System and method for communication for clients in a vehicle

Abstract

The various aspects and implementation options relate to a communication system for a vehicle, for example an aircraft. The system may comprise one or more devices housing one or more communication stations as comprised by the system. The system may receive data signals from and send data signals to client devices within the vehicle. The system may receive data signals from and send data signals to a remote communication system, like a satellite, from an antenna at either port or starboard side of the vehicle. As such, client devices, for example held by people in the aircraft, are allowed to communicate with a remote communication system and device outside the vehicle. The system provides for management of communication pipes if only one station or only one device can communicate with the satellite, if such satellite is only available at port or starboard. Data may also be relayed internally.

Description

[0001] Title: system and method for communication for clients in a vehicle

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The various aspects and implementations and examples thereof relate to a system for data communication between a communication system in a vehicle and a remote communication network outside the vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Data communication in vehicle may in some cases pose challenges on a connection with a communication network outside the vehicle. At locations with cellular communication networks are available, like 3G, 4G and 5G, this is generally not a problem. Yet, in or above scarcely inhabited areas, such networks may not be available. Other networks may exist, but pose challenges.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] Above or in scarcely inhabited areas, satellite communication is generally a preferred option or even the only option available for telecommunication. An example of the latter is the satellite communication network Iridium. Iridium is a communication network with 66 satellites at an altitude slightly less than 800 kilometres. At one position in either the air or on the ground, generally only one satellite is visible. This satellite is visible at only one side of a vehicle, like an aircraft. For an in-aircraft (data) communication service that relies on the Iridium network, not using an antenna that is fixed on top of the aircraft, but rather portable and / or linked to a portable device, this poses a challenge.

[0008] A first aspect provides a method for execution in a data communication system in a vehicle, the communication system comprising a first communication station and a second communication station. In the communication system for executing the method, the first communication station comprises a first remote communication module arranged to exchange data with an external remote communication station of a remote communication network by means of a first antenna and a first local communication module connected to the first remote communication module, the first local communication module being arranged to exchange the data with clients in the vehicle. The second communication station comprises a second remote communication module arranged to exchange data with an external remote communication station of the remote communication network by means of a second antenna. The method comprises receiving, by the first local communication module, data from a client, and checking, by the first remote communication module, availability of the remote communication network, by means of the first antenna. If the remote communication network is available to the first remote communication module, the first communication module sends the data to the remote communication network by means of the first antenna. And if the remote communication network is not available to the first remote communication module, the first communication station sends the data to the second communication station; and the second remote communication module sends the data to the remote communication network by means of the second antenna.

[0009] This method allows for smooth communication with a single remote communication network device, like a satellite or a ground base station, when the vehicle takes a turn or when a first remote communication network device disappears over the horizon and communication is handed over to a second remote communication network device. The remote communication network is a network system like a network of satellites, with satellites as external remote communication stations or a terrestrial network with base stations as external remote communication stations. Hence, remote communication network is preferably a homogeneous network and more in particular a homogeneous satellite communication network.

[0010] In one implementation, the first antenna is placed at a first side of the vehicle, for example starboard side, and the second antenna is placed at a second side of the vehicle, for example port side. In such implementation, the method further comprises checking availability of a network element of the remote communication network at the first side of the vehicle, and, if - or when - the network element is available at the first side, sending the data to the network element of the remote communication network at the first side of the vehicle. Such network element may be a satellite or a terrestrial base station.

[0011] A further implementation based thereon further comprises checking availability of a (further) network element of the remote communication network at the second side of the vehicle and, if - or when - the (further) network element is available at the second side, sending the data to the (further) network element of the remote communication network at the second side of the vehicle.

[0012] In these implementations, the remote (external) communications network is preferably a homogeneous network, like a satellite only network or a terrestrial base station only network.

[0013] In an implementation, the second communication station comprising a second local communication module arranged to exchange data with clients in the vehicle and the method further comprises receiving, by the first remote communication module, data from the remote network, determining, by the first local communication module, for which client the received data is intended, checking, by the first local communication module, whether the determined client is connected to the first local communication module. If the determined client is connected to the first local communication module, the first local communication module sends the data to the determined client. If the determined client is not connected to the first local communication module, the first local communication module sends the data to the second local communication module; and the second local communication module sends the data to the determined client.

[0014] This implementation allows for flexible communication, irrespective of which remote communication module is used and irrespective of to which local communication module the client is connected.

[0015] A second aspect provides a method for execution in a data communication system in a vehicle, the communication system comprising a first communication station and a second communication station.

