Automated Data Synchronization for Mobile Aircraft Dispatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for providing and collecting operational data for aircraft involve manual delivery of paper documents, leading to delays and inefficiencies, especially during disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for automating and synchronizing data communication between a mobile platform and a remote system, using a backoffice interface manager, computer-controlled support system, and common data store to ensure timely delivery of data and scheduling information to mobile subsystems, facilitating bidirectional communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual delivery of paper documents is used to provide operational data to aircraft, then data can be physically delivered to the flight crew, but delays in dispatch occur when data availability or physical delivery timing does not meet dispatch requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispatch reliabilityVSAvoiddispatch delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual paper document delivery with an automated electronic data transmission system. The backoffice interface manager automatically transmits operational data electronically to the mobile subsystem, eliminating the need for physical paper delivery and manual coordination, thereby ensuring data is available timely and reliably for dispatch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service through automated data synchronization between the backoffice and mobile platform. The backoffice interface manager autonomously retrieves data from the data repository, formats it according to scheduling instructions, and transmits it to the mobile subsystem without requiring manual intervention from dispatch personnel or flight crew

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 3:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically transmitting operational data to the mobile platform before the scheduled dispatch time. The scheduler application generates scheduling instructions in advance, and the backoffice interface manager ensures data is delivered prior to the specified deadline, preventing last-minute delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If paper-based data collection from flight and cabin crew is used during missions, then crew reports can be collected, but additional delays occur requiring later data entry into backoffice systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection easeVSAvoiddata entry time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of paper-based data collection with an electronic data transmission system. The mobile subsystem provides electronic interfaces for flight and cabin crew to submit reports digitally during missions, eliminating paper forms and subsequent manual data entry into backoffice systems, thereby reducing data collection time and improving operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual coordination between multiple airline backoffice systems is used to generate and deliver data, then data can be prepared for aircraft dispatch, but coordination complexity increases and timing synchronization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidsystem coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backoffice interface manager serves as a universal multi-functional component that interfaces with multiple different backoffice systems (data repository, scheduler application) and the mobile subsystem. It performs multiple functions including data retrieval, formatting, scheduling, and transmission, thereby simplifying the coordination complexity between multiple airline backoffice systems while ensuring reliable data availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The backoffice interface manager acts as an intermediary between the diverse backoffice systems and the mobile subsystem. It mediates the data flow by receiving data from various backoffice systems, processing it according to scheduling instructions, and transmitting it to the mobile platform, thereby reducing coordination complexity and improving timing synchronization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8437699B2Scheduled synchronous data transmission for scheduled mobile platforms

Publication Date: 2013.05.07 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A system for automatically synchronizing and communicating data between a mobile platform and a remote system, where the remote system has a backoffice repository and a scheduler application controlled by an entity operating said platform, includes: a backoffice interface manager for interfacing with said repository and said application, to communicate scheduling information between said platform and said application; and a computer controlled support system located remote from said platform and in communication with said backoffice interface manager, and further including a common data store system for holding said data and synchronizing the communication of said data between at least one mobile subsystem on said application, to ensure communication of said data between said mobile subsystem and said remote system within a predetermined time of executing an operational procedure with said platform.