Data Link Message Resend via Stored Text Review
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air traffic control systems face increased workload and pilot fatigue due to the need for manual re-entry of expired CPDLC messages, as pilots must recall and re-enter previous messages when a Termination Timer expires, leading to inefficiencies in communication.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically notifies senders of expired data link messages, allowing them to review and edit the original message before retransmitting, reducing the need for manual re-entry and enhancing communication management units to prompt resending with a review option.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pilot manually re-enters the entire message after timer expiration, then the message can be resent, but the aircraft crew workload and head down time substantially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores the original message text in memory before transmission. When the timer expires and resending is required, the pre-stored message is automatically retrieved and displayed for review, eliminating the need for manual re-entry. This preliminary storage action directly reduces crew workload and head down time during message resending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the pilot to re-enter the message from memory or printed copies, the system creates and uses a digital copy of the original message that is already stored in the communication management unit. This copying approach allows the message to be reviewed and resent with minimal crew intervention, directly addressing the workload issue.
2Measurement precision
If the pilot prints out the previous message to review it, then accuracy can be maintained, but head down time and pilot distraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical process of printing and physically handling message copies with an electronic display system. The stored message is automatically retrieved and displayed on the cockpit screen, allowing the pilot to review the exact message text without leaving the flight deck or dealing with physical prints. This substitution maintains accuracy while eliminating the time loss associated with printing and physical review.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication management unit automatically retrieves and displays the stored message when resending is required, without requiring the pilot to manually search for or retrieve printed copies. The system serves itself by maintaining the message in electronic storage and making it immediately available for review, reducing pilot distraction and head down time while maintaining message accuracy.
3Productivity
If the message is immediately retransmitted without review, then communication efficiency improves, but the risk of transmitting incorrect or modified messages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a dynamic review process where the stored message is displayed and can be edited by the pilot before resending. The message is not immediately transmitted without review, but the system allows for quick modification if needed. This dynamic approach balances efficiency with reliability by enabling rapid review and optional editing, ensuring message accuracy while maintaining communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the stored message is retrieved and displayed for pilot review before resending. The pilot can verify the message content and make corrections if necessary. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct message is transmitted while maintaining efficient communication, as the review process is streamlined through electronic display rather than manual re-entry.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating a data link message is provided. The method comprises transmitting a data link message from a sender to a receiver, storing the transmitted data link message, and starting a message timer when the data link message is transmitted. The method further comprises determining whether a response to the data link message has been received, and determining whether the message timer has expired if the response has not been received. The sender is notified when the message timer has expired and the response has not been received. Input is requested from the sender whether or not to retransmit the data link message. If input is received from the sender to retransmit, the data link message is displayed to the sender for review and edit. The data link message is then retransmitted from the sender to the receiver.