[0016] The first communication station in which the method may be executed comprises a first local communication module connected to the first remote communication module, the first local communication module being arranged to exchange the data with clients in the vehicle; and a first remote communication module arranged to exchange data with a remote communication network by means of a first antenna. The second communication station comprises a second local communication module arranged to exchange data with clients in the vehicle. The method comprises receiving, by the first remote communication module, data from the remote network, determining, by the first local communication module, for which client the received data is intended and checking, by the first local communication module, whether the determined client is connected to the first local communication module. If the determined client is connected to the first local communication module, the first local communication module sends the data to the determined client, if the determined client is not connected to the first local communication module the first local communication module sends the data to the second local communication module and the second local communication module sends the data to the determined client.

[0017] The second aspect is a reciprocal of the first aspect; whereas the first aspect relates to sending data provided by a client to an entity outside the vehicle, the second aspect relates to a client receiving data from an entity outside the vehicle, while preserving the same advantages.

[0018] In an example, the second communication station comprises a second remote communication module arranged to exchange data with a the remote communication network by means of a second antenna. The method further comprises receiving, by the first local communication module, data from a client and checking, by the first remote communication module, availability of the remote communication network, by means of the first antenna. If the remote communication network is available to the first remote communication module, the first communication module sends the data to the remote communication network by means of the first antenna. If the remote communication network is not available to the first remote communication module, the first remote communication module sends the data to the second remote communication module; and the second communication module sends the data to the remote communication network by means of the second antenna.

[0019] This example is a reciprocal of the example above of the first aspect; whereas the example of the first aspect relates to receiving data by a client by an entity outside the vehicle, the second aspect relates to a client sending data to an entity outside the vehicle, while preserving the same advantages.

[0020] In a further example, the first local communication module and the second local communication module are arranged to exchange data between the first local communication module and the second local communication module in accordance with a first data communication protocol and exchange data with clients in accordance with a second data communication protocol different from the first data communication protocol. An advantage of this example is that two different channels may be used for the two types of communication, reducing a risk of congestion. In another example, the first remote communication module identifies to the remote communication network with a first remote identifier and the second remote communication module identifies to the remote communication network with the first remote identifier. In this way, the remote communication network will see the system in the vehicle as one client, irrespective of whether the remote communication network communicates with the first communication station or with the second communication station.

[0021] Yet a further example comprises operating one single of the first remote communication module and the second remote communication module to exchange data with the remote communication network. This example reduces risks of data collision and conflicts in communication.

[0022] Again another example further comprises receiving, by the first local communication module, a data request from the client, determining whether at least one of the data request and the requested data satisfies the first criterion and if the at least one of the data request and the requested data satisfies the first criterion, requesting the requested data via the remote communication network by means of the first remote communication module. In certain scenarios, certain services provided remotely may not be allowed to be accessed or otherwise used by the client. This status may be absolute, subject to payment or subject to other conditions. In particular services requiring a high bandwidth or being not always necessary for use at the very moment, like updating of applications, may be subject to conditions or not allowed at all.

[0023] Yet another example further comprises receiving, by the first local communication module, a data request from the client, determining whether at least one of the data request and the requested satisfies the first criterion and if the at least one of the data request and the requested satisfies the first criterion, requesting the requested data via the remote communication network by means of the first remote communication module. In certain scenarios, certain services provided remotely may not be allowed to be accessed or otherwise used by the client. This status may be absolute, subject to payment or subject to other conditions. In particular services requiring a high bandwidth or being not always necessary for use at the very moment, like updating of applications, may be subject to conditions or not allowed at all.

[0024] Again a further example further comprises determining whether the client is on a list with priority clients and if the client is on the list with priority clients, perform, during processing of the data received from or sent to the client, at least one of disconnecting clients that are not on the list with priority clients and not processing data received from or sent to clients that are not on the list with priority clients. Such priority clients may be operated by cabin crew or flying personnel or automatically operated for service messages to passengers. In order to ensure passengers pay attention to such service messages, communication with passenger clients may be shut off.

[0025] In another example, the determining whether the client is on a list with priority clients is only executed if the data communication system is in a priority state. The priority state may be activated when service messages are broadcasted.

[0026] A third aspect provides a communication system comprising a first local communication module arranged to receive data from a client, a first remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for sending the data to a remote communication network, and a second remote communication module arranged to be connected to a second antenna for sending the data to the remote communication network. The first local communication module further comprises a processing unit arranged to control the first local communication module, the first remote communication module and the second remote communication module to receive, by the first local communication module, data from a client, check, by the first remote communication module, availability of the remote communication network, by means of the first antenna, if the remote communication network is available to the first remote communication module, send, by the first communication module, the data to the remote communication network by means of the first antenna and if the remote communication network is not available to the first remote communication module, send, by the second remote communication module, the data to the remote communication network by means of the second antenna.

