Aircraft Fuselage Light Communication for Secure High-Speed Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency (RF) communication systems in aircraft face interference issues due to atmospheric noise, limited bandwidth, and security concerns, including easy interception of signals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing light communication (Li-Fi) systems using existing aircraft lighting and dedicated light sources for secure, interference-free data transmission and reception, leveraging a vast bandwidth in the visible and invisible light spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio frequency (RF) communication is used for aircraft communication, then communication capability is provided, but interference from atmospheric noise and limited bandwidth occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF electromagnetic wave-based communication with visible light-based communication. This substitution moves the communication medium from the RF spectrum to the visible light spectrum, thereby avoiding atmospheric noise interference that affects RF communications while providing abundant bandwidth for aircraft communication.
2Reliability
If RF communication is used, then communication is enabled, but security concerns arise due to easy signal interception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes RF communication with visible light communication. Visible light can be precisely directed and confined to specific spatial paths, making it much harder to intercept compared to omnidirectional RF signals. This provides inherent physical layer security for aircraft communications.
3Productivity
If RF communication is used, then communication is provided, but bandwidth is limited and FCC frequency restrictions apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the communication medium from RF waves to visible light waves. This parameter change opens up the vast visible light spectrum for communication use, providing enormously increased bandwidth and eliminating FCC frequency restrictions that constrain RF communication systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances security and stealth capabilities by reducing electronic signatures while providing high-speed data transmission, overcoming RF limitations with increased bandwidth and secure data exchange.
Implementation Method 1
The LC transmitter may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or a laser
Implementation Method 2
The LC receiver may be a photodetector
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for providing light communication (LC) for an aircraft (101, 201). An LC transmitter (303) is mounted on an aircraft fuselage and is configured to broadcast light signals within a defined region outside the aircraft (101, 201). An LC receiver (313) mounted on the aircraft fuselage (101, 201) is configured to receive light signals broadcast by a remote LC device. A controller (307) is configured to manage LC signals in the aircraft (101, 201), and an interface (704) is provided between the controller (307) and an aircraft data network (309, 705). The light signals may be in a visible light spectrum, an invisible light spectrum, or both. The remote LC device may be, for example, a ground station (401, 401a, 402), an aircraft (502, 503), a ground vehicle, a ship, a building, or a portable transmitter.