Cloud-Based Flight Management System for Data Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Flight Management Systems (FMS) lack efficient cloud connectivity, data storage, and distributed computing capabilities, limiting access and updating of flight data sets, and fail to provide a platform-independent system for multiple aircraft types and historical data management.

Innovation Solution

A cloud-based FMS service using JSON API and RESTful architecture enables data set creation, sharing, and updating, allowing for state persistence and background processing, and provides a platform-independent system for multiple aircraft types, enabling efficient data management and reducing pilot workload through connected avionic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current embedded FMS model is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but connectivity, data storage, and distributed computing capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecloud connectivity and data management capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cloud-based service layer as an intermediary between the embedded FMS and external systems. This service layer handles complex data storage, connectivity, and computing tasks, allowing the embedded FMS to remain relatively simple while gaining enhanced capabilities through cloud integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cloud-based FMS service is designed to be platform-independent and support multiple aircraft types through a universal architecture. It provides distributed computing modes that can be accessed by various personnel (pilots and ground personnel) across different platforms, enabling one system to serve multiple functions and user groups.

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

2Ease of operation

If data sets are stored locally in embedded FMS, then access speed is fast, but data sharing and updating across multiple users and platforms is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access and sharing convenienceVSAvoiddata updating and synchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions data storage from a single local dimension (embedded FMS only) to multiple dimensions by implementing cloud-based storage with distributed access points. Data can be accessed and updated from multiple locations (aircraft, ground stations, mobile devices) simultaneously, enabling real-time collaboration without the time losses associated with sequential updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If FMS is designed for specific aircraft types, then system optimization for that type is achieved, but platform independence and multi-aircraft support are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform independenceVSAvoidsystem performance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud-based FMS service implements a universal platform-independent architecture that can accommodate multiple aircraft types. The system maintains reliability by providing consistent service-level guarantees across different platforms while adapting to specific aircraft requirements through configurable parameters and standardized interfaces.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3483860B1Methods are provided for flight management services in a cloud environment
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3483860B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3483860B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3483860B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods for providing a flight management service in a cloud computing environment, the method includes: receiving, an object request by a server from a mobile device wherein the server is located in the cloud computing environment including: at least a flight management system (FMS) connected to a stateless object; processing, by the connected FMS hosted by the server, the object request generating a resource object for a particular flight plan wherein the resource object includes a data set; storing, by the connected FMS, the data set at the stateless object in the cloud environment; and sending, by the server, an object response from the connected FMS to the mobile device, for accessing the data set of the stateless object for the particular flight plan.