[0027] A fourth aspect provides a communication system comprising a first communication device comprising a first local communication module; arranged to receive data from a client a first remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for sending the data to a remote communication network; and a first processing unit arranged to control the first local communication module, the first remote communication module. The system further comprises a second communication device comprising a second local communication module; arranged to receive data from a client, a second remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for sending the data to the remote communication network; and a second processing unit arranged to control the second local communication module, the second remote communication module. The first processing unit is arranged to check, upon the first local communication unit receiving data, by means of the first remote communication module, availability of the remote communication network to the first remote communication module, by means of the first antenna, operate, if the remote communication network is available to the first remote communication module, the first remote communication module to send the data to the remote communication network; and operate, if the remote communication network is not available to the first remote communication module, one of the first local communication module and the first remote communication module, to send the data to the second communication device. The second processing unit is arranged to operate one of the second local communication module and the second remote communication module to receive the data from the first communication device; and operate the second remote communication module to send the data to the remote communication network.

[0028] A fifth aspect provides a communication system comprising a first communication device comprising a first local communication module; arranged to send data to a client, a first remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for receiving the data from a remote communication network; and a first processing unit arranged to control the first local communication module, the first remote communication module. The communication system further comprises a second communication device comprising a second local communication module; arranged to send data to a client, a second remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for receiving the data from the remote communication network; and a second processing unit arranged to control the second local communication module, the second remote communication module. The first processing unit is arranged to verify, upon receiving the data from the remote network by means of the first remote communication module, whether the client is connected to the first local communication client; and operate the first local communication module to send the data to the client, if the client is connected to the first local communication module; and operate at least one of the first remote communication module and the first local communication module to send the data to the second communication device, if the client is not connected to the first local communication module. The second processing unit is arranged to operate one of the second local communication module and the second remote communication module to receive the data from the first communication device; and operate the second local communication module to send the data to the client. An example of the third, fourth or fifth aspect, further comprising the first antenna connected to the first remote communication module and the second antenna connected to the second remote communication module.

[0029] A sixth aspect provides a vehicle comprising the communication system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the first antenna is applied at a port side of the vehicle and the second antenna is applied at a starboard side of the vehicle.

[0030] In an example, the first antenna is applied to a port window and the second antenna is applied to a starboard window.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The various aspects will now be elucidated in further detail in conjunction with drawings. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1: shows an aircraft;

[0034] Figure 2: shows two communication devices;

[0035] Figure 3: shows a flowchart for sending data;

[0036] Figure 4: shows a flowchart for receiving data

[0037] Figure 5: shows another aircraft; and

[0038] Figure 6: shows another communication device.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1 shows an aircraft 100 as a vehicle having provided therein a first communication device 200 and a second communication device 250 as a communication system. The first communication device 200 and the second communication device 250 are in this example substantially identical devices. Hence, their functionality is interchangeable. The first communication device 200 and the second communication device 250 are arranged to communicate with wide area wireless data communication network, with the communication device being either ground-based or airborne. An example of the latter is the satellite communication network Iridium. Iridium is a communication network with 66 satellites at an altitude slightly less than 800 kilometres. At one position in either the air or on the ground, one and sometimes two satellites are visible.

[0041] The first communication device 200 is placed at starboard of the aircraft 100 and the second communication device 250 is placed at port of the aircraft 100. For the first communication device 200, a first remote network antenna 218 is placed at a starboard side of the aircraft 100, preferably in a window. For the second communication device 250, a second remote network antenna 268 is placed at a port side of the aircraft 100, preferably in a window. By placing antennas at each side of the aircraft 100, at least one of the first communication device 200 and the second communication device 250 is able to communicate with an Iridium satellite.

[0042] Figure 2 shows the first communication device 200 and the second communication device 250 in further detail. The first communication device 200 comprises a first processing unit 202, a first storage module 204, a first local communication module 206 connected to a first local antenna 216 and a first remote communication module 208 connected to the first remote network antenna 218. As such, the first communication device 200 constitutes a first communication station.

[0043] The first processing unit 202 is arranged to control the first communication device 200 and the various components thereof to execute the methods according to the first and second aspect, as well as implementations thereof as discussed below. The first processing unit 202 may for example be implemented as an electronic microprocessor or electronic microcontroller.

[0044] The first storage module 204 may implemented as an electronic or magnetic memory, either transient or non-transient - non-volatile -, as a hard disk, solid state, other, or a combination of two or more of the preceding. The first storage module 204 is arranged to have data stored thereon for configuration of the first communication device 200, as well as arranged for storing data received and to be transmitted further and other data. The first storage module 204 is also arranged to have computer program data stored thereon comprising computer executable code to enable the first processing unit 202 to executed any processes discussed or variation or implementations thereof.

