
on a telephone base unit using a phone cord. The sampler, or its
housing case, can further include another phone jack where the
handset of the phone can be plugged in. In this way, the sampler
device sits between the base unit and the handset of the phone, and
connects to the memory and processor, for example, by a USB cable.
The memory and processor are preferably provided by a computer,
such as a laptop. The computer runs an application that processes
the incoming digital signal or issues a digital signal for sending
over the communication line.
[0011] In this manner, two units of the device can be employed at
the endpoints of a live communication line to test a quality of the
line. A user can work at one end in "outbound" mode to cause the
device to send a signal through the line, which is received by a
user at the other end operating in "inbound" mode. Systems and
methods of the invention operate by sending signals that include
analog waves at a plurality of known frequencies. The processor at
the outbound end issues instructions or a digital signal that
causes the sampler at the outbound end to send analog signals that
include the known the frequency. The sampler at the inbound end
samples the analog signals and relays the digital version to the
inbound processor, which can save the digital signal to the memory.
The inbound processor further analyzes the digital signal, for
example, by measuring strength, noise, or jitter at each known
frequency. Where the inbound and outbound sub-systems are
essentially or functionally the same as each other, they can
reverse roles and become the outbound and inbound units,
respectively. A sampler is generally any digital-to-analog or
analog-to-digital converter such as an oscilloscope, e.g., a
digital storage oscilloscope.
[0012] In certain embodiments, systems and methods of the invention
operate in a communication mode, sending a number of frequencies of
signal through the line. For example, the outbound sub-system can
send at least two or three different frequencies. In embodiments,
the outbound sub-system sends at least three frequencies, e.g.,
sequentially. In some embodiments, the outbound sub-system sends
signals at 600 Hz, 1800 Hz, and 3000 Hz, for about seven seconds
each, optionally separated by about two seconds. The inbound
sub-system receives and digitizes these signals and analyzes them
for noise or jitter, storing the results of the analysis so that a
user can determine if the line is available for communication at a
certain service quality level.
[0013] In certain embodiments, systems and methods of the invention
operate in a security mode, sending a greater number of frequencies
through the line. For example, the outbound sub-system can send
more than five or six different frequencies such as, for example,
ten different frequencies. In some embodiments, the security mode
includes transmission of signals at 600, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1800,
2200, 2600, 3000, 3400, and 3800 Hz, or at 604, 1004, 1204, 1404,
1804, 2204, 2604, 3004, 3404, and 3804 Hz.
[0014] In certain aspects, the invention provides device for
testing a telephone line comprising: a data acquisition device; a
universal serial bus connector on the device; and a phone jack,
wherein the device, responsive to instructions received via the
universal serial bus connector, transmits an analog signal
comprising a plurality of known frequencies through the phone jack.
The device preferably can also receive and sample an analog signal
to produce a digital signal and transmit the digital signal to a
computer via the universal serial bus connection. That is, a device
according to certain embodiments of the invention can operate as a
digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in outbound mode or
analog-to-digital converter in inbound mode. A DAC can be provided
with a ruggedized housing case that includes connection hardware or
jacks. For example, the case can provide the phone jack for
connection to a telephone base unit, a handset jack for connection
to the handset of a phone, or a USB jack for connection, for
example, to a computer such as a laptop.
[0015] In certain aspects, the invention provides a kit for testing
a communications line that includes a data acquisition device such
as an oscilloscope as well as any of: a universal serial bus cable,
a handset cable, a handset (regular or push-to-talk), a case (e.g.,
a rugged or shock-absorbing case with a handle, hinged lid,
water-resistant gasket, or other features), a laptop, software
application, or an instruction manual.
[0016] A kit according to the invention can be deployed with
personnel in the field to test and evaluate communication links at
their end-points. A kit can be used to plug into a telephone set,
including by not limited special purpose telephones such as
military and secure phones, or plug into an end point of a phone
line using an included set, and operate in inbound or outbound mode
to send a plurality of analog signals of varying frequencies to
evaluate the quality of the line according to methods of the
invention.
[0017] In certain aspects, the invention provides method for
testing a communication line that includes receiving an analog
signal having a number of known frequencies over a communication
line and measuring a quality of the signal to provide the
measurement to a user or store the measurement in a memory device.
Any significant or relevant quality of the signal can be measured
such as, for example, signal strength, signal to noise ratio,
signal to noise and distortion (SINAD), jitter, or frequency. The
incoming signal is preferably sampled and the measurement performed
on the sampled, digital version of the signal (e.g., at a sampling
rate above about 8 or about 10 KHz, or in ranges of 250 KHz or
higher for more granular analysis). The digital version of the
signal can be stored in memory, e.g., a computer-readable medium.
In some embodiments, the frequencies are received serially (e.g.,
separately and one after another) or sequentially (e.g.,
separately, one after another and organized in an order),
optionally separated by a brief interval (e.g., two seconds). Each
frequency can be received for a duration, for example, of at least
about two seconds. In some embodiments, each frequency has a
duration of about five seconds or preferably about seven seconds,
optionally separated by an about two second interval. Longer
durations can provide a better baseline for analyzing signal to
noise and other algorithms, while shorter durations can provide
more data in a given operating time period.
[0018] The known frequencies can cover any technologically
important bandwidth, such as is used for voice or data
communication. In some embodiments, the frequencies define a
bandwidth of at least about 1000 Hz, e.g., greater than about 2000
Hz. For example, the frequencies can include a frequency below
about 700 Hz (e.g., about 600 Hz) and one above about 2000 Hz
(e.g., about 3000 Hz), as well as an intermediate frequency (e.g.,
about 1800 Hz). In certain embodiments, the frequencies are 600 Hz,
1800 Hz, and 3000 Hz. In some embodiments, the plurality of known
frequencies comprises at least five frequencies, i.e., nine or ten,
or eleven or twelve.
[0019] Methods of the invention can be used to test any suitable
communication line such as, for instance, a telephone line. Any
end-to-end communication line can be tested, including lines that
rely on any one or more of publically-switched telephone network,
wireless network, private network such as a private branch
exchange, or voice-over-internet protocol.
[0020] For example, an analog signal can be received over a line
and through a telephone base unit, as well as optionally further
relayed to a telephone handset.
[0021] Methods of the invention include receiving high and very
high volumes of data such as, for example, greater than two
megabytes per second for a number of seconds (i.e., 15 s, 18 s, 20
s, 30 s). Methods can include receiving an analog signal
corresponding to ambient noise separately from receiving the analog
signal. That is, before, between, or after the signals of known
frequency, a device can be used to record or measure any sounds
coming through a live or open line to provide a baseline or
reference point.
[0022] In some embodiments, methods include a "communication" mode,
in which the plurality of frequencies comprises a frequency between
about 500 Hz and about 700 Hz; a frequency between about 1500 Hz
and about 2000 Hz, and/or a frequency between about 2500 Hz and
about 3500 Hz. In a security mode according to certain embodiments
of the invention, the plurality of frequencies comprises more than
five (e.g., ten) frequencies, at least one of which is below 1000
Hz and at least one of which is above 3500 Hz. Preferably, the
plurality of frequencies include at least two (e.g., three)
frequencies that define a bandwidth greater than about 2000 Hz.
