Aircraft KVM Switch Over IP for Secure Remote Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer maintenance systems on aircraft are inefficient when direct intervention on equipment is required, as technicians must make multiple trips between equipment and the cockpit, leading to time loss and potential errors, while security constraints prevent the use of portable terminals for data transmission between secured and unsecured areas.
Innovation Solution
A computer maintenance system utilizing a KVM switch over IP that enables remote access to video, keyboard, and mouse controls via a TCP/IP connection, using a remote frame buffer protocol with lossless compression and encryption, allowing maintenance technicians to access CMS tools directly from the equipment location while adhering to security standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable terminal is used to access CMS system from unsecured area, then technician can work directly at equipment location, but security constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a KVM switch as an intermediary device installed in the secured avionics area. This switch receives video signals from the CMS system and transmits them to the unsecured area via the onboard network, while maintaining unidirectional data flow that complies with security constraints. The KVM switch acts as a mediator that enables remote access without violating security protocols.
2Reliability
If technician makes multiple round trips between equipment and cockpit, then security constraints are maintained, but time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables remote access by adding a spatial dimension to the technician's workflow. Instead of physically moving between the equipment and the cockpit, the technician can access the CMS system from any location on the aircraft through the KVM switch, effectively eliminating the need for physical round trips while maintaining security compliance.
3Loss of energy
If video frames are transmitted with compression, then bandwidth usage is reduced, but image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the RFB protocol with configurable compression parameters. The system can adjust the compression level based on network conditions and display requirements, allowing optimization between bandwidth consumption and image quality. Lossless compression algorithms can be applied when high fidelity is required, while lossy compression is used when bandwidth savings are prioritized.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer maintenance system for an aircraft comprising a server hosting maintenance software and at least one access terminal. The system comprises a KVM switch over IP linked to said server. The terminal is adapted to connect to said switch by means of a TCP/IP connection and hosts a client application. Symmetrically, the switch hosts a server application, said applications being suitable for implementing a protocol for remotely accessing a video frame buffer. Each video frame is transmitted from the server application to the client application in the form of bitmap image data, uncompressed or else compressed by a lossless compression algorithm.