Virtualized In-Flight Platform With Edge Caching and Automated Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems lack flexibility, scalability, and seamless integration, with manual intervention required for network access and sponsorship models that are not dynamic or automated, leading to high costs and suboptimal user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A service platform utilizing edge computing, AI-driven dynamic transaction allocation, and modular architecture to facilitate seamless integration and automated network access, enabling scalable and flexible data connectivity solutions for passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used for network access control, then security can be maintained, but user experience deteriorates and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated authentication mechanisms where passenger electronic devices automatically authenticate with the aircraft network without manual intervention. The platform handles network access control, sponsorship verification, and transaction processing automatically, eliminating the need for manual network access requests and approvals while maintaining security through automated credential verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with automated electronic systems. The sponsorship model transitions from manual arrangement to automated electronic verification through the platform, which automatically validates sponsorship credentials, manages transactions, and grants network access based on pre-configured sponsorship relationships, eliminating manual intervention in the network access control process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static sponsorship models are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but cost-effectiveness and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sponsorship model is transformed from static to dynamic through the platform's automated transaction allocation system. The system dynamically assigns sponsorship based on real-time factors including passenger profiles, flight information, available sponsorship capacity, and pricing parameters. Sponsorship relationships can be created, modified, and terminated automatically based on changing conditions, enabling flexible cost-sharing arrangements that adapt to different scenarios without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform enables parameter changes in sponsorship arrangements by allowing dynamic adjustment of sponsorship terms, pricing, capacity, and allocation rules. The system can modify sponsorship parameters such as data allowance, pricing tiers, and valid periods based on real-time conditions, passenger preferences, and operational requirements, providing adaptability without requiring complete system redesign for each scenario.
3Speed
If centralized cloud computing is used, then resource management is simplified, but latency and scalability for in-flight applications deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The computing architecture is segmented into edge computing components distributed across the aircraft network. The platform implements edge servers or computing nodes positioned on the aircraft that process data locally, reducing latency for in-flight applications. This segmentation allows critical functions such as authentication, transaction processing, and content delivery to be performed at the edge rather than requiring constant communication with ground-based centralized cloud systems, thereby improving speed while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Virtualized onboard aircraft platforms for in-flight entertainment and associated systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an platform comprises an airside platform onboard an aircraft, a development platform, and an operations platform. The airside platform can host applications and store media files via edge caching. The development platform can include (i) a developer portal providing a user interface for applications developers to develop the applications, (ii) a simulator environment configured to simulate the airside platform and test the applications developed via the developer portal, and (iii) a deployment unit configured to deploy the applications developed and tested. The operations platform can provide the media files to the airside platform and monitor each of the airside platform and the development platform. The platform can facilitate development and deployment of the plurality of applications on multiple types of aircrafts while remaining aircraft-agnostic to the application developers.