U.S. patent application number 15/843956 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-23 for method and apparatus for physical security over a power line connection.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Boeing Company. Invention is credited to Anil Kumar, Timothy M. Mitchell, Nha Thanh Nguyen.
Application Number | 20200028539 15/843956 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64604553 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200028539 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nguyen; Nha Thanh ; et
al. |
January 23, 2020 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL SECURITY OVER A POWER LINE
CONNECTION
Abstract
A broadband over powerline (BPL) master control unit is
provided. The BPL master control unit includes a processor, a local
memory device, a first wireless transceiver, a second wireless
transceiver and a powerline transceiver. The processor is
configured to transmit and receive data over a power line via the
powerline transceiver. The processor is further configured to
receive a plurality of data via the powerline transceiver,
determine whether to route the plurality of data through the first
wireless transceiver or the second wireless transceiver, and
transmit the plurality of data via one of the first wireless
transceiver and the second wireless transceiver based on the
determination.
Inventors: |
Nguyen; Nha Thanh;
(Shoreline, WA) ; Mitchell; Timothy M.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Kumar; Anil; (Sammamish, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Boeing Company |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64604553 |
Appl. No.: |
15/843956 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 3/542 20130101;
H04B 2203/5466 20130101; H04W 4/44 20180201; H04B 17/318 20150115;
H04B 2203/5483 20130101; H04B 3/54 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 3/54 20060101
H04B003/54; H04B 17/318 20060101 H04B017/318; H04W 4/44 20060101
H04W004/44 |
Claims
1. A broadband over powerline (BPL) master control unit comprising:
a processor; a local memory device in communication with the
processor; a first wireless transceiver in communication with the
processor; a second wireless transceiver in communication with the
processor; and a powerline transceiver in communication with the
processor, wherein the processor is configured to transmit and
receive data over a power line via the powerline transceiver, and
wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a plurality
of data via the powerline transceiver; determine a first signal
strength of the first wireless transceiver; determine a second
signal strength of the second wireless transceiver; compare the
first signal strength and the second signal strength; determine
whether to route the plurality of data through the first wireless
transceiver or the second wireless transceiver based on the
comparison; and transmit the plurality of data via one of the first
wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver based on
the determination.
2. (canceled)
3. The BPL master control unit in accordance with claim 1 further
comprising a removable storage device in communication with the
processor, and wherein the processor is further configured to:
determine that the first signal strength and the second signal
strength do not exceed a corresponding predetermined threshold; and
store the plurality of data to the removable storage device.
4. The BPL master control unit in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the first wireless transceiver is a Wi-Fi transceiver.
5. The BPL master control unit in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the second wireless transceiver is a cellular modem.
6. The BPL master control unit in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the processor is further configured to detect a BPL slave unit via
the powerline transceiver.
7. The BPL master control unit in accordance with claim 6, wherein
the BPL slave unit is aboard an aircraft and wherein the plurality
of data is associated with the operation of the aircraft.
8. The BPL master control unit in accordance with claim 6, wherein
the processor is further configured to: audit the voltage, current,
and phase of the connection to the BPL slave unit; and determine
whether or not to transmit the plurality of data based on the
audit.
9. The BPL master control unit in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the powerline transceiver is connected to a three-phase power line
comprising a conductor associated with each respective phase.
10. A BPL slave unit comprising: a processor; a local memory device
in communication with the processor; a removable storage device in
communication with the processor; and a powerline transceiver in
communication with the processor, wherein the processor is
configured to transmit and receive data over a power line via the
powerline transceiver, wherein the processor is in communication
with a plurality of systems, and wherein the processor is further
configured to: receive a plurality of data from the plurality of
systems; determine whether or not the powerline transceiver is
connected to a BPL master control unit; transmit, via the powerline
transceiver, the plurality of data to the BPL master control unit
if the powerline transceiver is connected to the BPL master control
unit; and store, in the removable storage device, the plurality of
data if the powerline transceiver is not connected to the BPL
master control unit.
11. The BPL slave unit in accordance with claim 10, wherein the BPL
slave unit is aboard an aircraft and wherein the plurality of
systems is also aboard the aircraft.
12. The BPL slave unit in accordance with claim 11, wherein the
processor is further configured to determine whether the aircraft
is on the ground prior to determining whether or not the powerline
transceiver is connected to the BPL master control unit.