[0023] Methods of the invention also include operating a device in
an outbound mode and sending an analog signal comprising the known
frequencies.
[0024] Methods of the invention can be used to determine if a
communication line is capable of operating at a certain quality.
For example, a user can provide a criterion such as a threshold
value for acceptable jitter or signal to noise and measurements can
be made and compared to the threshold value. In this way, the
suitability of the line for certain applications can be reported to
the user.
[0025] Methods of the invention can be mediated through a computer
interface. For example, a display can be provided that shows an
image of part of a signal, such as a graph or waveform showing an
amplitude of a received signal at a certain time or frequency.
[0026] In certain aspects, the invention provides a device for
testing a communication line in which the device includes a memory
coupled to a processor configured to exercise program instructions
to cause the processor to receive an incoming digital signal from
an analog digital converter--the incoming digital signal including
data generated by sampling at a known sampling rate analog audio
signal comprising a known frequency--and measure an amount of noise
associated with known frequency. In some embodiments, the analog
signal includes a second known frequency and the processor further
measures an amount of noise associated with the second known
frequency. The digital signal and any measurements can be stored in
the memory (e.g., in a database). The device provides information
about a quality of the signal to a user. A user can supply a value
for a reference standard, such as a threshold value for jitter or
noise, and the processor can compare the measured signal to this
threshold. By such means, the processor analyzes the saved signal
and evaluates whether a communication channel is capable of
operation according to the predetermined standard and provide a
result of the evaluation to a user. The quality measured can be
noise as indicated, for example, by a signal to noise ratio or by
SINAD. The processor can create a display of a graph of the
incoming signal showing amplitude on, for example, a computer
monitor. In certain embodiments, the device is a computer such as a
laptop computer or tablet (e.g., running Windows operating
system).
[0027] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to
send a digital signal to a digital analog converter, i.e., to cause
the converter to emit an analog signal including the known
frequency and the second known frequency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a system according to certain embodiments of
the invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a system according to certain
embodiments of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagramming methods of the
invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a main menu as displayed on a device.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows a screen for setting parameters for a basic
test.
[0033] FIG. 6 depicts a screen shown during tone generation and
sending.
[0034] FIG. 7 depicts a screen shown during tone receiving and
recording.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows a screen for setting parameters for an extended
test.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a screen shown during receipt and recording of
signal.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows a screen giving a summary of measurements of
qualities of a signal.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a screen showing detailed measurements of
qualities of a received signal.
[0039] FIG. 12 shows an interface being used to see a
signal-to-noise ratio measurement of a 1204 Hz frequency wave in a
received signal.
[0040] FIG. 13 shows a screen for starting a report including
provided measurements.
[0041] FIG. 14 shows a screen listing records of sent and received
signals.
[0042] FIG. 15 depicts a summary of a report provided by methods
and devices of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 16 shows a report provided by the invention that
includes measurements of qualities of signals comprising three
known frequencies received according to methods and devices of the
invention.
[0044] FIG. 17 shows a detailed report provided by methods and
devices invention that includes measurements of qualities of
signals comprising three known frequencies received according to
methods and devices of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 18 shows a log notes page according to the
invention.
[0046] FIG. 19 shows a device according to certain embodiments of
the invention.
[0047] FIG. 20 is a photo of the device in FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] The invention generally provides systems, methods, and
devices for testing a communications line or component of a
network. A communications line, generally, is any telephone or data
line that provides for data transfer or telephony, and
includes--alone or in combination--telephone lines (e.g.,
publically switched telephone networks (PSTN)), data lines (e.g.,
digital subscriber lines (DSL)), wireless connections (e.g., 3G and
4G cellular connections, Wi-Fi, satellite connections), as well as
numerous other lines, public or proprietary (e.g., fiber optic
lines, dedicated private lines, Defense Switched Network (DSN),
Automatic Voice Network (AUTOVON), etc.). For example, a person may
place phone call from a laptop computer using voice-over internet
protocol (VoIP) communication services offered under the Skype mark
by Skype Technologies S.A. (Luxembourg City, La.), a division of
Microsoft (Redmond, Wash.). The call may be received by a party via
a rotary phone on a landline connected to the PSTN. A device of the
invention may be employed at either or both end of the call to test
a quality of the network.
[0049] The invention includes systems and methods for testing
communication lines in airborne networking systems. Systems of the
invention can operate over communication systems that employ
ultra-high frequency (UHF) or narrow band frequency modulation
(NBFM) technologies. In some embodiments, a communication line
includes push-to-talk transmitters at either or both ends. A
communication line can include a point-to-point link or a satellite
communication (SATCOM) link (e.g., Ku, C, or X band satellite
link), and can further include one or more fixed or mobile ground
entry point (GEP). In certain embodiments, one end of a
communication line is mobile, for example, on a vehicle such as an
aircraft (e.g., E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft,
E-6B Airborne National Command Post Aircraft, Air Force One, or
other aircraft). Systems and methods of the invention are operable
with communication networks that provide full-duplex, multi-channel
(e.g., 15 channel) voice and data communication over a T-1 circuit
path. In certain embodiments, a SATCOM link links an aircraft to a
ground network via a GEP. Aircraft communication systems are
discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,888; U.S. Pub. 2011/0099371; U.S.
Pub. 2009/0282469; U.S. Pub. 2009/0187976; U.S. Pub. 2007/0077626;
and U.S. Pub. 2007/0042774, the contents of each of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, two systems of the invention that
are substantially similar are plugged into two different phones
that are capable of calling one another. A coordination call is
placed, using either the phones or another pair of phones, and two
users talk over the coordination call to coordinate use of the
systems. At least one of the users uses their system in outbound
mode while the other user users their system in inbound mode. The
outbound system generates a tone and sends it as if it were an
audio tone over the line to the inbound system. The inbound system
receives and digitizes (i.e., samples) the tone and measures a
quality of the tone using a processor. In certain embodiments, the
system operates in a basic communication mode and tests the line
with a small number of tones, such as, for example, one, two, three
or four. In an alternative or additional embodiment, the system
operates in an extended mode and tests the line with a larger
number of tones, typically five or greater, e.g., ten.
[0051] A system for use at one end of a line is depicted in FIG. 1.
Typically, a system includes an analog-digital conversion device
(ADC) 117. Device 117 includes jack 115 for connection to telephone
base unit 109, via phone cord 113. In certain embodiments, device
117 further includes a port for connection to a computing device
125 and optionally a jack for plugging in a handset 129 of a
telephone. In some embodiments, computer 125 is connected to device
117 by USB cable 121, and handset 129 is connected to devices 117
via phone cable 133. Base unit 109 connects to communication
network 105, typically via whatever connection was in place prior
to the use of systems of the invention. That is, the invention
provides systems and methods for testing existing phone and data
lines. Testing lines is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,854; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,301,536; U.S. Pat. No. 3,965,418; and U.S. Pub.
