Avionic Data Access via Wireless Gateway for Cockpit Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing avionic data outside the cockpit are limited, leading to breaks in mission performance, increased mobility constraints, and potential errors due to spatial delimitations, with existing solutions like passenger screens having limitations in availability, confidentiality, and security.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for communicating avionic data to non-avionic devices outside the cockpit, using a wireless access point with a secure gateway to adjust data transmission based on distance and access rights, enabling continuous connectivity and mobility through lightweight, ergonomic clients like earpieces and smart glasses, while ensuring security and reducing human errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pilots or flight crew leave the cockpit to rest or attend to other tasks, then their mobility and freedom of movement are improved, but their access to avionic data is lost, creating a break in mission performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the cockpit's avionic systems and non-avionic devices carried by flight crew. This mediator enables data transmission outside the cockpit while maintaining security through authentication and encryption mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between mobility and continuous data access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends data access from the traditional spatial dimension (within cockpit boundaries) to a new dimension (wireless communication space). By using wireless networks and mobile devices, flight crew can access avionic data anywhere in the aircraft or even outside, transforming the access model from location-constrained to location-independent.
2Ease of operation
If data consultation interfaces are distributed to multiple locations in the cabin, then accessibility is improved, but the layout becomes inconvenient and passengers may gain unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal non-avionic devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables) that flight crew already possess or can access, eliminating the need for dedicated display interfaces distributed throughout the cabin. These multi-functional devices provide data access without adding physical infrastructure complexity to the cabin layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of cockpit display interfaces on non-avionic devices. Instead of installing physical copies of display systems throughout the cabin, the system transmits data representations to mobile devices, providing interface accessibility without physical replication complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flight crew members move frequently throughout the aircraft to access data, then their ability to perform multiple tasks is improved, but they experience increased tiredness and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous data access throughout the flight by maintaining wireless connectivity between non-avionic devices and avionic systems. Flight crew can continuously monitor and interact with avionic data without interruption or movement, eliminating transitions and maintaining uninterrupted workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages data transmission and device connectivity without requiring flight crew to physically move to access data. The wireless system self-adapts to the crew's location and automatically provides data on their current device, eliminating the need for active seeking or movement.
4Ease of operation
If existing solutions like passenger screens are used for data access, then availability is improved, but confidentiality and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different security qualities to different access contexts. Non-avionic devices used by authenticated flight crew members receive full access with appropriate security clearances, while other devices or locations receive limited or no access. This localized quality control maintains security while providing availability to authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes security parameters (authentication requirements, data encryption levels, access permissions) based on the user's identity, role, and location. This parameter adaptation allows the same interface to be highly available to authorized crew while maintaining strict security, resolving the contradiction between availability and confidentiality.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for communicating avionic data to a non-avionic device situated outside of the cockpit of an aircraft are provided. A method may comprise the steps of receiving a request, aimed at receiving avionic data from avionic systems, from a non-avionic client device; determining the distance between the non-avionic device and the cockpit of the aircraft; and adjusting the sending of data in response to the request depending on the determined distance. Developments of the invention describe the use of a wireless access point associated with a secure gateway determining the access rights to the avionic data for the non-avionic device, various sending and/or display adjustments depending notably on the distance, threshold management, various indoor positioning techniques, unilateral or bilateral communications, various notifications, the use of lightweight connected clients (for example earpiece, watch, glasses, etc.).