Open-World Avionics Communication Gateway With Clone Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting open-world devices to avionics systems, such as flight management systems, are complex and do not adequately prevent malicious requests, compromising safety and integrity.
Innovation Solution
An open-world communication device with an interfacing component that includes a communication module to intercept requests, a clone of the avionics system to test request status, and an authentication module to authorize communication, ensuring only conforming requests are sent to the avionics system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If many filtering systems are used to filter requests from open world devices, then the security level improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual clone of the avionics system that replicates the behavior and response characteristics of the real system. This clone serves as a sandbox environment where requests can be safely tested before being sent to the actual avionics system, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer filtering systems while maintaining high security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary testing of requests against the virtual clone before allowing them to reach the real avionics system. By pre-validating requests in the virtual environment, the system prevents malicious or erroneous requests from affecting the actual avionics, thereby maintaining security without requiring complex real-time filtering mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If manual data entry from open world devices to avionics systems is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the pilot workload increases and error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication device as an intermediary between open world devices and the avionics system. This intermediary automatically manages data transmission, validation, and request filtering, eliminating the need for manual data entry by pilots while maintaining system simplicity and reducing operational workload.
3Ease of operation
If direct connection between open world devices and avionics systems is established, then the pilot workload is reduced, but the risk of malicious requests increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual clone of the avionics system serves as a protective copy that absorbs and neutralizes malicious requests. By directing potentially harmful requests to the virtual clone for testing first, the system enables direct connection benefits while protecting against malicious inputs through the sandboxed virtual environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares protective measures in advance by creating a virtual clone that can absorb and neutralize malicious requests before they reach the real avionics system. This pre-positioned protective layer cushions the actual system against harmful inputs while maintaining direct communication capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an open world communication device with an aircraft avionics system including an application component. The device further includes an interfacing component with a communication module able to intercept each request sent by the application component and a clone of the avionics system able to test each request intercepted by the communication module in order to determine the status of the request between a conforming status and a non-conforming status. The communication module is able to send to the avionics system, only the requests having the conforming status.