Multi-network aircraft communication systems and methods
First Claim
1. A method for handling aircraft communications, comprising:
- providing a plurality of broadcast networks configured to send and receive data according to a plurality of protocols;
providing a ground-based computer configured to communicate over the plurality of broadcast networks;
providing at least one onboard transmission device configured to communicate over the plurality of broadcast networks and an onboard computer hosting a plurality of applications and a communications module in data communication with the plurality of applications;
generating a message by an application;
transferring the message to the communications module;
evaluating a preference to determine a preferred network of the plurality of transmission networks;
preparing the message for transmittal according to the protocol of the preferred network; and
transmitting the message over the preferred network.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for multi-network aircraft communications are disclosed. In one embodiment, a communication system includes a communications module executing in an onboard computer in an aircraft. Applications executing on the onboard computer generate messages, which the communications module transmits over one of a plurality of broadcast networks including ACARS and IP based systems. The communications module selects which of the broadcast networks will carry a message according to a configuration file associated with the generating application. Messages may have a priority associated therewith, with low priority messages being stored and transmitted upon availability if a preferred broadcast network is unavailable.
19 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for handling aircraft communications, comprising:
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providing a plurality of broadcast networks configured to send and receive data according to a plurality of protocols;
providing a ground-based computer configured to communicate over the plurality of broadcast networks;
providing at least one onboard transmission device configured to communicate over the plurality of broadcast networks and an onboard computer hosting a plurality of applications and a communications module in data communication with the plurality of applications;
generating a message by an application;
transferring the message to the communications module;
evaluating a preference to determine a preferred network of the plurality of transmission networks;
preparing the message for transmittal according to the protocol of the preferred network; and
transmitting the message over the preferred network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A communications module, comprising:
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a first portion adapted to receive a message from an application installed on an onboard computer of an aircraft;
a second portion adapted to evaluate a preference to determine a preferred network of a plurality of transmission networks configured to send and receive data according to a plurality of protocols; and
a third portion adapted to prepare the message for transmittal according to the protocol of the preferred network; and
a fourth portion adapted to transmit the message over the preferred network. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for handling aircraft communications, comprising:
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a plurality of broadcast networks configured to send and receive data according to a plurality of protocols;
a ground-based computer configured to communicate over the plurality of broadcast networks;
an aircraft comprising at least one onboard transmission device configured to communicate over the plurality of broadcast networks and an onboard computer hosting a plurality of applications and a communications module in data communication with the plurality of applications, the communications module configured to receive a message generated by the plurality of applications, to evaluate a preference to determine a preferred network of the plurality of transmission networks, to prepare the message for transmittal according to the protocol of the preferred network, and to transmit the message over the preferred network. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification