P2P EFB Data Sync via Consensus Master
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Unreliable on-board internet connections in aircraft lead to safety-critical information loss or modification, with issues such as packet loss, discrepancies among connected devices, and security threats, particularly in peer-to-peer communication networks used by Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs).
Innovation Solution
A peer-to-peer network architecture that employs consensus algorithms to ensure accurate information distribution among EFBs, even without internet connectivity, by designating a 'Main Master' device to verify and replicate correct messages, ensuring authenticity and integrity of data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite-based internet connection is used for EFB communication, then connectivity is provided, but packet loss and information discrepancies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where EFB devices continuously exchange data packets and verify consistency through consensus algorithms. Each device monitors received packets, detects discrepancies, and requests retransmission or correction, ensuring information consistency despite satellite connection unreliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing peer-to-peer direct communication channels between EFB devices before satellite connection failures occur. This allows devices to maintain synchronized data through alternative pathways, preventing information loss when satellite links fail.
2Adaptability or versatility
If peer-to-peer communication is implemented among EFBs, then data sharing is enabled, but security threats and authentication issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication layer where EFB devices verify each other's identities through cryptographic protocols before establishing peer-to-peer connections. This intermediary security mechanism enables data sharing while filtering out unauthorized or malicious devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by implementing pre-connection authentication and encryption protocols. Before any data exchange occurs, devices perform security handshakes, establish encrypted channels, and validate each other's credentials, preventing security threats before they can affect the system.
3Device complexity
If centralized server architecture is used for data distribution, then control is simplified, but single point of failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized data distribution architecture into multiple independent peer nodes. Each EFB device becomes an independent data source and distributor, eliminating the single point of failure. The segmentation maintains manageable complexity through standardized peer-to-peer communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple EFB devices into a distributed network where each device simultaneously acts as client, server, and relay node. This combining of roles creates redundancy and improves availability while maintaining architectural simplicity through unified peer-to-peer interaction patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A network of connected devices which is on-board an aircraft, including a plurality of connected devices, wherein at least one of the connected devices receives information from a source external to the network, and a consensus component to perform consensus on the at least one connected device which receives the information from the source to determine a main master and whether the information is correct, wherein the main master sends the correct information to the other device or devices.