[0045] The first local communication module 206 is arranged to communicate with client devices or clients via the first internal antenna 216 via a local communication network, which is preferably a wireless communication network, operated inside the aircraft 100. Such clients may be handheld electronic equipment carried by passengers and personnel of the aircraft 100. Such handheld electronic equipment may be mobile telephones, tablet computers, laptop computers, smartwatches and the like. The first local communication module 206 may be arranged to communicate with the second communication device 250 as well. The first local communication module is arranged to communicate with one or more suitable communication protocols for local network communication, including, but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi (IEEE 802.11), zigbee, RFID and the like.

[0046] The first remote communication module 208 is arranged to communicate with an external remote communication network. Such external remote communication network may be Iridium or another satellite based communication network, like Starlink. Alternatively or additionally, a ground-based communication network, for example a cellular network like LTE (4G) may be used. The remote communication module 208 may be arranged to communicate with the second communication device 250. The remote communication module 208 is arranged to serve as a gateway for communication from within the aircraft 100 to outside the aircraft 100.

[0047] The second communication device 250 comprises a second processing unit 252, a second storage module 254, a second local communication module 256 connected to a second local antenna 266 and a second remote communication module 258 connected to the second remote network antenna 268. As such, the second communication device 250 constitutes a first communication station.

[0048] The second processing unit 252 is arranged to control the second communication device 250 and the various components thereof to execute the methods according to the second and second aspect, as well as implementations thereof as discussed below. The second processing unit 252 may for example be implemented as an electronic microprocessor or electronic microcontroller.

[0049] The second storage module 254 may implemented as an electronic or magnetic memory, either transient or non-transient - non-volatile -, as a hard disk, solid state, other, or a combination of two or more of the preceding. The second storage module 254 is arranged to have data stored thereon for configuration of the second storage module 254, data received and to be transmitted further and other data. The second storage module 254 is also arranged to have computer program data stored thereon comprising computer executable code to enable the second processing unit to executed any processes discussed or variation or implementations thereof.

[0050] The second local communication module 256 is arranged to communicate with client devices or clients via a second internal antenna 266 via a local communication network, which is preferably a wireless communication network, operated inside the aircraft 100. Such clients may be handheld electronic equipment carried by passengers and personnel of the aircraft 100. Such handheld electronic equipment may be mobile telephones, tablet computers, laptop computers, smartwatches and the like. The second local communication module 256 may be arranged to communicate with the first communication device 200 as well. The second local communication module 256 is arranged to communicate with one or more suitable communication protocols for local network communication, including, but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi (IEEE 852.11), Zigbee and the like.

[0051] The second remote communication module 258 is arranged to communicate with an external remote communication network. Such external remote communication network may be Iridium or another satellite based communication network, like Starlink. Alternatively or additionally, a ground-based communication network, for example a cellular network like LTE (4G) may be used. The remote communication module 258 may be arranged to communicate with the second communication device 250. The remote communication module 258 is arranged to serve as a gateway for communication from within the aircraft 100 to outside the aircraft 100.

[0052] In Figure 1, the first communication device 200 is shown to be in the front of the aircraft 100 and the second communication device 250 is shown in the rear of the aircraft 100. In this way, the first communication device 200 may serve clients in the front of the aircraft 100 and the second communication device 250 may serve clients in the rear of the aircraft 100.

[0053] With the first communication device 200 at starboard, and the second communication device 250 at port, some data received by the first remote communication module 208 may be intended for clients connected to the second local communication module of the second communication device 250. Likewise, some data received by the second remote communication module 258 may be intended for client in the front, connected to the first local communication module 206.

[0054] The functionality of the first communication device 200 and the second communication device 250 will now be discussed in further detail in conjunction with a first flowchart 300 as shown by Figure 3 and a second flowchart 400 as shown by Figure 4. The various parts of the first flowchart 300 are summarised below:

[0055] 302 start procedure 304 receive data from client

[0056] 306 get client information

[0057] 308 verify client to list

[0058] 310 client allowed to communicate?

[0059] 312 assess addressee

[0060] 314 allowed?

[0061] 316 assess data received

[0062] 318 allowed?

[0063] 320 search external network

[0064] 322 network found?

[0065] 324 send data via network

[0066] 326 end procedure

[0067] 332 end procedure

[0068] 334 send to second communication device

[0069] The procedure starts in a terminator 302 in which components of the first communication device 200 as discussed above are initialised and proceeds to step 304 in which data is received from a client, via the local communication module 206. The data may be actual data belonging to a data object like a still image, a text document or a film. Additionally or alternatively, the data may be a request for a data object or merely a connection request to another device.

