Ricochet - ATC Recording and Replay Systems

Ricochet is a leading supplier of synchronised recording and replay systems designed for the ATC / CNS arena, which have had more than 350 installations worldwide.

Audio and radar recording systems

Ricochet supports all different audio and radar formats and all types of cameras. Capturing data through the wall (TTW) means tapping raw unprocessed and processed data feeds from the sources, in real-time, directly from the copper carrying the data. For presentation on the native radar display, the data can be fed into the same type of carrier and with the same format as it had when presented in real-time.

However, Ricochet radar display is the fastest and easiest way to view primary and secondary radar data. The radar / track viewer is integrated in the Ricochet replay client tool where text-based chart and chart object format are supported. The basic features of the area can be plotted and used as background. Tracks are plotted with target ID, featuring functions such as range, zoom, pan, select reference and select targets.

At the glass (ATG) screen recording

Ricochet combines the latest in high-performance frame rate converter hardware with smart and efficient software making it possible to effectively record even the highest resolutions used in ATM at the frame rates needed and without any loss of picture fidelity. Smart and extremely fast picture handling in hardware and software means that the average number of bytes per frame is reduced to a volume which will in most ATM applications be manageable by a server or two with an internal or external RAID 5. The recording is done at the glass (ATG) so the images are recorded from the DVI cable driving the screen that needs to be recorded.

Capturing screens can be divided into three categories:

• Reading and storing the display memory continuously
• Recording of X-11 commands
• The completely non-intrusive technology that recreates the exact picture: tapping into the DVI / RGB signal and capturing the screen image as it is displayed on the controller’s screen, which is the method adopted by Ricochet

Recording and replay system channel replay

The technology is not vendor-specific and will interface to any system. The user may also keep the same way of recording screens even if the ATM system and CWPs are upgraded or replaced. During replay, the screen images are recreated in full synchronism with, for example, position voice communications. To make sure no data is lost, the screen image can be captured multiple times per second.

Replay of a channel is done by simply clicking on it. Channels can be replayed simultaneously and can be directed to separate loudspeakers. Other sources like monitors, cameras and radar feeds are replayed synchronously when activated.

Security technology for safely exporting data

Ricochet offers advanced security technology for extraction of data. With the new and enhanced Ricochet Impound software, it has never been easier to safely export data for further investigation.

Ricochet’s solution also offers easy export of chosen audio / video channel / period to a single file. This file is available for distribution through mail or other sources like CD or USB-stick and can be replayed by a simple media player.

TCP communication protocol

The communication between the Ricochet Replay Client and the Replay Server is defined by the Ricochet Replay API. This is a simple but effective TCP communication protocol that is fully documented and completely open for anyone to use.

Administration:

• Users and user groups
• Channel traffic statistics
• Audit trail
• Alarms

Replay simulation and training

Ricochet’s distributed recording and replaying solution is the perfect tool for training controllers through simulation of real scenarios from a live system. Ricochet’s replay concept offers synchronous replay of data on several remote replay stations, which are operated from one central position. This enables classroom studies where genuine recorded data and incident scenarios can be replayed and the content tailor-made to each individual student by the instructor at the operating station. By doing ATG screen recording and audio recording of the training, a replay is the perfect de-brief tool.

Distributed system of recording units

It is easier than ever to create and maintain a large, distributed system of Ricochet recording units. Any number of autonomous recording units can be integrated using the new replay server, manager and administration server and manager architecture. The Ricochet client application provides system-wide access to replay and administration via one access point. Channels recorded on different recorders are presented seamlessly.

Ricochet’s system is equipped to support a variety of time sources.