2009/0168972, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
[0052] Device 117 generally contains an analog-to-digital converter
(ADC) or a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 269 (FIG. 2). An ADC
and DAC 269 are generally the same thing, although the invention
includes systems that use a dedicated ADC or DAC. Generally, DAC
269 is used herein to describe an ADC, sometimes also called an
oscilloscope. An oscilloscope is generally a synonym for a species
of DAC 269. DAC 269 is also sometimes referred to as a sampler and
can be defined by its function, the conversion of an analog signal
to a digital signal or the production of an analog signal.
[0053] Any sampler or oscilloscope compatible with systems and
methods of the invention may be used for any one of DAC 269
including, for example, the portable analog oscilloscope model 475A
sold by Tektronix (Beaverton, Oreg.). Preferably, DAC 269 is a
digital storage oscilloscope, such as, for example, digital
oscilloscope model TDS210 sold by Tektronix (Beaverton, Oreg.).
Other units that can provide DAC 269 include `Digital Storage
Oscilloscope with Panels` sold under SKU TOL106C3M or the `DSO
Quad--4 Channel Digital Storage Oscilloscope` sold under SKU TES
101D2P, both available on the website called seeedstudio maintained
by Seeed Technology, Inc. (Shenzhen, Conn.). A system of the
invention can use, for DAC 269, a NI USB-6211 oscilloscope sold by
National Instruments (Austin, Tex.). In some embodiments, DAC 269
is provided by a DSO-2090 PC USB Digital Oscilloscope 100MS/S 2ch
sold under the trademark Hantek by VistaTech (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
or the PCSU 1000 two-channel USB PC Oscilloscope sold by Velleman,
Inc. (Fort Worth, Tex.). Oscilloscopes are discussed in U.S. Pub.
2011/0267036; U.S. Pub. 2010/0052653; U.S. Pub. 2003/0219086; and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,459,256, the contents of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.
[0054] In certain embodiments, DAC 269 is provided by the hardware
within a PC such as, for example, a memory, processor, and
soundcard, as configured through the use of a program application.
Any suitable program for a PC-based oscilloscope is included in the
invention such as, for example, GoldWave v5.67 Digital Audio Editor
available from the website of GoldWave, Inc. (St. John's, Calif.)
or Multi-Instrument 3.2 from Virtins Technology (Singapore) and
available for download from the CNET website maintained by CBS
Interactive (San Francisco, Calif.).
[0055] DAC 269 can also be provided as part of a device 117 having
a custom form-factor and/or operated by firmware or a
field-programmable gate array configured to generate an analog
signal or sample an incoming analog signal, and may include a
processor 281 and memory 277 within device 117. In some
embodiments, DAC 269 is device 117. DAC devices are discussed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,342; U.S. Pub. 2004/0027138; and U.S. Pub.
2003/0034767, the contents of each of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment, DAC 269 is a digital storage
oscilloscope housed within device 117 and connected to a computer
125 via USB cable 121. Use of such a system is illustrated in FIG.
2. As shown in FIG. 2, a first system includes device 117a
connected to computer 125a via USB cable 121a. Device 117a includes
DAC 269a (e.g., a NI USB-6211 oscilloscope sold by National
Instruments (Austin, Tex.)) connected to a base unit 109a of a
telephone via phone cord 113a. Handset 129a is also connected to
device 117a, through phone cord 133a. Computer 125a can be any
computer, such as a Mac or a PC type laptop, and generally includes
input/output hardware 285a (e.g., keyboard, monitor, mouse or
trackpad, Wi-Fi card, Ethernet connection, CD or DVD drive,
touchscreen, USB port, or disk drive). Processor 281a connected to
memory 277a coordinates the operation of the system and performs
steps of methods of the invention.
[0057] Generally, one such system will operate in outbound mode in
communication with another such system operating in inbound mode.
The inbound and outbound systems can be substantially exactly the
same, although they need not be. As shown in FIG. 2, system 201
includes an inbound sub-system having device 117b (including DAC
269b) connected by phone cord 113b to phone base unit 109b as well
as by USB cable 121b to computer 125b (that includes input/output
hardware 285b as well as memory 277b coupled to processor 281b).
Handset 129b is connected to device 117b by phone cord 133b.
[0058] The inbound system shown in FIG. 2 (DAC 269b, processor
281b, and memory 277b) tests a communication line in network 249 by
receiving an analog signal sent by the outbound system. Here, DAC
269b, processor 281b, and memory 277b provide the essential
components of a system for testing a communication line. These
components can be provided by a dedicated device 117b and a
computer 125b, or they can be provided by a single device or other
combination of devices with appropriate hardware, firmware, or
software to perform the functions described herein. As shown in
FIG. 2, device 117b is connected to a communication line through a
jack 115 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). Jack 115 may be any standard phone
plug such as a female 4P4C connector. DAC 269b is provided by a
sampler (e.g., a NI USB-6211 oscilloscope) coupled to jack 115. The
sampler receives an analog signal through the base unit 109b of a
phone that have been transmitted over the communication line and
samples the analog signal. The analog signal includes one or more
"tones" or signal components having a known frequency. As used
herein, analog signal, tone, or frequency in a signal refer to a
continuous electronic signal wherein variations in voltage or
current can be described as the analog of a sound. An analog signal
may be digitized and transmitted over part or all of a
communication line as a digital signal (i.e., packets of
information according to an internet protocol) and further, a
digital signal may be transmitted as electronic impulses over, for
example, copper wires (e.g., a digital subscriber line) or light
impulses over an optical network. Communication over packet
networks is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,240, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for
all purposes. Such a signal is an analog signal to the extent that
it includes information representing analog frequencies, sound,
tones, human voice patterns, or known waveforms.
[0059] The sampler samples the received analog signal and provides
digital data for processing by processor 281b or storage in memory
277b. In general, sampling according to the invention is performed
at a sampling rate at least double the value of a known frequency
in the received signal. For example, in certain embodiments, when
the received signal includes a signal component at 3804 Hz, the
signal is sampled at least at 7608 samples/sec (7.608 KHz), e.g.,
10 KHz. In some embodiments, the signal is sampled at about 250 KHz
or about 100 KHz. Methods for analog-to-digital conversion (i.e.,
sampling) and digital-to-analog conversion (e.g., tone generation)
as well as software and hardware for implementation are discussed
in Smith, S. W., The Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital
Signal Processing, 1997 California Technical Publishing, San Diego,
Calif., pp. 34-86, the contents of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
[0060] The incoming signal to be sampled is received via phone cord
113 plugged into base unit 109 of a telephone. As used herein,
telephone 109, handset 129, phone cord 113, or phone cord 133 are
each part of the communication line to be tested, the system for
testing the communication line, or both. In some embodiments, a
system is provided that includes device 117 and computer 125 for
testing a communication line that includes an existing telephone.
In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes device 117,
computer 125, and a telephone (including but not limited to
traditional analog phones, digital VOIP phones, or Military style
encrypted phones) for testing an existing communication line, e.g.,
without regard to whatever phone hardware may be connected to the
communication line.
[0061] Preferably, a system according to the invention can operate
in inbound mode and in outbound mode. In outbound mode, device 117
sends an analog signal into the communication line. For example,
processor 281 can issue a digital signal and send it to DAC 269.
