Modular IFE Server System for Aircraft with Segmented Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft, the installation of a single IFE server requires significant space and weight, and existing solutions for integrating additional computing power are not flexible enough to meet varying entertainment needs without compromising installation space or increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A server system comprising multiple modules with program-controlled arithmetic-logic means, memory, and communication interfaces, interconnected via data lines and a server interface, allowing for flexible adaptation of computing and memory capacity by adding or removing modules, and integrating into existing data networks without separate power lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single IFE server is installed in an aircraft, then high computing power is provided, but installation space and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single IFE server into multiple independent server modules (first server module, second server module, etc.). Each module contains its own arithmetic-logic means, memory, and communication interface. These segmented modules are distributed across different installation locations in the aircraft, reducing the space and weight burden at any single location while collectively providing the required computing power.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated installation site is reserved for an IFE server, then the server can be installed, but the cable harness complexity and aircraft weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server modules are designed to interface with the aircraft's existing data network infrastructure through standard communication protocols. Each module can connect to the aircraft's existing cable harness system, eliminating the need for dedicated cable runs and reducing overall system complexity. The modules can be installed in various locations within the aircraft's electronic system architecture.
3Weight of stationary object
If existing electronic systems are used to integrate an IFE server, then installation space is reduced, but only low-power servers can be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the IFE server into multiple smaller server modules, the patent enables integration into existing aircraft electronic systems without requiring a single large installation space. Each module can be accommodated in available spaces within the aircraft's existing electronic architecture, while the collective computing power of all modules provides high overall processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple server modules into a unified IFE system that interfaces with the aircraft's existing data network as a single logical entity. This merging approach allows the system to leverage existing infrastructure while achieving high computing power through the aggregated capacity of multiple modules working together.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a server system, in particular for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising an integration device which has at least two server modules which have in each case at least one program-controlled arithmetic-logic means, at least one memory which is coupled with the program-controlled arithmetic-logic means, and at least one communication interface which is coupled with the program-controlled arithmetic-logic means, comprising at least one data line which interconnects the two server modules for data communication by the communication interfaces thereof, and comprising a server interface which is configured to connect the integration device to a data network for data communication by the communication interfaces of the server modules, the integration device being configured to exchange data with the data network. The present invention also provides an aircraft or spacecraft and a method.