13. The BPL slave unit in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
processor is further configured to: store the plurality of data in
the removable storage device; and transmit the plurality of data
from the removable storage device to the BPL master control unit
via the powerline transceiver.
14. The BPL slave unit in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
processor is further configured to store the plurality of data in
the removable storage device prior to connecting to the BPL master
control unit.
15. The BPL slave unit in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
processor is further configure to: in response to determining that
the powerline transceiver is connected to a BPL master control
unit, auditing the voltage, current, and phase of the connection to
the BPL master control unit; and determining whether or not to
transmit the plurality of data based on the audit.
16. A method for communicating via a BPL connection, the method
implemented by a master control unit including a processor in
communication with a memory, the method comprising: detecting, via
the BPL connection, a connection to a slave unit; receiving, via
the BPL connection, a plurality of data from the slave unit;
determining a destination for the plurality of data; comparing two
or more transmission methods for transmitting the plurality of data
to the destination; and transmitting the plurality of data to the
destination via one of the two or more transmission methods based
on the comparison.
17. A method in accordance with claim 16, wherein the two or more
transmission methods include a first wireless transmission method
and a second wireless transmission method, and where the method
further comprises: determining a first signal strength of the first
wireless transmission method; determining a second signal strength
of the second wireless transmission method; comparing the first
signal strength and the second signal strength to determine which
wireless transmission method to use; and transmitting the plurality
of data via the determined wireless transmission method.
18. A method in accordance with claim 17 further comprising:
comparing the first signal strength and the second signal strength
to a corresponding predetermined threshold; and storing the
plurality of data in a removable storage device if neither the
first signal strength nor the second signal strength exceed the
corresponding predetermined threshold.
19. A method in accordance with claim 18 further comprising:
determining that a wireless connection via the determined wireless
transmission method has stopped; and storing the plurality of data
in the removable storage device.
20. A method in accordance with claim 16, wherein the slave unit is
in communication with a plurality of computer systems, wherein the
plurality of computer systems and the slave unit are aboard an
aircraft, and wherein the slave unit receives the plurality of data
from the plurality of computer systems, and wherein the method
further comprises: receiving, by the master control unit via the
determined wireless transmission method, a second plurality of data
to be routed to the plurality of computer systems; transmitting, to
the slave unit, the second plurality of data; and routing, by the
slave unit, the second plurality of data to one or more devices of
the plurality of computer systems.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to methods and
systems for secure data communication and more particularly, to
methods and systems for increasing data transmission rates in
communications across a three-phase power system.
[0002] Vehicles such as commercial aircraft, and the various
systems thereon, generate and consume considerable amounts of data.
For example, engines are monitored at every stage of operation,
which results in generation of significant amounts of data. Such
engine monitoring data includes, for example, but not limited to
compression ratios, rotation rate (RPM), temperature, and vibration
data. In addition, fuel related data, maintenance, Airplane Health
Monitoring (AHM), operational information, catering data, In-flight
Entertainment Equipment (IFE) updates and passenger data like duty
free shopping are routinely and typically generated onboard the
aircraft.
[0003] At least some of these systems wirelessly connect to a
ground system through a central airplane server and central
transceiver for data transmission and reception. However, certain
systems are not configured for wireless transfer of data.
Therefore, when an aircraft arrives at a gate, much of the data is
downloaded manually from the aircraft. Specifically, data recording
devices are manually coupled to interfaces on the aircraft and the
data is collected from the various data generators or log books for
forwarding and processing at a back office. In addition, the back
office function transmits updated datasets, for example data
related to a next flight(s) of the aircraft, to the aircraft.
[0004] Demand for additional communication channels and data
transfer is driving rapid change in connection with such
communications. Such increased demand is due, for example, to
increasing reliance by ground systems upon data from the aircraft,
as well as increased communication needs of the flight crew, cabin
crew, and passengers. In addition, data diversity along with an
increasing number of applications producing and consuming data in
support of a wide range of aircraft operational and business
processes puts additional demand on communications. However, many
of these additional communication channels could require additional
holes to be drilled into the aircraft instead of using existing
resources.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] In one aspect, a broadband over powerline (BPL) master
control unit is provided. The BPL master control unit includes a
processor, a local memory device in communication with the
processor, a first wireless transceiver in communication with the
processor, a second wireless transceiver in communication with the
processor, and a powerline transceiver in communication with the
processor. The processor is configured to transmit and receive data
over a power line via the powerline transceiver. The processor is
further configured to receive a plurality of data via the powerline
transceiver, determine whether to route the plurality of data
through the first wireless transceiver or the second wireless
transceiver, and transmit the plurality of data via one of the
first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver
based on the determination.