DAC 269 operates to issue a corresponding analog signal including a
signal component having a known frequency and send the analog
signal out.
[0062] The communication line is tested by measuring, at the
inbound system, a quality of the known frequency signal component
that is received. Generally, processor 281 will measure a quality
of the sampled, digitized signal. Any quality of interest may be
measured such as, for example, signal strength, jitter,
signal-to-noise ratio, signal-to-noise with distortion (SINAD),
frequency, or power. Jitter generally refers to a measure of
deviation of instants of a signal from their ideal position or the
variation in period, frequency, or phase of a signal as compared to
its ideal value. Jitter and its measurement are discussed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,339,364; U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,269; U.S. Pat. No.
6,240,130; and U.S. Pub. 2001/0038674, the contents of each of
which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. SINAD
generally includes measurements of power level S of a test tone,
noise level N, and distortion level D according to (S+N+D)/(N+D).
Measuring signal qualities is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,510;
U.S Pat. No. 5,987,320; U.S. Pub. 2007/0111670; and U.S. Pub.
2004/0161028, the contents of each of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
[0063] In certain embodiments, a system of the invention operating
in inbound mode receives and digitizes an analog signal comprising
a plurality of tones of known frequencies. Preferably, the analog
signal is sent by a substantially or essentially similar system.
For example, in some embodiments, the invention provides a system
comprising a device 117 and a laptop computer 125 housed together
(e.g., in a carrying case). Any number of these systems may be
deployed with personnel into the field. When a communication line
is to be tested, a user connects a system at one end of the line
and another user connects a system at the other end. Either or both
user operates their system in inbound or outbound mode. The
outbound system sends the signal with a plurality of tones (e.g.,
three, such as a 600 Hz component, an 1800 Hz component, and a 3000
Hz component) operating in a basic test mode. Another use operates
a system in inbound mode to receive and sample the signals. FIG. 3
is a flow chart diagramming methods of the invention.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, a user may connect 301 components of the
system as described above, and the open 303 a program application
(App) for performing a test. A user can then pick 305 which
test--basic or extended--to perform using the main menu shown in
FIG. 4.
[0065] To perform a basic test, the user can enter 307 data into an
information screen (FIG. 5) and then pick 309 whether they will
operate in inbound or outbound mode. In outbound mode, the user may
choose 211 the "generate tone" button (see FIG. 5) and let 313
device 117 send an analog signal that includes a plurality of tones
of known frequencies (e.g., three). When done, the user should
close 315 the app. The user at the receiving end who picks 309
inbound mode will choose 317 the "record tone" button (see FIG. 5)
and let 319 their device 117 receive the signal. In certain
embodiments, the user will hit 321 a stop button (pictured in FIG.
7); view, save, or report any measurements; and close 323 their
app.
[0066] In the extended mode, the steps are substantially similar. A
user can enter 331 data into an information screen (FIG. 8) and
then pick 333 whether they will operate in inbound or outbound
mode. In outbound mode, the user may choose 335 the "generate tone"
button (see FIG. 8) and let 337 device 117 send an analog signal
that includes a plurality of tones of known frequencies (e.g.,
ten). When done, the user should close 339 the app. The user at the
receiving end who picks 333 inbound mode will choose 341 the
"record tone" button (see FIG. 8) and let 343 their device 117
receive the signal. In certain embodiments, the user will hit 345 a
`Stop Acquiring Data` button (pictured in FIG. 9); view, save, or
report any measurements; and close 347 their app.
[0067] In certain embodiments, systems and methods of the invention
offer a basic test or an extended test and allow a user to pick 305
which test on a main menu displayed on input/output device 285a
(e.g., a monitor of a laptop or a touchscreen of a tablet computer)
of computer 125a. An exemplary main menu is shown in FIG. 4 and
includes a "Comm Test" button 403 to choose the basic communication
test; a "Report Module" button 407 to generate reports; a "Security
Test" button 411 to perform security tests; a "Comm Test Extended"
button 415 to perform the extended test; and an "Exit" button 419
to exit the app.
[0068] Choosing the "Comm Test" button 403 will bring up the
parameter screen shown in FIG. 5. Here, a user at the outbound or
inbound end can provide data relevant to the communication line
being tested or the test event itself. Exemplary data that can be
received and stored include mission data (times, dates, numbers,
notes), platform number (phone number, software version, hardware
or power information), ground entry point/UHF data (identity of
GEP, RF channel, etc.), call information, platform location
(coordinates, heading, or altitude, particularly where test point
is on an aircraft), and event information.
[0069] Where a user chooses to operate in outbound mode, the user
will select the "Outbound" radio button under "Connection" as shown
in FIG. 5, and click on the "Generate Tone" button. In certain
embodiments, this will invoke the window shown in FIG. 6, listing
outbound frequencies in one or more of frequency window 625 while
illuminating corresponding send indicator 603.
[0070] As indicated by the exemplary screen shown in FIG. 5,
systems and methods of the invention offer a basic level test. In
this exemplary embodiment, an analog signal is sent over the
communication line that includes three components having known
frequencies of 600 Hz, 1800 Hz, and 3000 Hz (see FIG. 6). In
certain embodiments, the three tones are transmitted in series, for
seven seconds each, with two seconds of silence between each.
Program instructions in a computer program application stored in
memory 277a are used to configure processor 281a to send a signal
to DAC 269a causing DAC 269a to send the analog signal according to
this pattern.
[0071] A user operating a system in outbound mode may also make a
coordination call to another user operating a system in inbound
mode. In some embodiments, operation of two systems is coordinated
extrinsically, for example, by two people communicating through a
separate phone call, over the phone line being tested, or by prior
arrangement. In certain embodiments, coordination of a system
operating in inbound mode with a system operating in outbound mode
is provided intrinsically by components of the system. For example,
each system may be programed to operate in a quasi-idle "listen"
mode whenever turned on or connected to a line. A user may initiate
an action at one system that causes it to begin operation and to
send an operating signal to a system at the other end of the
communication line being tested. The operating signal can cause the
other system to become active (i.e., no longer be in a quasi-idle
"listen" mode). Thereafter, the two systems can function in
synchrony or cooperation, for example, either through each
following a program with compatible timings (e.g., the operating
signal causes the outbound system proceeds to idle for about five
seconds, then send a signal for about 20 seconds, and then cease,
while the same operating signal causes the inbound system to wait
about two seconds, then begin receiving and recording, receive and
record for about 27 seconds, and then stop) or each system
following a program with synchronized timings (e.g., inbound system
transmits a "go" tone that causes outbound system to send first
signal followed by an "over" tone; upon receipt of "over" tone,
inbound signal pauses a second then sends a second "go" signal;
this can be repeated until outbound system sends "over and out"
signal; then both systems stop). In some embodiments, both systems
operate under clock-based synchrony in which, for example, under
instructions from one of the systems or extrinsic input, inbound
system begins recording at a pre-selected time (e.g., 10:00:00) and
stops recording at a preselected time (e.g., 10:00:26) while
outbound system transmits for seven seconds beginning at the
pre-selected time, followed by two seconds of silence, then another
seven second signal, another two second silence, and a final seven
second signal.
