Avionics Cellular Communication System Using Directional Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft communication systems rely on costly satellite communications for broadband functionality and face challenges in providing effective air-to-ground connectivity, as they are not optimized for high-speed, long-range operations, leading to issues with signal interference and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An avionics communication system that uses a directional antenna, processors, and memory devices to identify and communicate with multiple ground communication nodes, determining signal power levels and frequency shifts to account for Doppler effects, establishing redundant communication paths using existing terrestrial cellular infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If satellite-based communication systems are used for airborne broadband communication, then communication functionality is improved, but cost and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling aircraft to use existing terrestrial cellular infrastructure for communication, allowing the same system to provide both traditional air-to-ground communication and broadband data services. The aircraft transceiver can operate with standard cellular towers rather than requiring dedicated satellite equipment, achieving multi-functional communication capability through a universal platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by replicating ground-based cellular communication protocols and infrastructure on the aircraft. Instead of creating entirely new satellite communication systems, the invention copies existing terrestrial cellular network architectures and communication standards to the airborne environment, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining communication functionality.
2Device complexity
If conventional radio-based communication is used for air-to-ground connectivity, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but communication effectiveness and reliability deteriorate at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive communication techniques that adjust to the aircraft's motion state. The system dynamically selects ground communication nodes based on real-time position and velocity data, adjusts signal parameters to compensate for Doppler effects, and maintains communication links despite high-speed movement, thereby ensuring reliability without sacrificing equipment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying communication signal characteristics to account for aircraft velocity and position. The system adjusts frequency offsets, power levels, and antenna beam directions based on real-time flight parameters, maintaining effective communication at high speeds while using conventional radio equipment rather than complex satellite systems.
3Device complexity
If single communication path is used for air-to-ground connection, then system simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the communication path into multiple independent segments or paths between the aircraft and ground infrastructure. Instead of relying on a single communication link, the system establishes multiple connections with different ground communication nodes, creating redundant paths that can independently carry communication traffic, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing multiple redundant communication paths before interference or failure occurs. The system proactively creates backup communication routes and maintains them in readiness, so that if one path experiences signal interference or failure, alternative paths are already available to maintain communication reliability without requiring complex real-time switching.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides cost-effective, high-speed, and reliable airborne cellular communications by leveraging commercial cell phone infrastructure, reducing signal interference and ensuring safe and effective communication through multiple redundant channels and adaptive antenna steering.
Implementation Method 1
The radio transmitter/receiver is configured to transmit and receive cellular communication signals between the aircraft and the identified one or more ground communication nodes using the directional antenna
Implementation Method 2
determining a frequency shift value for modifying communicated signals to account for expected Doppler effects associated with the communicated signals due to a velocity of the aircraft relative to the identified one or more ground communication nodes
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods of providing cellular communication between an aircraft and infrastructure of ground communication nodes are provided. In one example, an avionics communication system (100) located on an aircraft (200) for providing cellular communication between the aircraft (200) and an infrastructure of ground communication nodes (102, 104) includes a directional antenna (140), one or more processors (302) and memory devices (304), as well as one or more radio transmitter/receivers (130). The radio transmitter/receiver (130) can transmit and receive cellular communication signals along multiple communication paths (132, 134, 136, 138) established between the aircraft (200) and one or more identified ground communication nodes (102, 104) using the directional antenna (140). Signal relay also can be implemented based in part on a determined signal power level, determined frequency shift compensation value for modifying communicated signals to account for expected Doppler effects and/or determined antenna beam steering commands.