AOIP Computing Device for ACARS Message Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) datalink communications are expensive, and existing systems lack the ability to efficiently transmit ACARS non-safety messages over approved IP broadband links without interfering with safety messaging procedures or requiring costly updates to communication management units (CMUs).
Innovation Solution
An ACARS over IP (AOIP) system that utilizes an AOIP computing device to differentiate between ACARS safety and non-safety messages, allowing non-safety messages to be transmitted over IP broadband links while maintaining compatibility with various CMUs and avoiding updates to the CMU software, by monitoring CMU status messages and using industry-standard protocols to manage subnetwork selection and message prioritization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ACARS non-safety messages are transmitted over traditional datalink services (VHF, SATCOM, HF), then message delivery reliability is ensured, but communication cost increases and bandwidth efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments ACARS messages into safety and non-safety categories, allowing different transmission paths for each type. Non-safety messages use cost-effective IP broadband links while safety messages continue using approved datalink services, resolving the contradiction by applying different solutions to different message types
Solution Approach 2:
The AOIP computing device acts as an intermediary between the CMU and IP broadband networks, managing the transmission of non-safety messages over approved IP links without requiring CMU software updates. This intermediary enables cost reduction while maintaining reliability through proper message routing and prioritization
2Loss of energy
If IP broadband links are used for ACARS messages, then communication cost decreases and bandwidth increases, but system complexity increases and compatibility with existing CMUs becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The AOIP computing device serves as a mediator that handles all IP broadband transmission logic, isolating the complexity from the CMU. This allows existing CMUs to remain unchanged while enabling cost-effective IP-based transmission through the intermediary device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/datalink-based communication mechanisms with IP-based electronic communication for non-safety messages. This substitution enables lower cost and higher bandwidth while the AOIP device manages the transition and compatibility issues
3Productivity
If AOIP computing device is added to manage IP broadband transmission, then cost-effectiveness and bandwidth are improved, but device complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AOIP computing device is designed with multi-functionality, handling message differentiation, prioritization, routing, and compatibility management all in one device. This consolidation improves bandwidth efficiency for non-safety messages while containing the complexity increase within a single integrated component
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication system in an aircraft is described. The communication system includes a CMU that is coupled to at least one safety subnetwork and an AOIP computing device. The AOIP computing device is coupled to at least one non-safety subnetwork. The AOIP computing device determines whether ACARS messages received from the CMU are ACARS safety messages or ACARS non-safety messages. The AOIP computing device monitors CMU status messages from the CMU. In response to the AOIP computing device receiving an ACARS safety message, the AOIP computing device periodically transmits a second status message indicating that the AOIP computing device is unavailable. In response to determining that at least one safety subnetwork is available, the AOIP computing device stops periodically transmitting the second status message and transmits a first status message indicating that the AOIP computing device is available.