[0072] In certain aspects, systems and methods of the invention
include a server computer operable to communicate with one or more
of computer 125. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more
system as depicted in FIG. 1 is connected to a network (e.g.,
permanently or in "standby" mode) and a server computer
periodically triggers operation of one or more of DAC 269 and
processor 281 to perform operations of methods of the invention. In
this way, systems and methods of the invention can be employed to
test a communication line automatically, i.e., without human
participation or intervention. Computer 125 can be communicatively
coupled to a server computer via an internet connection such as an
Ethernet cable plugged into an Ethernet port, a 3G or 4G cellular
modem, or via a Wi-Fi connection provided by a Wi-Fi card. One
skilled in the art will recognize that most computers suitable for
use as computer 125 (e.g., laptops, desktops, iPads, smartphones,
tablets, etc.) include at least one such data connection device. In
a server-client embodiment, a server can coordinate the operation
of systems of the invention operating in inbound mode, outbound
mode, or both. Also or in the alternative, a server can manage data
collection, analysis, or storage. Any signals received,
measurements of those signals, logs, summaries, notes, or other
data can be sent to a server for storage or analysis.
[0073] Where a user chooses to operate in inbound mode, the user
will select the "Inbound" radio button under "Connection" as shown
in FIG. 5, and click on the "Record Tone" button. In certain
embodiments, this will invoke the window shown in FIG. 7, showing
information about the received, sampled, and recorded inbound
signal.
[0074] The inbound recording and analyzing window can display a
graph of amplitude per frequency, a graph of an incoming wave, a
sampling rate, other information about sampling, or any other data
that may be useful to the tester. In certain embodiments, an
inbound window will display an elapsing time counter or an amount
of inbound date (e.g., in MB) received and saved. The display may
also include file path, mission parameters (e.g. participant IDs,
information about the types and identities of components in the
communication line), information about the local system (crypto
card installed, computer type, sampler type), or other
information.
[0075] In certain embodiments, the inbound recording window
presents GUI controls to a user including preferably a stop button.
During recording, a user may be presented with GUI elements for
controlling the sampler (e.g., change the sampling rate, pause or
suspend sampling, cause the sampler to "barcode" the incoming tone
signal with additional digital data) or for controlling the
computer (e.g., cause the computer to "barcode" the data or add
metadata tags identifying a unique time point of interest within a
signal or adding information about the signal or session, turn off
the computer's Wi-Fi card or other hardware, trigger the operation
of another computer application to, for example, analyze, save or
report data).
[0076] A system of the invention operating in outbound mode can
barcode an outgoing tone signal. To barcode a signal refers to
adding data, such as analog or digital codes, that communicate
information. For example, an analog signal can be sent that
includes a component of a known frequency and a barcode component,
such as a metadata tag that can be detected and interpreted by a
receiving device. A barcode or tag can include a unique identifying
number or other data.
[0077] In certain embodiments in which inbound and outbound systems
are synchronized, run automatically, or are extrinsically
controlled (e.g., by their own internal clocks, via a prior
extrinsic coordination call by humans, by a server, by a series of
control signals from one system to the other), windows, GUI
elements, and interfaces at one end or the other may be displayed
with minimal information, or no user controls, or not displayed
whatsoever. For example, in certain embodiments, operation of an
outbound system sends control signals that "wake up" the inbound
system and control its operation. In this exemplary embodiment, the
inbound system may not display the window shown in FIG. 7, or may
display a "grayed out" or non-interactive version. Input/output
mechanism 285b of inbound system computer 125b may not even include
a monitor, touchscreen, or video display. For example, where one
system is automatic and operates without human intervention (e.g.,
by control signals from another system, a server, or a CRON utility
within itself), input/output mechanism 285b may consist of a data
connection such as an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi card, or phone jack.
[0078] For example, in certain embodiments, an inbound system or
outbound system is controlled solely or primarily for sending and
receiving by a cron table (e.g., where computer 125 functions on a
UNIX or LINUX operating system). A shell script, Perl program, or
like can be written and stored in memory 277 in a bin sub-directory
of a usr directory, the script including all commands to execute
program applications of the invention at scheduled times.
[0079] In certain embodiments, an inbound system functions by
"pinging" a remote computer causing the remote computer to send an
analog signal back to the inbound system. For example, the remote
computer can be a server configured to receive send requests and to
the respond to them by sending a signal according to the invention.
A server can be operably coupled to DAC 269. For example, the
server can be a Hitachi Compute Blade 500 computer device sold by
Hitachi Data Systems (Santa Clara, Calif.). The server can include
a E5-2600 processor sold under the trademark Xeon by Intel
Corporation (Santa Clara, Calif.). Remote DAQ 269 can be a 6000L
series oscilloscope or similar (e.g., the DS06054L, DSAX96204Q, or
MS09404A) sold by Agilent Technologies, Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.).
Program instructions on the server can respond to action of the
inbound system by causing the server and remote DAQ 269 to operate
as an outbound system, i.e., without a human user present at the
server. Testing systems and equipment are discussed in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,460,983, the contents of which are incorporated by reference
in their entirety.
[0080] Viewing inbound recording screen as shown in FIG. 7, a user
operates a system of the invention to receive over a communication
line an analog signal, sample the analog signal, and measure a
quality of a component of the signal having a known frequency.
Generally, in a basic test mode, a signal will include a number of
components having a known frequency, such as two or three. As shown
in FIG. 7, a system is provided that expects to receive a 600 Hz
signal, a 1800 Hz signal, and a 3000 Hz signal.
[0081] Inbound computer 125 records or saves these digital copies
of the waveforms and measures their qualities. By measuring the
quality of the signal received across a number of wavelengths, the
system gives a measure of the quality of the communication line
across a bandwidth. Any number of components of known frequency may
be received, and preferably they will span at least about 1000 Hz
of bandwidth, e.g., at least about 2000 Hz. In certain embodiments,
at least one frequency is below about 1000 Hz (e.g., about 600 Hz)
and at least one is about 2500 Hz (e.g., 3000 Hz). The plurality of
known frequencies may include a frequency between about 500 Hz and
about 700 Hz, one between about 1000 Hz and about 1500 Hz, and
optionally at least one more above, below, within one of, or
between those ranges. Any set of frequencies may be used.
Generally, a frequency is known in that it is specified by at least
either input of a user operator (e.g., at the outbound system) or
computer program instructions. For example, a user of a system of
the invention may not know the frequency if known refers to the
frequency having been specified by instructions in the computer
program. An outbound or inbound user may not see or "know" the
value of the frequency for example, in embodiments of the invention
in which a very simple, user-friendly interface is provided. In
some embodiments, frequencies are not known, for example, by the
inbound user or by any program instructions in the inbound system.
The system samples an inbound analog signal and optionally measures
the frequency of components of the signal. Thus, the invention
provides systems, methods, and devices for receiving an analog
signal the includes a component having a frequency and sampling the
signal and measuring a quality of it. A user may not know the
frequency, either prior to using the system or ever, and the
frequency may not be specified within the computer code in the
system, for example, prior to operation.
