Aircraft Cellular Noise Generator Fallback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network control systems in aircraft fail to prevent passengers' cell phones from connecting to ground networks when on-board systems fail, as they deactivate noise generation, allowing UEs to establish connections due to lack of noise.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a fallback configuration for the noise generation unit to continue generating noise, even in failure conditions, using a dynamically configurable pattern or reduced power, and incorporating a network listen function to monitor on-board cell power, preventing connections to ground networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the network control unit deactivates all noise generation units after expiration of the time between watchdog pulses or when insufficient input power is registered, then the system allows for system failure detection and component reboot, but passenger cell phones may successfully connect to ground networks because noise generation is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The system notifies the cabin crew about the detected failure condition in advance, allowing them to take preliminary action by instructing passengers to turn off their devices before the system is fully deactivated and before noise generation is stopped, thereby preventing unauthorized connections
2Reliability
If the network control unit continues generating noise after system failure detection, then unauthorized connections to ground networks are prevented, but the system cannot be rebooted or maintained in a failed state
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary notification to the cabin crew, who then instruct passengers to turn off devices before noise generation is deactivated, creating a safe window for system maintenance and reboot
Solution Approach 2:
The cabin crew acts as an intermediary between the automated failure detection system and the passengers, conveying the failure notification and instructing passengers to turn off their devices, thereby bridging the gap between system detection and effective prevention of unauthorized connections
3Reliability
If the network control unit uses a general control system to control and monitor noise generating units, then the system can detect failures through watchdog pulses and power measurement, but the system lacks the capability to notify cabin crew and coordinate controlled shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The network control unit is enhanced with multi-functionality, combining failure detection capabilities with notification capabilities to the cabin crew and coordinated shutdown control, allowing a single system to perform multiple functions that were previously separate
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for monitoring an on-board cellular network infrastructure. In one aspect, a controller and one or more noise generation units can be used to inhibit passenger devices from connecting to ground-based cellular stations while on-board. The noise generation unit can be configured to generate a noise signal. If a loss of power to an on-board cell station is identified, the noise generation can generate a different noise signal in response.