Mobile ATC Voice App via IP Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air traffic control systems require costly and inefficient VHF radios for communication, especially in general and leisure aviation, offering poor performance and lacking security features for pilots and aircraft information.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based communication system using a smartphone or tablet with an app to connect to an air traffic control system via IP networks, allowing voice over IP (VoIP) communication and integration with existing ATC infrastructure, providing secure and efficient communication with geolocation-based frequency allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional VHF radios are used for ATC communication, then pilots can communicate with air traffic control, but the cost is very high and performance is poor especially at low altitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication server as an intermediary between the mobile device and the ATC system. The server receives VoIP communications from the mobile device, converts them to VHF radio signals, and transmits them through the existing ATC infrastructure. This mediator enables low-cost mobile devices to access ATC services without requiring expensive VHF radios in the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical VHF radio system with a software-based VoIP solution running on mobile devices. Instead of requiring physical VHF radio hardware in the aircraft, the system uses internet-based voice communication over mobile networks, substituting mechanical/electronic radio equipment with software-based communication protocols.
2Reliability
If traditional VHF radios are used for ATC communication, then pilots can transmit voice communications, but the audio quality and reach are rather low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional VHF radio audio system with VoIP-based voice communication. Mobile devices with high-quality microphones and speakers provide superior audio quality compared to aircraft VHF radios. The internet-based transmission protocol enables better signal processing, noise reduction, and clearer voice transmission to ATC controllers.
3Reliability
If traditional VHF radios are used for ATC communication, then pilots can communicate with controllers, but no additional security or aircraft information is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device for voice transmissions and an information source for aircraft data. The same mobile device that enables VoIP communication also provides GPS location, aircraft identification, and flight plan information to the ATC system through the communication server, eliminating the need for separate transponders or data systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device on which an application software or application program is installed and working for performing a registration process to a registration server for an integration of the mobile device into an air traffic control (ATC) voice environment. The application software can subsequently be launched on the mobile device to establish a connection via IP (for instance 4G/5G) to the network of an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). Based on a geolocation information provided to the application, the application connects the mobile device to an IT system (radio server) managing a proper communication frequency. This allows the user to receive every VHF transmissions on his mobile phone using the VHF ground based receivers of the ANSP. Once the user wants to transmit, he can press a push-to-talk (PTT) button on the interface of the application on the mobile device.