[0070] In step 306, information about the client is obtained. The information about the client may be part of data received, in a data packet or a higher hierarchy data object. Additionally or alternatively, data about the client has been obtained upon a client connecting to the first communication module 206. During of after the connecting, client data may be stored in the first storage module 204. Such data may be an IP address, a MAC address, a name of the client, data related to the connection, like maximum or minimum bandwidth, other, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0071] In step 308, data of the client is verified to a list. The list may have information on priority provided to particular clients, like electronic devices used by personnel of the aircraft 100. In case of emergency, during landing and take off or in other circumstances, only devices used by personnel may be allowed as client to use the communication channels provided by the first communication device 200. Based on such criteria, it is decided in step 310 whether or not the client sending data to the first communication device is allowed to communicate using the first communication device. The access may be granted based on a whitelist - only allowed if you're on the list - or a blacklist - all allowed, unless you're on the list. If this is not the case, the procedure branches to terminator 332 and the procedure is ended. Optionally, an error message may be sent to the client.

[0072] If the client is allowed to communicate using the first communication device 200, the procedure continues to step 312. In step 312, an addressee of the data received by the first communication device 200 is assessed. It may be that certain ranges of addresses or specific addresses are excluded from any communication by the first communication device 200. As such, it may not be desirable that clients access other entities that provide large amounts of data, that provide illicit data, or that are considered not be relevant to the operator of the aircraft 100. The data or data request from the client is assessed to a list with such address, which may be a whitelist or a blacklist, in step 314, it is checked whether the addressee is allowed to be communicated with or not. If this is not allowed, the procedure branches to terminator 332 and the procedure is ended. Optionally, an error message may be sent to the client.

[0073] If the addressee is allowed to be communicated with the procedure continues to steep 316. In step 316, the data received is assessed whether it is allowed to be sent or not. Such assessment may be determining whether the data is a text message, a still image or a film - an object with multiple images consecutively ordered in a timewise manner. For example depending on a service level offered, transmission of text messages may be allowed and transmission of video not. The decision whether or not the data may be communicated is executed in step 318. If the data may not be communicated, the procedure branches to terminator 332 and the procedure is ended. Optionally, an error message may be sent to the client.

[0074] If the data is allowed to be sent, the procedure continues in step 320. In step 320, the external remote communication network is searched. More in particular, an external remote communication station, like a terrestrial or airborne communication station, like a satellite, may be searched, which external remote communication station is part of the external remote communication network. The searching is executed by means of the first communication device 200, at a side of the aircraft 100 at which side the first remote network antenna 218 is placed.

[0075] If no satellite is found, the procedure branches in decision 332 to step 334. In step 334, the data received from the client and to be sent to an entity outside the aircraft 100 is sent to the second communication device 250. The sending may be executed by means of the first local communication module 206 or the first remote communication module 208. The data may be sent using a protocol that is the same as used for receiving the initial data from the client. In another implementation, this may be another protocol. In one implementation, the first communication device 200 and the second communication device 250 are connected using a wired connection, though a wireless connection may be used as well.

[0076] After or upon sending of the data by the first communication device 200, the data may be received by the second local communication module 256 or the second remote communication module 258. In step 324, the data initially received from the client is sent to the external remote communication station of the remote external network - like a satellite of a satellite network system. This may be executed by either the first remote communication module 208 or the second remote communication module 258, depending on how step 322 has been executed.

[0077] In one implementation, the first remote communication module 208 and the second remote communication module 258 use the same identifier to the remote communication network. In particular with antenna's at opposite sides of the aircraft, this generally does not result in any conflicts. And an advantage is that in this way, the system with the first communication device 200 and the second communication device 250 may be handled as one system or one client to the remote communication network. This may allow for seamless switching between use of the first remote communication module 208 and the second remote communication module 258 to provide one single communication pipe.

[0078] In the implementation shown by Figure 3, data is sent by only one single of the first remote communication module 208 and the second remote communication module 258. In another implementation, if both the first remote communication module 208 and the second remote communication module 258 have contact with an external remote communication station, both the first remote communication module 208 and the second remote communication module 258 may be allowed to send data. In one example, data is sent to the external remote communication station to which the least amount of data has been sent in the past - ever, or within a particular time period in the past. In another example, data is sent to the external remote communication station that is closest to the vehicle.

[0079] Whether or not the second communication device 250 is able to transmit the data to an external remote communication station may be checked by the second communication device 250 by checking whether or not an external remote communication device may be available for the transmission at a side of the aircraft 100 at which side the second remote network antenna 268 is provided.

[0080] After sending the data, the procedure ends in a terminator 326. Subsequently, the process depicted by the first flowchart 300 may be executed again if further data is to be sent.

[0081] The various parts of the second flowchart 400 are summarised below:

[0082] 402 start procedure

[0083] 404 receive data from remote communication network

[0084] 406 assess origin of data

[0085] 408 allowed?

[0086] 410 assess data received

[0087] 412 allowed?

[0088] 414 assess addressee

[0089] 416 allowed?

[0090] 418 check client connection

[0091] 420 connected?