[0082] Processor 281 on the inbound system can operate to measure a
quality such as frequency, power, jitter, signal-to-noise (SNR, in
dB), or signal to noise and distortion (SINAD). In certain
embodiments, the inbound system samples the analog signal and
stores a digital copy of the signal in memory 277. Inbound computer
125 then sends the digital copy to another computer (e.g., as an
email attachment; using a file transfer protocol (FTP); via a
secure file transfer protocol (SFTP); through operation of an scp
command--for example, in a cron table; or similar means) where a
quality of the signal is measured. While the signal that is sent
to, and received by, the inbound computer is an analog signal
(i.e., for testing the quality of the communication line for
communication via electronic pulses), transfer of a digital copy of
the file can be by any means. For example, the digital file can be
sent as packets according to a transmission control protocol (TCP)
or a user datagram protocol. The digital file may be sent via the
communication line being tested, or may be sent using an
independent channel. To illustrate, in some embodiments, an analog
signal is received through phone line 133 into a phone jack 115 on
device 117, as shown in FIG. 1, and a digital copy of the sampled
analog signal is sent as an email attachment or via FTP over a
local Wi-Fi network through the use of a Wi-Fi card on computer 125
after which the digital copy may be forwarded back to the outbound
computer, to a server computer, or to another device. Accordingly,
in certain embodiments, measurements are performed within the
inbound system (i.e., by processor 281 on inbound computer 125)
while in some embodiments, a quality of a known frequency in the
sample signal is measured by a remote processor in a computer that
is independent from inbound computer 125 (e.g., a server computer
or the outbound computer, where here, "remote" is used simply to
specific that the processor is not the processor of computer 125)
and the remote processor is in communication with the sampler via
the mediating influence of a communication line, the computer 125,
or a combination thereof. Secure communication is discussed in U.S.
Pub. 2011/0135093; U.S. Pub. 2007/0177578; U.S. Pub. 2005/0058122;
and U.S. Pub. 2002/0051463, the contents of each of which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0083] In certain aspects, systems and methods of the invention
offer an extended test that includes a greater number of known
frequencies in an analog signal for testing a communication line
and providing more information that is provided by a basic
test.
[0084] An extended test according to certain embodiments of the
invention includes sending or receiving an analog signal that has a
number of components of known frequencies such as, for example, 8,
9, 10, 11, or 12 different known frequencies. Generally, at least
three known frequencies will be included in an extended test,
preferably about five or more.
[0085] When a user of a computer 125 chooses the "Comm Test
Extended" button from the main menu (FIG. 4), they will be taken to
the extended test parameters screen shown in FIG. 8. Operation of
the extended test involves substantially similar steps and
functions as the basic test, as described above. However, an
extended test will generally involve a signal that includes more
components in the analog signal than with a basic test.
[0086] The extended test tool is useful in identification of
circuits and their respective components that perform at the
minimal margins of acceptability or do not meet the minimum
performance characteristics. There are instances where the
communications channel allows normal voice communications but
prevents successful secure communications. This phenomenon can
occur, for example, when the traditional measure of circuit
quality, the signal to noise ratio, is well within accepted
tolerances. To achieve the necessary data rates within the limited
bandwidth of a telephone switched circuit devices, systems use a
phase modulation scheme. To identify sources of problems when the
end-user can talk "in the clear" but cannot use the telephone to
"go secure," methods and systems of the invention provide a quality
measurement such as phase, jitter, and distortion and can use a
plurality of audio tones (e.g., 10) to sweep the entire audio
bandwidth of the selected channel.
[0087] Information about the received signal as shown in FIGS. 9-12
are provided for troubleshooting and maintenance of communication
network components. With this information, technical personnel can
pin point sources of trouble and affect repairs keeping system
downtime to a minimum. In certain embodiments, a ten-tone method
takes just over 30 seconds to run.
[0088] After running the receiving and recording steps, a user may
return to a parameter screen such as, for example, one of the ones
shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, and edit or update parameter information.
Some fields will pre-populate based on the entries of previous
fields. Field descriptions may appear associated with the fields.
In some embodiments, it is not required to enter the information to
run a test.
[0089] FIG. 9 is a screen shown during receipt and recording of
signal in an extended test. As can be seen, aspects of the incoming
signal to be measured can include peak frequency, noise, jitter,
and SINAD. As shown in FIG. 9, an extended test can involve
receiving a signal that includes ten expected frequencies (e.g.,
here, 604 Hz, 1004 Hz, 1204 Hz, 1404 Hz, 1804 Hz, 2204 Hz, 2604 Hz,
3004 Hz, 3404 Hz, and 3804 Hz--also shown in FIG. 10). Receiving
and sampling the signal can include measuring a power spectrum
across frequencies or measuring an amplitude or waveform of an
incoming signal. Other tones, frequencies, durations, or intervals,
or combinations thereof, may be used.
[0090] In certain embodiments, a user will view the record signal
screen shown in FIG. 9 while communicating with a sender via a
coordination call. When the sending system is done sending, the
receiving user will hit the "Stop Acquiring Data" button (FIG. 9).
In some embodiments, starting, stopping, or other steps are
automated, synchronized, or under external control. For example, in
certain embodiments, the analog signal that is sent by the outbound
system includes a control tone or code that signals to the
receiving system to do something. For example, an certain tone can
trigger the receiving computer to stop acquiring data. FIG. 10
shows a screen giving a summary of measurements of qualities of a
received signal that may be shown after or during receiving the
analog signal. FIG. 11 is a screen showing detailed measurements of
qualities of a received signal. FIG. 12 shows an interface being
used to see a signal-to-noise ratio measurement of a 1204 Hz
frequency wave in a received signal.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 9, the inbound tester can monitor the
testing process using the record and analyze screen. The tester has
immediate feedback graphically indicating signal to noise ratios,
jitter, signal strength, and SINAD (signal to noise with
distortion). In some embodiments, device 117 samples the incoming
signal at a sampling rate greater than 100 KHz, e.g., 250 KHz. The
received files can become very large.
[0092] After stopping recording, in certain embodiments, the system
performs analysis, calculates the values from the recorded signals,
and presents the information in an easy to read tables. A table can
be shown as in FIG. 10 that is color coded, labeled, tagged,
marked, or shaded to provide immediate feedback to the tester for
any parameter that is within or outside of accepted tolerances.
[0093] The analysis summary can be shown on screen as in FIG. 10.
The parameters in this screen may be differentially shaded for
illustrative purposes. For a more comprehensive view of any given
parameter, the tester may select the Analysis Detail tab or
double-click on any one of the items in the table. An exemplary
analysis detail tab is shown in FIGS. 11-12.
[0094] The module can display the details with respect to the
recorded 604 Hz test tone (shown in the Analysis Detail, FIG. 11).
Systems of the invention can include any useful GUI elements such
as icons that allow pan and zoom of the information or waveforms.
Using the icons allows detailed analysis of the received signal.
Analysis can be narrowed down to a precise moment in time or used
to highlight a particular anomaly. Systems of the invention may
present detailed information on any test frequency or resultant
calculated parameter. Clicking on any calculated parameter on the
"Analysis Summary" page can bring up the details of the collected
signal. When the inbound tester selects the exit box, the system
may bring up the information screen (e.g., one of the ones shown in
FIGS. 5 and 8) for any post-testing notes the inbound tester may
want to include.
