Aircraft Sensor Data Standardization for Wireless Avionics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for communicating avionics data from aircraft to remote electronic devices are inefficient, resulting in large data volumes that are not standardized, limiting sharing and use across multiple programs and operators, and requiring decoding and processing steps that are not effectively described in existing systems.

Innovation Solution

A communication method that involves transmitting raw data from aircraft sensors, decoding it, processing it into standardized data, and storing it in a separate memory for use by remote electronic equipment, allowing for quick and real-time exchange via wireless or Ethernet protocols, with additional processing and storage steps for generating new standardized data and synchronizing data between on-board and ground-based memories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If raw avionics data is transmitted from aircraft to ground, then complete sensor information is available, but data volume becomes very large (several megabytes per hour)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor information completenessVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential and useful information from the large volume of raw sensor data, separating critical parameters (position, altitude, speed, identification) from redundant data. This extraction process reduces data volume from megabytes to kilobytes per hour while retaining the most important aviation information needed for tracking and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms raw sensor data into standardized parameters with defined formats and units (latitude/longitude for position, meters for altitude, meters per second for speed). This parameter standardization enables efficient data compression and interoperability while maintaining information completeness for the essential flight parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If decoded data is stored on the platform itself, then data processing is simplified, but data cannot be shared between separate operators and third parties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing simplicityVSAvoiddata sharing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal data standard that can be used by multiple operators (aircraft operators, ground stations, manufacturers, third parties) simultaneously. The standardized parameters with common formats and units enable the same data structure to serve diverse functions and users without requiring operator-specific customization or proprietary decoding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the data system into independent components: standardized data parameters that can be freely shared, and optional detailed analysis that remains with individual operators. This segmentation allows broad data distribution while preserving each operator's ability to perform specialized processing when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If only limited avionic data is transmitted wirelessly during flight, then transmission bandwidth is reduced, but data cannot represent all sensors fitted to the aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission energy efficiencyVSAvoidsensor coverage representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and transmits only the most critical sensor parameters (position, altitude, speed, identification) during flight, filtering out redundant or less important data. This extraction enables wireless transmission with minimal energy consumption while ensuring that the essential information needed for flight tracking and safety is fully represented.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Loss of information

If data is transmitted and stored in non-standardized format, then complete sensor information is preserved, but data cannot be freely used by multiple programs and operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor information completenessVSAvoiddata reusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the data parameters from proprietary or sensor-specific formats to standardized parameters with universal meanings (latitude/longitude instead of sensor-specific position codes, meters instead of sensor-specific altitude units). This parameter standardization enables free use by multiple programs and operators while maintaining complete representation of the essential sensor information through carefully selected parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3376388B1A communication method for communicating computer data between at least one aircraft and at least one separate piece of electronic equipment
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 EUROCOPTER FRANCE SA
  • EP3376388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3376388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3376388B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a communication method (50) for communicating computer data between at least one aircraft (1) and at least one remote electronic device (2).According to the invention, such a communication method (50) comprises the following steps: • a first transmission step to transmit to at least a first computer (3) raw data DB from at least one sensor (4) arranged on said aircraft (1), • a first decoding step to decode said raw data DB and generate decoded data DD, • a first processing step to process said decoded data DD and generate standardized data DS, • a first storage step to record said standardized data DS in at least a first memory (5), • a first use step enabling said at least one remote electronic equipment (2) to use said standardized data DS contained in said at least a first memory (5).