Aircraft Data-Link Message Thread Display

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft pilots face inconvenience in simultaneously viewing transmitted and received text messages, as existing systems do not display both types of messages simultaneously, requiring frequent switching between them.

Innovation Solution

A two-way data-link system with a display module that chronologically lists both transmitted and received text messages in a message thread, allowing pilots to compose, send, and view messages from multiple entities, including air traffic controllers and other aircraft, enhancing communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the system displays only received text messages in a separate inbox, then received messages can be viewed, but transmitted messages cannot be viewed simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display of transmitted and received text messages into a single unified message thread view. Instead of separating messages into different screens or inboxes, both transmitted and received messages are combined chronologically in one continuous thread, allowing pilots to access all messages without switching between multiple displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The message thread display serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays received messages, transmitted messages, and maintains chronological continuity all in one interface. This multi-functional display eliminates the need for separate inbox and transmit status page views.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If the system uses separate displays for transmitted and received messages, then message organization is maintained, but pilots must switch between displays to view different messages

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines previously separate message views into a single chronological message thread that displays both transmitted and received messages continuously. This eliminates the need for pilots to switch between separate inbox and transmit status displays, reducing time loss while maintaining complete message history access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the system displays messages in separate pages (inbox and transmit status), then message types are distinguished, but simultaneous viewing is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the composition interface with the message history display into a unified message thread view. Pilots can compose new messages while simultaneously viewing the chronological thread of both transmitted and received messages, eliminating the need to navigate to separate transmit status pages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9614800B1Threaded datalink message display

Publication Date: 2017.04.04

AI summary

A system for communicating between an operator of an aircraft and at least one entity may include a data-link device configured to transmit text messages from the operator of the aircraft to the at least one entity and configured to receive text messages transmitted by the at least one entity to the operator of the aircraft. The data-link device may include an input interface configured to permit the operator of the aircraft to compose the text messages to transmit to the at least one entity and a display module configured to display the text messages transmitted to the at least one entity and the text messages received from the at least one entity. The transmitted text messages and the received text messages may be displayed and chronologically listed in a message thread.