[0095] The tool can send the information to a database in memory
277 and can advance the test increment counter by one.
[0096] In certain embodiments, after the stop button is pressed,
the application will calculate the Signal to Noise and Jitter for
each of the tones on that run (actual time may be determined by
load on the machine and the size of the file captured).
[0097] In some embodiments, a device of the invention can receive a
criterion and compare an aspect of the measured signal to the
criterion to evaluate the tested communication line. For example,
where a high signal-to-noise measurement is desired, a criterion of
about 40 or about 50 can be established, and the application can
report a positive result if the threshold is met or exceeded. Where
a low jitter is desired, a threshold can be established (e.g.,
0.0001) and a test can evaluate if the threshold is met. Adjustment
of the tolerances is easy and normally left to dedicated expert
personnel. (E.g. The previously accepted limit for signal to noise
may have been 35 dB. The supervisory personnel want the new minimum
standard to be 45 dB. Where a signal to noise calculation of 40 dB
would be "green" acceptable, with the new accepted level of 45 dB,
this parameter will have a red flag.) The process is simple and far
end testing personnel can make on-scene adjustments facilitated by
other personnel talking them through the parameter changes.
[0098] The database can store an electronic copy of the waveform
and calculated parameters. The advantage of keeping all of the
calculated information and signals is in post-testing analysis. The
stored waveforms can later be used or analyzed repeatedly with new
algorithms if necessary or desired to further identify sources of
problems. Stored waveforms can be used at a receiving system,
sending system, or other computer (e.g., server, terminal, or
another independent computer) while running a test or later for
generating, viewing, sending, or saving reports.
[0099] FIG. 13 shows a screen for starting a report including
provided measurements. In some embodiments, systems of the
invention include a report module. A report module can open into
the Log Analysis Report page (FIG. 13), where a user can click the
"File" Button in the lower left hand corner to select and open a
log file. The select box may open to the directory of collected log
files. The log files names can use a timestamp to make it easier to
identify which file to report on based on the original creation
date and time of the file.
[0100] FIG. 14 shows a screen listing records of sent and received
signals. A user may identify the desired log file and select it.
The file will open in grid view so that the user can see all of the
information that was collected. In some embodiments, there is a
scroll bar on the side and bottom to facilitate large data sets,
and a user may use these if the desired field is not immediately
visible. These fields match back to the qualities tested during
receiving and each column links to a particular data field that was
collected during the test. Each row represents 1 test. Since each
test involved an inbound piece and an outbound piece, there may be
blanks in the Signal to Noise and Jitter Analysis fields for those
test runs where a system was in "outbound" mode. This is because
outbound mode can send the preset tone signal without
recording.
[0101] A user may create a report for analysis or sharing of the
data by pressing a button such as a "Create HTML Report" button. A
pop-up may report the creation of the report and the report will
automatically open (e.g. in a computer application such as, for
example, Internet Explorer, a word processor, or a dedicated app)
for viewing. In certain embodiments, the report is in HTML or
another format, such as HTML5 or XML.
[0102] In some embodiments, the report is broken up into several
sections as shown in FIG. 15. The first section, "Log Analysis"
provides a good overview of the other three sections so that this
report can stand on its own and be used for after action reviews,
shared with various interested parties by itself, or as a part of a
larger report.
[0103] FIG. 16 shows a report provided by the invention that
includes measurements of qualities of signals comprising three
known frequencies received according to methods and devices of the
invention. The exemplary "Log Analysis Summary Page" shown in FIG.
16 can display the results of a number of simple metrics performed
on the data and give an overview of the work that went into this
report and the overall success rates of the data collection for
that test run.
[0104] FIG. 17 shows a detailed report provided by methods and
devices invention that includes measurements of qualities of
signals comprising three known frequencies received according to
methods and devices of the invention. The "Log Detail Page" shown
in FIG. 17 can provide details similar to the grid view for deeper
analysis and inclusion in further reports. This section can split
out the comments (designated by an asterisk) for improved
formatting and printability.
[0105] FIG. 18 shows a log notes page according to the invention.
The exemplary "Log Notes Page" shown in FIG. 18 can contain the
comments (e.g., linked to the "Log Detail Page" above) in an easy
to read and print format. To view them all together, a grid view
may be provided, or the contents can be sent to one or more CSV
files directly using Excel or a similar tool.
[0106] In certain aspects, the invention provides a device for
testing a communication line such as is shown in FIG. 19. The
devices shown in FIG. 19 can be coupled to computer 125, which
includes a memory coupled to a processor that can execute
instructions that cause the processor to receive an incoming
digital signal from an analog to digital converter device 117, as
shown in FIG. 19. Computer device 125 can then save the incoming
digital signal to memory, measure a quality of the signal (e.g.,
noise, strength, signal-to-noise, SINAD, frequency, or jitter), and
provide information about a quality of the signal. FIG. 19 shows an
embodiment of a device of the invention that can be linked via USB
to a laptop computer (e.g., a PC-compatible computer such as a Dell
Latitude E6520 PC laptop available from Dell Inc. (Round Rock,
Tex.)). In one embodiment the laptop is capable of running an
operating system. In one embodiment, that operating system is
Windows 7 or Windows XP. In one embodiment, the operating system
has been configured according to the Standard Technical
Implementation Guidelines (STIGs) for Department of Defense
systems, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference
in their entirety (see, for example, Windows 7 Security Technical
Implementation Guide, Version 1, Release 8, dated Apr. 27, 2012,
available as a downloadable PDF file from the Security Technical
Implementation Guides (STIGs) page of the Information Assurance
Support Environment web page maintained within the web site of the
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) (Fort Meade, Md.) of the
United States Department of Defense).
[0107] FIG. 20 is a reproduction of a photo of the device shown in
FIG. 19. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a module or a
client and a remote computer or a server. The module can be
configured to be connected to a network via a network interface
point. The module can be configured to be connected to the remote
computer. The remote computer may comprise software which performs
at least one step of the invention. An aspect or step of the
invention which may happen on the remote computer can include, but
is not limited to: signal generation; recording; analysis; saving
data to a log file; conversion between analog and digital;
collecting and saving information. In this embodiment, a user may
interact with the software on the remote computer through a
web-browser, a custom application, a command-line interface or
other means. In one embodiment, only a portion of the steps of the
invention takes place on the remote computer. In one embodiment,
any of the steps of the invention may take place on the module or
client.
[0108] In some embodiments, a module of the invention comprises or
consists of a cell phone, smart-phone, iPhone, iPad, PDA, other
portable device, handheld device, or similar device.
[0109] One or more step of the invention may be performed
automatically, or may be scheduled to be performed ahead of time.
Software on a computer or server can run and perform a step of the
invention automatically. For example, software in a module runs and
causes software on a server to run. In one embodiment, a module can
both send and receive simultaneously, for instance, through a
"looped" communication line, or by employing two network interface
points on a single module or device. Each of the modules can use a
combination of hardware and software that can be customized for a
physical operating environment as well as software that can be
optimized to mission goals and objectives.
