Aircraft Data Connection Switching for Terrestrial and Satellite Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems on airborne vehicles, such as aircraft, face challenges in ensuring reliable and seamless data connectivity worldwide, particularly at high latitudes and during attitude changes, leading to potential data loss and unreliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically switches between terrestrial and non-terrestrial transceiving modules based on connection and orientation parameters, using a common modem device and antenna devices to maintain data connectivity by alternating communication partners as needed, leveraging existing hardware and communication standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single terrestrial or non-terrestrial transceiving module is used for communication, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of data connection deteriorates under varying flight conditions and at high latitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a communication system where both terrestrial and non-terrestrial transceiving modules are integrated into a single vehicle, enabling the system to perform multiple communication functions (terrestrial communication and satellite communication) through one unified platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to switch between communication modes based on flight conditions, thereby improving reliability without requiring separate independent communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching between terrestrial and non-terrestrial transceiving modules based on real-time monitoring of connection parameters and orientation parameters. The control unit actively adjusts the communication mode according to changing flight conditions, signal quality, and vehicle orientation, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to maintain reliable data connections across varying operational environments.
2Reliability
If the vehicle switches between different communication modes to maintain connection reliability, then data loss is minimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex switching logic
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system performs automatic switching between terrestrial and non-terrestrial transceiving modules based on predefined criteria (connection parameters and orientation parameters). The control unit autonomously monitors signal quality and flight conditions, making switching decisions without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration. This self-service capability maintains high data connection availability while keeping the operation simple for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors connection parameters (signal strength, quality) and orientation parameters (vehicle attitude, position) to determine the optimal communication mode. Based on this real-time feedback, the system automatically adjusts the transceiving module selection, ensuring reliable data transmission while operating transparently to the user.
3Reliability
If terrestrial transceiving modules are used for communication at high latitudes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to limited coverage and signal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both terrestrial and non-terrestrial transceiving modules into a unified communication system, enabling the vehicle to utilize satellite communication capabilities in addition to terrestrial communication. This multi-functionality is particularly valuable at high latitudes where terrestrial coverage is limited, allowing the system to switch to satellite-based communication to maintain reliable data connections without requiring separate dedicated satellite equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors connection parameters and orientation parameters to determine when to switch between terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication modes. By dynamically changing the operational parameters (selecting different transceiving modules based on signal quality, position, and attitude), the system maintains communication stability at high latitudes where terrestrial signals may be weak or unavailable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A Method, a control unit (24), a communication system (2), and a vehicle (1) are described. For providing a data connection (C) between a sender (A) on a vehicle (1), in particular an aircraft, and at least one receiver (B), via terrestrial transceiving module (21) of the vehicle (1) primarily configured to communicate with at least one terrestrial station (3) and/or via non-terrestrial transceiving module (22) of the vehicle (1) primarily configured to communicate with at least one a non-terrestrial station (4), the method comprising the steps of monitoring a connection parameter (S) of the data connection (C) and/or an orientation parameter (D) of the vehicle (1) with respect to the at least one terrestrial station (3) and/or to the at least one non-terrestrial station (4); comparing the connection parameter (S) to a connection threshold value (T) and/or the orientation parameter (D) to an orientation threshold value (E), respectively, wherein when the comparison indicates regular conditions (O), the data connection (C) is provided by means of the terrestrial transceiving module (21) connecting to the terrestrial station (3), and/or by means of the non-terrestrial transceiving module (22) connecting to the at least one non-terrestrial station (4), and wherein when the comparison indicates irregular conditions (P), the data connection (C) is provided by means of the terrestrial transceiving module (21) connecting to the non-terrestrial station (4), and/or by means of the non-terrestrial transceiving module (22) connecting to the terrestrial station (3).