Network Controller for Aircraft Satellite Data Unit Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems for aircraft are costly and complex due to the need for each satellite data unit (SDU) to have local program logic to determine which SDU is active, leading to inefficiencies and increased integration complexities.
Innovation Solution
A network control computing device monitors operational parameters of SDUs to determine which SDU should be active, eliminating the need for local program logic in each SDU and allowing only the most suitable SDU to transmit, thereby reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each SDU is configured with local program logic to determine which SDU is active, then the system can autonomously manage SDU activation, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SDU activation determination logic from individual SDUs and consolidates it into a separate network control computing device. The network controller monitors operational parameters of all SDUs and determines which SDU should be active, while individual SDUs are simplified to only execute activation commands received from the network controller. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining autonomous management capability while removing complex program logic from each SDU.
Solution Approach 2:
The network control computing device acts as an intermediary between the SDUs and the satellite network. It receives operational parameter data from multiple SDUs, processes this information to determine optimal SDU activation status, and sends control commands back to the appropriate SDUs. This intermediary approach centralizes the complex decision-making logic while keeping individual SDUs simple and interchangeable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SDUs are integrated into the satellite communication system, then the system versatility improves, but the integration complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network control computing device provides universal management functionality for multiple SDUs from different suppliers. It implements a standardized interface that can monitor operational parameters and send activation commands to any SDU in the system, regardless of the supplier or specific model. This universal approach allows the system to support multiple SDUs without increasing integration complexity, as the network controller handles all vendor-specific variations through a single standardized mechanism.
3Reliability
If only one SDU is allowed to transmit at a given time to prevent radio frequency interference, then communication reliability improves, but the productivity of the communication system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic SDU activation based on real-time operational parameters. The network control computing device continuously monitors metrics such as signal strength, error rates, and network conditions for each SDU, and dynamically determines which SDU should be active at any given time. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain communication reliability by preventing interference while optimizing productivity by selecting the best-performing SDU based on current conditions rather than using a static assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The network control computing device implements a feedback mechanism where it continuously receives operational parameter data from SDUs, processes this information to determine optimal activation status, and sends control commands back to the SDUs. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the active SDU is always the one best suited for current communication conditions, maintaining reliability while maximizing productivity through intelligent, data-driven decision-making.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example, a method for communicating over a satellite network is described. The method includes determining a first availability score for a first satellite data unit (SDU) of an aircraft based on first operational parameters comprising whether the first SDU is (i) reporting valid data, (ii) capable of providing data-link services, and (iii) capable of providing voice services, determining a second availability score for a second SDU of the aircraft based on second operational parameters comprising whether the second SDU is (i) reporting valid data, (ii) capable of providing data-link services, and (iii) capable of providing voice services, comparing the first availability score for the first SDU with the second availability score for the second SDU, and based on comparing the first availability score with the second availability score, controlling one of the first SDU and the second SDU to be an active SDU.