[0110] The invention provides systems and methods that present a
simplified user experience and provide complex capabilities to
people who are not experts such as telecommunications engineers, or
in other similarly complex and necessarily detailed field of
study
[0111] A module of the invention can contain deep knowledge of a
network or component. A module of the invention can make decisions
on the information that is derived by operating the module by
encapsulating basic rules simulating that subject matter expert. A
module of the invention can provide a complex policy engine that
can extend the organizational policy to a distant and temporary
network or component by deploying those policies through a policy
model. A module of the invention can supply knowledge and provide
guidance for a layman that would otherwise require a subject matter
expert. A module of the invention can enable an operator to extend
his knowledge into the field of the subject matter expert and
complete his mission as if he had the benefit of a subject matter
expert beside him.
[0112] In order to provide to non-experts the ability to test a
communication line and identify defects, make a determination of a
suitability for secure operation, or establish an available
bandwidth or capacity, the invention provides a simplified user
experience that provides meaning that is visually obvious to a
complex security landscape by applying a configurable policy to the
events generated by the industry leading modules for security and
testing that have been installed into the unit. In some
embodiments, systems and methods of the invention are simple enough
for a non-expert to use. Secure communication is discussed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,188,180; U.S. Pat. No. 6,839,759; and U.S. Pub.
2007/0177578, the contents of each of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. By not being
too complicated for a lay-person to use, a module of the invention
can avoid its being misused or not used at all. As a result,
security breaches are avoided where, otherwise, users may not
establish that a line is capable of going secure yet use that line
for intended secure operation nonetheless, allowing important
secured information to be compromised.
[0113] Systems and methods of the invention may generally be
implemented through the use of one or more of computer 125.
Computer 125 generally includes a processor 281 operably coupled to
a memory 277 and configured to send or receive information via
input-output device 285.
[0114] One of skill in the art will recognize that processor 281
may be provided by one or more processors including, for example,
one or more of a single core or multi-core processor (e.g., AMD
Phenom II X2, Intel Core Duo, AMD Phenom II X4, Intel Core i5,
Intel Core i& Extreme Edition 980X, or Intel Xeon E7-2820). In
certain embodiments, computer 125 may be a tablet or smart-phone
form factor device and processor 281 can be provided by, for
example, an ARM-based system-on-a-chip (SoC) processor such as the
1.2 GHz dual-core Exynos SoC processor from Samsung Electronics,
(Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea).
[0115] Input-output device 285 generally includes one or a
combination of monitor, keyboard, mouse, data jack (e.g., Ethernet
port, modem jack, HDMI port, mini-HDMI port, USB port), Wi-Fi card,
touchscreen (e.g., CRT, LCD, LED, AMOLED, Super AMOLED), pointing
device, trackpad, microphone, speaker, light (e.g., LED), or
light/image projection device.
[0116] Memory 277 generally refers to one or more storage devices
for storing data or carrying information, e.g., semiconductor,
magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information
carriers for memory 277 suitable for embodying computer program
instructions and data include any suitable form of memory that is
tangible, non-transitory, non-volatile, or a combination thereof.
In certain embodiments, a device of the invention includes a
tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium for memory 277.
Exemplary devices for use as memory 277 include semiconductor
memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, solid state drive (SSD), and
flash memory devices e.g., SD, micro SD, SDXC, SDIO, SDHC cards);
magnetic disks, (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks);
magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks).
The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or
incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.
[0117] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a
computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., a data
server), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or a
front-end component (e.g., computer 125 having a graphical user
interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with
an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any
combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components.
The components of the system can be interconnected through network
249 by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a
communication network. Examples of communication networks include
cell network (e.g., 3G or 4G), a local area network (LAN), and a
wide area network (WAN), e.g., the Internet.
[0118] The subject matter described herein can be implemented as
one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer
programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a
non-transitory computer-readable medium) for execution by, or to
control the operation of, data processing apparatus (e.g., a
programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A
computer program (also known as a program, software, software
application, app, macro, or code) can be written in any form of
programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages
(e.g., C, C++, Perl), and it can be deployed in any form, including
as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or
other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. Systems and
methods of the invention can include instructions written in any
suitable programming language known in the art, including, without
limitation, C, C++, Perl, Java, ActiveX, HTML5, Visual Basic, or
JavaScript. In certain embodiments, systems and methods of the
invention are implemented through the use of a mobile app. As used
herein, mobile app generally refers to a standalone program capable
of being installed or run on a smartphone platform such as Android,
iOS, Blackberry OS, Windows 8, Windows Mobile, etc. For example, in
certain embodiments, DAC 269 is provided by a mobile app such as
OsciPrime Oscilloscope by Nexus-Computing (Baden, CH) or
Oscilloscope Pro by NFX Development, available for Android
operating systems from the Google play app store from Google
(Mountain View, Calif.). A mobile app can also include sampler or
DAC functionality developed in an integrated fashion with mobile
app program instructions that operate to perform a test in inbound
or outbound mode. For example, in certain embodiments, a system
operating in outbound mode is provided by a smartphone or tablet,
either connected to a telephone, or using an internet connection
with, for example, a VoIP. The outbound device sends an analog
signal including a component having a known frequency. Additionally
or alternatively, in some embodiments an inbound system is provided
by a smartphone or tablet, for example, by a mobile app that
receives an analog signal, samples it, and measures a quality of a
component of known frequency. Functionality of the invention can be
implemented by a mobile app or a software application or computer
program in other formats included scripts, shell scripts, and
functional modules created in development environments.
[0119] A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a
file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds
other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program
in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that
store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A
computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or
on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple
sites and interconnected by a communication network.
[0120] A file can be a digital file, for example, stored on a hard
drive, SSD, CD, or other tangible, non-transitory medium. A file
can be sent from one device to another over network 249 (e.g., as
packets being sent between a server and a client, for example,
through a Network Interface Card, modem, wireless card, or
similar).
[0121] Writing a file according to the invention involves
transforming a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium,
for example, by adding, removing, or rearranging particles (e.g.,
with a net charge or dipole moment into patterns of magnetization
by read/write heads), the patterns then representing new
collocations of information about objective physical phenomena
desired by, and useful to, the user. In some embodiments, writing
involves a physical transformation of material in tangible,
non-transitory computer readable media (e.g., with certain optical
properties so that optical read/write devices can then read the new
and useful collocation of information, e.g., burning a CD-ROM). In
some embodiments, writing a file includes transforming a physical
flash memory apparatus such as NAND flash memory device and storing
information by transforming physical elements in an array of memory
cells made from floating-gate transistors. Methods of writing a
file can be invoked manually or automatically by a program or by a
save command from software or a write command from a programming
language.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0122] References and citations to other documents, such as
patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books,
papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure.
All such documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
Equivalents
[0123] Various modifications of the invention and many further
embodiments thereof, in addition to those shown and described
herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
full contents of this document, including references to the
scientific and patent literature cited herein. The subject matter
herein contains important information, exemplification and guidance
that can be adapted to the practice of this invention in its
various embodiments and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *