Integrated CPDLC Context Manager for Avionics Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft communication systems, relying on voice radio, face challenges with increased air traffic as pilots often accidentally override each other, leading to repeated transmissions and increased pilot workload, necessitating a more efficient data link-based communication strategy.

Innovation Solution

An integrated controller-pilot datalink communication (CPDLC) system that includes multiple avionics devices and a context manager, allowing pilots to choose the best modality for constructing or responding to CPDLC messages, with a shared context memory and message buffer for efficient communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If voice radio communication is used for ATC communication, then communication simplicity is maintained, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to increased collisions and repeated transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical voice radio communication system with a data link-based CPDLC system. This substitution eliminates the collision problems inherent in voice communications where multiple pilots tune to the same frequency, thereby improving communication efficiency without requiring complex collision avoidance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system is segmented into multiple independent CPDLC-enabled avionics devices (MCDU, FCDU, guidance panel) that can operate autonomously. Each device can independently construct and transmit CPDLC messages, allowing parallel communication operations and improving overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If all pilots are tuned to the same VHF/HF frequency for communication, then communication accessibility is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to accidental overrides

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpilot operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the communication channel by assigning unique identifiers to different CPDLC-enabled devices. Each device can transmit messages with its unique identifier, allowing pilots to communicate reliably without tuning to the same frequency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated message routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The CPDLC context manager acts as an intermediary that manages communication between pilots and ATC. It handles message routing, identification, and coordination, thereby improving reliability by preventing accidental overrides while maintaining ease of operation through automated message handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If CPDLC operations are limited to a single avionics device, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as pilots cannot choose the best modality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication modality flexibilityVSAvoidavionics system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by enabling multiple different avionics devices (MCDU, FCDU, guidance panel) to all perform CPDLC operations. Each device is equipped with the necessary capabilities to construct, receive, and respond to CPDLC messages, allowing pilots to choose the most suitable device for their current operational context while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple CPDLC-enabled avionics devices are integrated, then adaptability and pilot choice are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavionics device integrationVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The CPDLC context manager serves as a central intermediary that coordinates all CPDLC operations across multiple avionics devices. It manages the shared context memory, routes messages between devices, and synchronizes operations, thereby enabling high adaptability and device integration while containing system complexity through centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the CPDLC capabilities into a unified operational framework where multiple avionics devices share a common context memory and communication protocol. This merging approach enables flexible pilot choice and enhanced adaptability while managing integration complexity through standardized interfaces and shared resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10026322B2Integrated controller-pilot datalink communication systems and methods for operating the same

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Integrated controller-pilot datalink communication (CPDLC) systems and methods for operating the same are disclosed. In one implementation, an integrated CPDLC system includes a plurality of CPDLC-enabled avionics devices and a CPDLC context manager coupled with each of the plurality of CPDLC-enabled avionics devices. The CPDLC system further includes a shared CPDLC context memory coupled with the CPDLC context manager and a CPDLC message in/out buffer coupled with the CPDLC context manager.