Aviation Intercommunication Interface for Mobile Device Noise Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cockpit environment's ambient noise interferes with communication between pilots and mobile computing devices, potentially leading to misunderstandings and increased pilot error, especially in single-pilot scenarios, and can also disrupt air traffic control communications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic interface device is configured to provide a dedicated microphone signal for the pilot, minimizing noise interference and ensuring the mobile computing device does not disrupt air traffic control communications by using a separate interface between the mobile computing device and the aviation intercommunication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile computing device is used in the cockpit to assist the pilot, then pilot cognitive load is reduced and safety is improved, but ambient noise interferes with communication between the pilot and the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary audio interface device that acts as a mediator between the pilot's headset and the mobile computing device. This interface device captures audio signals directly from the headset microphone, processes them, and transmits them to the mobile device, thereby isolating the communication path from ambient cockpit noise and ensuring reliable voice recognition.
2Productivity
If the mobile computing device provides audio feedback to the pilot, then information delivery is enhanced, but air traffic control communications may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of audio output based on detected speech activity. The system continuously monitors the audio input stream to detect when the pilot is speaking, and automatically mutes or suppresses mobile device audio output during these periods. This dynamic adjustment ensures that air traffic control communications are never disrupted while still providing timely information feedback to the pilot during appropriate moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring the audio input stream for pilot speech and using this information to control the audio output from the mobile device. This closed-loop control ensures that the mobile device's audio feedback is suppressed when the pilot is communicating with air traffic control, preventing interference while maintaining information delivery during non-critical moments.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device configured to coordinate signals between an aviation intercommunication system and a mobile computing device is provided. In one or more example, the interface device can be configured to minimize noise that can interfere with the communications between the pilot of the aircraft and the mobile computing device while also ensuring that the mobile computing device does not interfere with air traffic control radio signals. The interface device can include a microcontroller that can coordinate various signals inputted into and outputted out of the interface device such that a mobile computing device can receive a pilot's commands and can transmit notifications to the pilot without interfering with the pilot's ability to understand communications coming from air traffic controllers.