AI Waveform Switching for Seamless Aircraft Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft communication systems face challenges in seamlessly switching between waveforms during flight, which can lead to communication disruptions and increased pilot workload, especially during critical events, due to the time-consuming and manual nature of waveform switching.

Innovation Solution

An artificial intelligence-assisted communication system that utilizes machine learning to analyze operational data and seamlessly switch between waveforms, ensuring continuous communication by predicting when a switch is necessary and preparing the new waveform for immediate activation without interrupting the message.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual waveform switching is implemented, then communication reliability is improved through backup waveforms, but pilot workload increases and task saturation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpilot workload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs waveform switching automatically without requiring pilot intervention. The waveform manager monitors communication conditions and executes waveform changes autonomously, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation by the pilot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical switching process is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The waveform manager uses software-based control to transition between waveforms, eliminating the need for manual pilot actions and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If waveform switching is performed manually, then communication backup capability is maintained, but communication continuity is lost during switching due to initialization time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication backup capabilityVSAvoidcommunication interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares backup waveforms in advance by pre-configuring them and keeping them ready for immediate activation. When a waveform change is needed, the pre-prepared waveform can be activated instantly without requiring initialization time, thus maintaining continuous communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures uninterrupted communication by overlapping waveform transitions. The waveform manager manages the transition process to maintain continuous useful action, ensuring that communication never stops during waveform changes through coordinated switching of transmit and receive paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multiple waveforms are configured for backup, then communication reliability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveform manager acts as an intermediary layer that simplifies the complexity of managing multiple waveforms. It provides a unified interface for monitoring, selecting, and transitioning between waveforms, shielding the pilot from the underlying complexity while maintaining reliable communication through multiple backup options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If waveform switching is delayed until necessary, then system resources are conserved, but communication safety is compromised during critical events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem resource usageVSAvoidcommunication safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures backup waveforms and maintains them in a ready state before they are needed. This preliminary preparation ensures that when critical events occur, the pre-prepared waveforms can be activated immediately without delay, maintaining communication safety while efficiently using system resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3979519A1Automation of communication, navigation, surveillance, sensor and survivability system capabilities in primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency schemes for facilitating seamless command, control, communication, computer, cyber-defense, combat, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

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AI summary

A communication system is enclosed. The communication system includes a communication sub-system (105) configured to transmit and receive signals from one or more waveforms of a plurality of waveforms. The communication sub-system further contains one or more processors (125) and memory with instructions that include receiving an artificial intelligence input configured to instruct the one or more processors to prepare an instantiation of a selected waveform. The instructions further include preparing the communication sub-system to transmit, receive, and instantiate the selected waveform. The communication system further includes an artificial intelligence engine (145) in communication with the one or more processors configured to: receive operational data from one or more operation systems; determine, based on the operational data, the selected waveform; prepare the artificial intelligence input based on the selected waveform; and send the artificial intelligence input to the one or more processors. A method for switching waveforms is also disclosed.