Multi-Channel Voice-Datalink Radio Function Prioritization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems struggle to integrate multi-function, multi-channel radio capabilities without disrupting established link layer definitions, particularly in aerospace digital communications where voice and data transmissions often conflict, requiring a method to prioritize functions within the physical layer.

Innovation Solution

A method for function prioritization in a multi-channel voice-datalink radio that suspends data message transmission during active voice messages, buffers these messages, and resumes them after the voice transmission ends, ensuring that voice transmissions have the highest priority and do not disturb other link layers, thereby maintaining compatibility with industry standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a radio transceiver is dedicated to a single function (data transmission), then link layer compatibility with industry standards is maintained, but multi-function and multi-channel capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-function capabilityVSAvoidlink layer compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the radio functionality by implementing a multi-channel voice-datalink radio where the physical layer is divided into multiple independent channels (first channel for voice, second channel for data). This segmentation allows each channel to operate independently with its own transmission protocol, enabling multi-function capability while maintaining standard compliance on each individual channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal radio transceiver that can perform multiple functions (voice transmission, data transmission) on multiple channels simultaneously. The radio is designed to handle both voice and data traffic on different channels, making it adaptable to various communication needs while maintaining compatibility with existing industry standards for each channel type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If voice transmission is prioritized over data transmission, then voice communication quality is improved, but data transmission is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice transmission qualityVSAvoiddata transmission continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a buffer as an intermediary component between the data transmission process and the channel. When voice transmission occupies the channel, incoming data messages are stored in the buffer instead of being lost. This buffer acts as a mediator that temporarily holds data, allowing voice transmission to proceed without interruption while preserving data for later transmission when the channel becomes available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by buffering data messages before they need to be transmitted. When data arrives and the channel is occupied by voice transmission, the data is pre-stored in the buffer in advance. This preliminary buffering action ensures that when the voice transmission ends and the channel becomes free, the data is already ready for immediate transmission without delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-function capability is integrated into the link layer, then adaptability is improved, but complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-channel capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces system complexity by segmenting multi-function capability into the physical layer rather than implementing it at the link layer. Each physical channel (voice and data) operates independently with standard-compliant protocols, while the link layer remains simple and unchanged. This segmentation allows multi-channel capability without increasing link layer complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a copying approach where the radio maintains separate, independent channel operations that replicate standard compliance. Each channel (voice and data) is implemented as a separate copy of the transmission protocol, allowing multi-function capability while keeping each individual channel simple and standard-compliant, rather than creating a complex unified protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11240379B2Function prioritization in a multi-channel, voice-datalink radio
Publication Date: 2022.02.01 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US11240379B2 patent drawing
  • US11240379B2 patent drawing
  • US11240379B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of function prioritization in a multi-channel voice-datalink radio is provided. The method comprises suspending transmission of one or more data messages on a communication channel when transmission of a voice message is active on the communication channel, buffering the one or more data messages while the transmission of the voice message is active, and resuming transmission of the buffered one or more data messages on the communication channel when the transmission of the voice message ends.