[0092] 422 send data to client

[0093] 424 end procedure

[0094] 432 end procedure

[0095] 434 send to second communication device

[0096] The procedure starts in a terminator 402 in which the first communication device 200 and the second communication device 250 are initialised. In step 404, data is received from a external remote communication station of the remote external communication network by means of the first remote communication module 208. In step 406, the origin of the data is assessed. This is generally not the external remote communication station itself, but a data client that provides a service, sends a text message or another data object generated by man or machine, via the external remote communication station to a user device, in the aircraft 100. Such origin may not be allowed to send messages to a client or to any passenger or personnel of the aircraft 100 in general. The origin of the data may be assessed by means of, for example, an IP address of the original sender of the data. The assessment may be made based on a whitelist or a blacklist, as discussed above.

[0097] If, based on the assessment of the origin of the data, it is decided in step 408 that the addressee is not allowed, the procedure ends in terminator 432. Optionally, an error message may be sent to the addressee. If the addressee is allowed to send data and / or data of the addressee is allowed to be received by the first communication device 200, the procedure continues to step 410.

[0098] In step 410, the first processing unit 202 checks whether the data received is allowed to be received. As discussed in conjunction with the first flowchart 300, certain types of data objects may not be allowed to be received. A first reason may be a particular service level associated with a particular individual client in the aircraft. A second reason may be that, for example due to general bandwidth restrictions, no streaming of video is allowed.

[0099] If, based on the assessment of the type of data, it is decided in step 412 that the data is not allowed, the procedure branches to terminator 432 and the procedure ends. Optionally, an error message may be sent to the addressee or sender. If the type of data is allowed to be received by the first communication device 200, the procedure continues to step 414.

[0100] In step 414, the addressee of the data received in step 404 is assessed. Some clients in the aircraft 100 may have a priority status, like personnel. As such, data traffic to other clients may be delayed or even blocked. Second, during announcements in-flight, data traffic to nonpersonnel clients may be blocked. In the latter case, but also other cases, exclusion or priority of particular clients may be temporarily. The assessment in step 414 may be made using whitelists or blacklists, as discussed above.

[0101] If, based on the assessment of the addressee in step 414, it is decided in step 416 that the addressed client is not allowed to receive particular data or no data at all, the procedure branches to terminator 432 and the procedure ends. Optionally, an error message may be sent to the addressee or sender. If the addressee is allowed to receive the data, the procedure continues to step 418.

[0102] In step 418, the first processing unit 203 checks whether the addressed client is connected to the first communication device 200 and the local communication module 206 in particular. If this is not the case, the procedure branches to step 434. In step 434, the received data is sent to the second communication device 250. This may be executed as discussed in conjunction with step 334 of the first flowchart 300.

[0103] In step 422 the data received is sent to the client, either by the first communication device 200 or by the second communication device 250. Subsequently, the procedure ends in a terminator 424. Next, the procedure may be run again for more data.

[0104] Figure 5 shows another aircraft 500. The aircraft 500 shown by Figure 5 is smaller than the aircraft 100 shown by Figure 1. The aircraft 500 shown by Figure 5 is sufficiently small, either by means of number of seats, by size or both, to be served by a single communication device 600 for communication with terrestrial communication parties or other parties. The communication device 600 is provided with a first external antenna 618 provided at port and a second external antenna 620 at starboard.

[0105] The first external antenna 618 and the second external antenna 620 do not necessarily have to be provided at the exterior of the aircraft 500, but are rather intended for communication with devices outside the aircraft 500 and with external remote communication stations in particular, like satellite of a satellite communication system. To that purpose, the first external antenna 618 and the second external antenna 620 may be connected to or placed at the inside of a window of the aircraft 500, each at their applicable side.

[0106] Figure 6 shows the communication device 600 in further detail. The communication device comprises a processing unit 602, a memory module 604, a local communication unit 606 connected to a local communication antenna 616, a first remote communication module 608 connected to the first external antenna 618 and a second remote communication module 610 connected to the second external antenna 620.

[0107] The processing unit 602 is arranged to control the communication device 600 and the various components thereof to execute the methods according to the first and second aspect, as well as implementations thereof as discussed below. The processing unit 602 may for example be implemented as an electronic microprocessor or electronic microcontroller.

[0108] The storage module 604 may implemented as an electronic or magnetic memory, either transient or non-transient - non-volatile -, as a hard disk, solid state, other, or a combination of two or more of the preceding. The storage module 604 is arranged to have data stored thereon for configuration of the storage module 604, data received and to be transmitted further and other data. The storage module 604 is also arranged to have computer program data stored thereon comprising computer executable code to enable the first processing unit to executed any processes discussed or variation or implementations thereof.

[0109] The local communication module 606 is arranged to communicate with client devices or clients via the local antenna 616. Such clients may be handheld electronic equipment carried by passengers and personnel of the aircraft 100. Such handheld electronic equipment may be mobile telephones, tablet computers, laptop computers, smartwatches and the like. The first local communication module is arranged to communicate with one or more suitable communication protocols for local network communication, including, but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi (IEEE 802.11), Zigbee and the like.

