Pilot-to-Passenger Flight Updates via Ad Hoc Network Switching
Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers have difficulty accessing flight information and route updates using their own devices, as existing systems do not efficiently synchronize this information between pilot and passenger devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables the broadcast of flight updates, including estimated time of arrival (ETA), from a pilot device to passenger devices using ad hoc networking, switching between infrastructure and ad hoc modes for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ad hoc mode is used for broadcasting flight updates, then accessibility and synchronization of flight data are improved, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing passenger devices to automatically receive and display flight information without requiring manual configuration. The pilot device automatically broadcasts updates and passenger devices autonomously join the ad hoc network and process the information, eliminating the need for users to configure network settings or manually input flight data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the pilot device acts as a mediator between the aircraft systems and passenger devices. The pilot device broadcasts flight information through the ad hoc network, and passenger devices automatically receive and process this information without direct configuration, effectively mediating the information flow between complex aircraft systems and simple passenger devices.
2Reliability
If infrastructure mode is used for data transmission, then network stability is maintained, but real-time update capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode based on operational requirements. During normal operations, the infrastructure mode maintains network stability, but when real-time flight updates are needed, the system transitions to ad hoc mode to enable direct, real-time communication between pilot and passenger devices, thus adapting the network mode to current needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic broadcasting of flight updates through the ad hoc network. The pilot device periodically sends out broadcast messages containing flight information, allowing the network to maintain stability during periods when updates are not critical, while still providing real-time capability when needed through these periodic broadcasts.
3Loss of energy
If broadcast thresholds are strictly enforced, then unnecessary transmissions are reduced, but information synchronization accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where passenger devices acknowledge receipt of broadcast information and the pilot device monitors network conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust broadcast thresholds dynamically - maintaining strict thresholds when network conditions are stable to reduce transmissions, but lowering thresholds when synchronization accuracy is compromised to ensure information delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for flight information synchronization using ad hoc networking involves enabling a broadcast of an update to a passenger device from a pilot device, determining an update frequency for the broadcast of the update from one or more network thresholds, and determining to broadcast the update when the broadcast is enabled and one or more broadcast thresholds are satisfied. The method further involves generating the update, which includes an estimated time of arrival (ETA), and broadcasting the update by switching between an infrastructure mode and an ad hoc mode and transmitting the update via the ad hoc mode. The update is received by and displayed on the passenger device.