METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HIGH SPEED DATA COMMUNICATION

• US 20080195259A1
• Filed: 02/08/2007
• Published: 08/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Pelton, Scott L., Davis, Terry L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,893,557 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5441 Wireless systems or telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5458 Monitor sensor; Alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/547 via DC power distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/548 the power on the line being DC arrangements for feeding power H04L12/10; extracting feeding power from signals H04L25/02

Abstract

Methods and systems for transmitting power and digital communication are provided. The method includes communicatively coupling a broadband over power line interface unit to a power conductor of a temporary power cable, communicatively coupling the broadband over power line interface unit to a network access point, electrically coupling the power conductor to a vehicle power receptacle, and transmitting network data between the network and the vehicle, and powering the vehicle simultaneously through the power conductor.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting power and digital communication, said method comprising:

communicatively coupling a broadband over a power line interface unit to a power conductor of a power cable;

communicatively coupling the broadband over a power line interface unit to a network access point;

electrically coupling the power conductor to a vehicle power receptacle; and

transmitting network data between the network and the vehicle, and powering the vehicle simultaneously through the power conductor.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein transmitting network data between the network and the vehicle comprises transmitting network data between the network and the vehicle while the vehicle is stationary.

3. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein communicatively coupling the broadband over power line interface unit to a network access point comprises communicatively coupling the broadband over power line interface unit to an Internet access point.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of onboard clients, said method further comprising communicating from at least one of the plurality of clients to the network through the power conductor and through a wireless connection to the network.

5. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of onboard clients, said method further comprising transmitting data collected by a vehicle engine monitor client to the network through the power conductor.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of onboard clients, said method further comprising transmitting entertainment system content from an entertainment system client to the network through the power conductor.

7. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of onboard clients, said method further comprising transmitting vehicle health data from a vehicle health management system client to the network through the power conductor.

8. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of onboard clients, said method further comprising permitting at least one vehicle occupant to receive commercial Internet services, including email, web access, data transmission, Voice-over-IP, and other services normally associated with the Internet.

9. A power and digital communication transmission system comprising:

a vehicle electrical umbilical comprising a supply end, a plug end and a electrical conductor extending therebetween, said plug end configured to mate with a vehicle such that power is supplied to the vehicle through the electrical conductor from the supply end;

a first interface device electrically coupled to the supply end and a network access point, said first interface device configured to;

transmit and receive data carrier signals though the electrical conductor while power is supplied to the vehicle through the electrical conductor; and

convert the data carrier signals from and to a predetermined data format on the network; and

a second interface device electrically coupled to the plug end when the umbilical is coupled to the vehicle, said interface device configured to transmit and receive the data carrier signals with the first interface device while power is supplied to the aircraft through the electrical conductor.

10. A system in accordance with claim 9 wherein the predetermined data format is compatible with at least one of an Internet network protocol, a gatelink network protocol, an ATN protocol, and an ACARS network protocol.

11. A system in accordance with claim 9 wherein said second interface device is positioned onboard the vehicle.

12. A system in accordance with claim 9 further comprising a system monitor configured to detect a communication link established through the electrical conductor.

13. A system in accordance with claim 9 configured to detect a communication link through the electrical conductor and switch communications with a ground system from an established wireless connection to the communication link through the electrical conductor.

14. A system in accordance with claim 9 configured to communicate with a ground system through a wireless connection and the communication link through the electrical conductor simultaneously.

15. A method for communication between a service entity and a vehicle, said method comprising:

coupling a service umbilical between the service entity and the vehicle;

supplying electrical power to the vehicle through the umbilical; and

transmitting high speed digital data between the service entity and the vehicle through the umbilical while supplying electrical power through the umbilical.

16. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein coupling a temporary service umbilical comprises coupling an electrical power conductor between the service entity and the vehicle.

17. A method in accordance with claim 16 wherein the umbilical includes an electrical power conductor and wherein transmitting high speed digital data comprises transmitting high speed digital data and electrical power through the electrical power conductor simultaneously.

18. A method in accordance with claim 16 further comprising:

modulating radio frequency signals with digital signals from the network;

injecting the radio frequency signals into the electrical power conductor using a broadband over power line interface unit coupled to the electrical power conductor.

19. A method in accordance with claim 15 further comprising coupling a broadband over power line interface unit to a network access point.

20. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein transmitting high speed digital data between the service entity and the vehicle comprises transmitting high speed digital data between the service entity and the vehicle while the vehicle is stationary.

21. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein transmitting high speed digital data between the service entity and the vehicle comprises transmitting at least one of electronic digital controller monitor (EDCM) data, fuel related data, maintenance data, Airplane Health Monitoring (AHM) data, operational information, catering data, In-flight Entertainment Equipment (IFE) updates, and passenger data.