Record and Playback System for Aircraft

• US 20070124042A1
• Filed: 12/28/2006
• Published: 05/31/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: e-Watch, Inc. (Cision Ltd.), The Telesis Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: e-Watch, Inc. (Cision Ltd.)
• Inventors: Monroe, David
• Granted Patent: US 7,634,334 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/35
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/0053 using visual equipment, e.g. cameras
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0883 wherein the data carrier is removable
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0891 Video recorder in combination with video camera
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19634 Electrical details of the system, e.g. component blocks for carrying out specific functions
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19641 Multiple cameras having overlapping views on a single scene
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1965 the vehicle being an aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19656 Network used to communicate with a camera, e.g. WAN, LAN, Internet
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19663 Surveillance related processing done local to the camera
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19669 Event triggers storage or change of storage policy

Abstract

Multiple data and images are multiplexed and sequenced in order to minimize the recording and monitoring hardware required to process the images, providing a detailed record of an event, greatly enhancing event reconstruction efforts. The multi-media safety and surveillance system for aircraft incorporates a plurality of strategically spaced sensors including video imaging generators for monitoring critical components and critical areas of both the interior and the exterior of the aircraft. The captured data and images are recorded and may be transmitted to ground control stations for real time or near real time surveillance. The system includes a plurality of strategically located video image sensors such as, by way of example, analog and/or digital video cameras, a video data recorder (VDR) and a pilot display module (MCDU or MIDU). All data is in recorded in an IP format. The IP encoder may be an integral component of the VDR, or the data may be transmitted in an IP format from the data generator device. The VDR includes one or more non-volatile memory arrays for storing and processing the data. The VDR includes both wired and wireless network connectivity. The memory arrays are in a hardened hermetic assembly while other support electronics may be housed in a less rigorous assembly. An underwater beacon generator may be provided to assist in locating a downed VDR unit. The system is adapted for sending live signals directly to ground support via radio or satellite communications channels. The system also includes audio sensors and component monitoring sensor devices and can replace the CVR system where desired. The system is adapted for selectively transmitting all of the data on a near real time basis to a ground tracking station. The system also includes audio sensors and component monitoring sensor devices and can replace the CVR system where desired. The system is adapted to provide access to serial, synchronized full screen view of each of the cameras, in sequence, or alternatively to provide split screen viewing of a plurality of cameras.

Claims

1. An aircraft video data recorder system, comprising:

a. A digital memory array;

b. A signal generating device located strategically in the aircraft;

c. A coupler for receiving data signals from the signal generating device;

d. An encoder for converting the data signals to an IP protocol; and

e. An interface for introducing the IP protocol signals to the memory array.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the encoder is located at the VDR.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the encoder is located at the signal generating device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal generating device is an IP protocol camera.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal generating device is an analog camera further including a digital signal encoder.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal generating device is an analog audio transmitter further including a digital signal encoder.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein there are further included a plurality of signal generating devices, each of said devices generating a discrete signal and wherein there is further including a multiplexer for combining the signals into a single signal for transmission to the memory.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein there are further included a plurality of dissimilar signal generating devices and there is further included a switched hub for managing the signals therefrom.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal generating device is a wireless device and wherein there is further included a wireless access point associated with the system for transmitting the wireless signal from the wireless device to the system.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal generating device is a legacy flight data acquisition and management system.

11. The system of claim 1, further including a panic button device for sending an alert signal to the system when activated.

13. The system of claim 1, further including a communication link for sending the data signals to an external receiving station.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the communication link is a communications satellite interface.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the communication link is a military radio.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the communication link is a wireless LAN.

17. The system of claim 1, further including an output link directly to a LAN interface for distributing the data signals.

18. The system of claim 17, further including a switch hub for distributing the output signals via the LAN interface.

19. The system of claim 18, including an ARINC link for receiving the distributed output signals from the LAN interface.

20. The system of claim 18, including an aircraft LAN for receiving the distributed output signals from the LAN interface.

12. The system of claim 12, wherein the alert signal is also a control signal for controlling distribution of the output signals from the VDR when the panic button device is activated.