[0110] The first remote communication module 608 as well as the second remote communication module 610 are arranged to communicate with an external remote communication network. Such external remote communication network may be Iridium or another satellite based communication network, like Starlink. Alternatively or additionally, a ground-based communication network, for example a cellular network like LTE (4G) may be used. The first remote communication module 608 as well as the second remote communication module 610 are arranged to serve as a gateway for communication from within the aircraft 500 to outside the aircraft 500.

[0111] Within the communication device 600, the first remote communication module 608 may form a first communication station with the local communication module 606. The second remote communication module 610 may form a second communication module with the local communication module 606. This may depend on which of the first remote communication module 608 and the second remote communication module 610 receives data from a station outside the aircraft 500 or which of the first remote communication module 608 and the second remote communication module 610 have otherwise contact with the external station, for example for sending data.

[0112] The communication device 600 may be arranged to execute the method as depicted by the first flowchart 300, even though the first remote communication module 608 and the second remote communication module 610 are provided in one and the same housing and are controlled by the processing unit 602.

[0113] As such, the various aspects and implementation options relate to a communication system for a vehicle, for example an aircraft. The system may comprise one or more devices housing one or more communication stations as comprised by the system. The system may receive data signals from and send data signals to client devices within the vehicle. The system may receive data signals from and send data signals to a remote communication system, like a satellite, from an antenna at either port or starboard side of the vehicle. As such, client devices, for example held by people in the aircraft, are allowed to communicate with a remote communication system and device outside the vehicle. The system provides for management of communication pipes if only one station or only one device can communicate with the satellite, if such satellite is only available at port or starboard. Data may also be relayed internally.

Claims

Claims1. A method for execution in an electronic data communication system in a vehicle, the communication system comprising a first communication station and a second communication station, wherein: the first communication station comprises: a first remote communication module arranged to exchange data with a remote communication network by means of a first antenna; and a first local communication module connected to the first remote communication module, the first local communication module being arranged to exchange the data with clients in the vehicle; the second communication station comprises a second remote communication module arranged to exchange data with a the remote communication network by means of a second antenna; the method comprising: receiving, by the first local communication module, data from a client; checking, by the first remote communication module, availability of the remote communication network, by means of the first antenna; sending, if the remote communication network is available to the first remote communication module, by the first communication module, the data to the remote communication network by means of the first antenna; if the remote communication network is not available to the first remote communication module: sending, by the first communication station, the data to the second communication station; andsending, by the second remote communication module, the data to the remote communication network by means of the second antenna.

2. The method of claim 1, the second communication station comprising a second local communication module arranged to exchange data with clients in the vehicle, the method further comprising: receiving, by the first remote communication module, data from the remote network; determining, by the first local communication module, for which client the received data is intended; checking, by the first local communication module, whether the determined client is connected to the first local communication module; sending, if the determined client is connected to the first local communication module, by the first local communication module, the data to the determined client; sending, by the first local communication module, the data to the second local communication module; and sending, by the second local communication module, the data to the determined client.

3. A method for execution in an electronic data communication system in a vehicle, the communication system comprising a first communication station and a second communication station, wherein: the first communication station comprises: a first local communication module connected to the first remote communication module, the first local communication module being arranged to exchange the data with clients in the vehicle; anda first remote communication module arranged to exchange data with a remote communication network by means of a first antenna; the second communication station comprises a second local communication module arranged to exchange data with clients in the vehicle; the method comprising: receiving, by the first remote communication module, data from the remote network; determining, by the first local communication module, for which client the received data is intended; checking, by the first local communication module, whether the determined client is connected to the first local communication module; sending, if the determined client is connected to the first local communication module, by the first local communication module, the data to the determined client; sending, by the first local communication module, the data to the second local communication module; and sending, by the second local communication module, the data to the determined client.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second communication station comprises a second remote communication module arranged to exchange data with a the remote communication network by means of a second antenna; the method further comprising: receiving, by the first local communication module, data from a client; checking, by the first remote communication module, availability of the remote communication network, by means of the first antenna; if the remote communication network is available to the first remote communication module, sending, by the first communicationmodule, the data to the remote communication network by means of the first antenna; if the remote communication network is not available to the first remote communication module: sending, by the first remote communication module, the data to the second remote communication module; and sending, by the second communication module, the data to the remote communication network by means of the second antenna.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first local communication module and the second local communication module are arranged to: exchange data between the first local communication module and the second local communication module in accordance with a first data communication protocol; and exchange data with clients in accordance with a second data communication protocol different from the first data communication protocol.

6. The method according to any one of the claims 1,2, 4 and 5, wherein the first remote communication module identifies to the remote communication network with a first remote identifier and the second remote communication module identifies to the remote communication network with the first remote identifier.

