Communication Management Unit for Onboard Offboard Datalink Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cockpit systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating offboard devices like tablets and smartphones for datalink applications without requiring updates to existing protocols or new interface definitions, leading to delays and costs in adopting these devices for aviation communication.
Innovation Solution
A communication management unit (CMU) is configured to send and receive messages, decode, and modify datalink messages to synchronize data between onboard and offboard devices, using existing protocols, enabling seamless connectivity and reducing pilot workload by routing messages to appropriate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing industry protocol standards are updated to define a path for uplink messages to applications on offboard devices, then the functionality of offboard devices can be enabled, but significant delay and cost are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication management unit (CMU) as an intermediary component that sits between the existing protocol stack and offboard devices. The CMU intercepts downlink messages, determines their destination (onboard or offboard devices), and routes them appropriately without requiring protocol changes. This mediator approach enables offboard device functionality while maintaining compatibility with existing aviation communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication management function by separating the message routing decision logic from the protocol handling. The CMU independently manages the determination of message destinations and the actual routing, allowing offboard devices to be integrated without modifying core protocol standards. This segmentation enables flexible integration while preserving protocol integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing industry protocol standards are updated to define a path for uplink messages to applications on offboard devices, then the functionality of offboard devices can be enabled, but significant cost is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The CMU acts as a cost-effective intermediary that enables offboard device integration without requiring expensive protocol standard updates. By implementing the routing decision logic within the existing CMU framework, the solution avoids the high costs associated with standardization changes while still achieving the desired functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the CMU multi-functional by enabling it to handle both traditional onboard device communication and new offboard device routing through a single unified mechanism. This universality eliminates the need for separate protocol implementations and reduces overall system cost.
3Ease of operation
If a datalink application is hosted on an offboard device, then easier navigation and reduced heads-down time are achieved, but a mechanism to direct messages to and from the offboard device is required
Solution Approach 1:
The CMU serves as an intermediary that transparently handles message routing to and from offboard devices without adding complexity to the user interface. The pilot simply interacts with the offboard device as usual, while the CMU automatically manages the complex message routing in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically determining the destination of downlink messages and routing them appropriately without requiring manual intervention from the flight crew. The CMU autonomously manages the message distribution based on destination identifiers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication system is provided. The communication system comprises a communication management unit (CMU) comprising a processor, a memory and an input/output port; wherein the processor is configured to run a distribution application operable to: when data is received from a ground system at the input/output port, transmit the data to a designated first device and transmit selected data of the data received at the input/output port to at least one designated second device; and when data is received from the first device or the second device, transmit the data to the other of the first and second device as well as an intended recipient of the data.