Graphical User Interfaces

With many Electronic Warfare, Sonar and Radar systems, a critical part of the system is the presentation of processed signal results to an operator in a way that allows immediate recognition of what is happening. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is often all that an operator sees of a system. As sensors become more advanced and processing power increase , the amount of information that can be calculated is immense. This leaves a growing problem of how to present the information to an operator to give a tactical advantage. Real-time graphical visualisation techniques, automatic detection and prioritised prompts are needed to prevent the operator getting swamped and allow small but significant events to be highlighted to them.

Intuitive Designs

Kaon has become adept at exploiting modern GUI technology to provide displays that are intuitive to operate and rich in functionality at the click of a button. We look to ensure there is a selection of ways the data can be displayed and that instant access to historical data is available even on systems with many channels. Key aspects of the development of such displays are: simplicity of layout, good use of colour in the data displays to inform the operator and end user prototype reviews throughout the development cycle.

Open Architectures

We utilise GUI development tools that are cross platform and interoperable between the main desktop computer operating systems. Qt and JAVA both operate equally well in the Microsoft, Apple, Unix and Linux graphical environments. Displays developed in Qt and JAVA can move seamlessly between these operating systems with minimum effort so that hardware platforms can be upgraded at will. Qt allows Kaon to provide agile, dynamic displays for stand alone systems. JAVA allows Kaon to provide displays into Multi-Function Consoles through browser technologies.