7. The method according to any one of the claims 1,2, and 4 to 6, further comprising operating one single of the first remote communication module and the second remote communication module to exchange data with the remote communication network.

8. The method according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising: receiving, by the first local communication module, a data request from the client; determining whether at least one of the data request and the requested satisfies a first criterion; if the at least one of the data request and the requested satisfies the first criterion, requesting the requested data via the remote communication network by means of the first remote communication module.

9. The method according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising: receiving, by the first local communication module, a data request from the client; determining whether at least one of the data request and the requested satisfies a second criterion; if the at least one of the data request and the requested satisfies a second criterion, requesting the requested data via the remote communication network by means of the first remote communication module.

10. The method according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the first criterion and the second criterion comprise at least one of: a maximum bandwidth; a maximum amount of data requested; the data request being addressed to one or more pre-determined addresses; the data request not being addressed to one or more pre-determined addresses; the data request relates to one or more pre-determined services; the data request does not relate to one or more pre-determined services.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: determining whether the client is on a list with priority clients; if the client is on the hst with priority clients, perform, during processing of the data received from or sent to the client, at least one of: disconnecting clients that are not on the list with priority clients; not processing data received from or sent to clients that are not on the list with priority clients.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the determining whether the client is on a hst with priority clients is only executed if the data communication system is in a priority state.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first antenna is placed at a first side of the vehicle, and the method further comprising: checking, using the first antenna, availability of a network element of the remote communication network at the first side of the vehicle; and sending, if the network element is available at the first side, the data to the network element of the remote communication network at the first side of the vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the second antenna is placed at a second side of the vehicle, and the method further comprising: checking, using the second antenna, availability of a network element of the remote communication network at the second side of the vehicle; andsending, if the network element is available at the second side, the data to the network element of the remote communication network at the second side of the vehicle by means of the second antenna.

15. A communication system comprising: a first local communication module arranged to receive data from a client; a first remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for sending the data to a remote communication network; a second remote communication module arranged to be connected to a second antenna for sending the data to the remote communication network; a processing unit arranged to control the first local communication module, the first remote communication module and the second remote communication module to: receive, by the first local communication module, data from a client; check, by the first remote communication module, availability of the remote communication network, by means of the first antenna; send, if the remote communication network is available to the first remote communication module, by the first communication module, the data to the remote communication network by means of the first antenna; send, if the remote communication network is not available to the first remote communication module, by the second remote communication module, the data to the remote communication network by means of the second antenna.

16. A communication system comprising: a first communication device comprising:a first local communication module; arranged to receive data from a client; a first remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for sending the data to a remote communication network; and a first processing unit arranged to control the first local communication module, the first remote communication module; a second communication device comprising: a second local communication module; arranged to receive data from a client; a second remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for sending the data to the remote communication network; and a second processing unit arranged to control the second local communication module, the second remote communication module; wherein the first processing unit is arranged to: check, upon the first local communication unit receiving data, by means of the first remote communication module, availability of the remote communication network to the first remote communication module, by means of the first antenna; operate, if the remote communication network is available to the first remote communication module, the first remote communication module to send the data to the remote communication network; and operate, if the remote communication network is not available to the first remote communication module, one of the first local communication module and the first remotecommunication module, to send the data to the second communication device; and wherein the second processing unit is arranged to: operate one of the second local communication module and the second remote communication module to receive the data from the first communication device; and operate the second remote communication module to send the data to the remote communication network.

17. A communication system comprising: a first communication device comprising: a first local communication module; arranged to send data to a client; a first remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for receiving the data from a remote communication network; and a first processing unit arranged to control the first local communication module, the first remote communication module; a second communication device comprising: a second local communication module; arranged to send data to a client; a second remote communication module arranged to be connected to a first antenna for receiving the data from the remote communication network; and a second processing unit arranged to control the second local communication module, the second remote communication module; wherein the first processing unit is arranged to: verify, upon receiving the data from the remote network by means of the first remote communication module, whether theclient is connected to the first local communication client; and operate the first local communication module to send the data to the client, if the client is connected to the first local communication module; and operate at least one of the first remote communication module and the first local communication module to send the data to the second communication device, if the client is not connected to the first local communication module; and wherein the second processing unit is arranged to: operate one of the second local communication module and the second remote communication module to receive the data from the first communication device; and operate the second local communication module to send the data to the client.

18. The communication system of any one of claim 15, 16 or 17, further comprising the first antenna connected to the first remote communication module and the second antenna connected to the second remote communication module.

19. A vehicle comprising the communication system according to claim 18, wherein the first antenna is applied at a port side of the vehicle and the second antenna is applied at a starboard side of the vehicle20. The vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the first antenna is applied to a port window and the second antenna is applied to a starboard window.

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