[0006] In another aspect, a BPL slave unit is provided. The BPL
slave unit includes a processor, a local memory device in
communication with the processor, a removable storage device in
communication with the processor, and a powerline transceiver in
communication with the processor. The processor is configured to
transmit and receive data over a power line via the powerline
transceiver. The processor is in communication with a plurality of
systems. The processor is further configured to receive a plurality
of data from the plurality of systems, determine whether or not the
powerline transceiver is connected to a BPL master control unit,
transmit, via the powerline transceiver, the plurality of data to
the BPL master control unit if the powerline transceiver is
connected to the BPL master control unit, and store, in the
removable storage device, the plurality of data if the powerline
transceiver is not connected to the BPL master control unit.
[0007] In still another aspect, a method for communicating via a
BPL connection is provided. The method is implemented by a master
control unit including a processor in communication with a memory.
The method includes detecting, via the BPL connection, a connection
to a slave unit, receiving, via the BPL connection, a plurality of
data from the slave unit, determining a destination for the
plurality of data, comparing two or more transmission methods for
transmitting the plurality of data to the destination, and
transmitting the plurality of data to the destination via one of
the two or more transmission methods based on the comparison.
[0008] The features, functions, and advantages that have been
discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments or
may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which
can be seen with reference to the following description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a power and digital
communication transmission system.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a master control
system in the power and digital communication transmission system
shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a slave system in the
power and digital communication transmission system shown in FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of the power
and digital communication transmission system shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an example configuration of a client
system shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an example configuration of a server
system shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process for communicating using
the power and digital communication transmission system shown in
FIGS. 1 and 4.
[0016] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are
meant to illustrate features of embodiments of this disclosure.
These features are believed to be applicable in a wide variety of
systems comprising one or more embodiments of this disclosure. As
such, the drawings are not meant to include all conventional
features known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be required
for the practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The described embodiments enable secure vehicle broadband
communication with a data network. More particularly, the present
disclosure is directed to using broadband over powerline (BPL)
communications to enable aircraft information exchange to occur at
increased speeds and where conventional data exchange services may
not be available.
[0018] Described herein are computer systems such as the BPL master
and slave computer devices and related computer systems. As
described herein, all such computer systems include a processor and
a memory. However, any processor in a computer device referred to
herein may also refer to one or more processors wherein the
processor may be in one computing device or in a plurality of
computing devices acting in parallel. Additionally, any memory in a
computer device referred to herein may also refer to one or more
memories wherein the memories may be in one computing device or in
a plurality of computing devices acting in parallel.
[0019] Furthermore, while the terms "master" and "slave" are used
herein to describe different computer devices, in some embodiments,
this different devices may be considered more parallel devices
rather than having the master device control the slave device. In
some embodiments, the master device may be controlled by the slave
device. For the purposes of this disclosure, the slave device is
the device on the vehicle and the master device is the device on
the ground or at the location that the vehicle is currently docked
or stopped.
[0020] As used herein, a processor may include any programmable
system including systems using micro-controllers, reduced
instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or
processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The
above examples are not intended to limit in any way the definition
and/or meaning of the term "processor."
[0021] As used herein, the term "database" may refer to either a
body of data, a relational database management system (RDBMS), or
to both. As used herein, a database may include any collection of
data including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat
file databases, object-relational databases, object-oriented
databases, and any other structured or unstructured collection of
records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above
examples are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or
meaning of the term database. Examples of RDBMS's include, but are
not limited to, Oracle.RTM. Database, MySQL, IBM.RTM. DB2,
Microsoft.RTM. SQL Server, Sybase.RTM., and PostgreSQL. However,
any database may be used that enables the systems and methods
described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle
Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is a registered trademark
of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.;
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation,
Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase,
Dublin, Calif.)
[0022] In one embodiment, a computer program is provided, and the
program is embodied on a computer readable medium. In an example
embodiment, the system is executed on a single computer system,
without requiring a connection to a server computer. In a further
embodiment, the system is being run in a Windows.RTM. environment
(Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation,
Redmond, Wash.). In yet another embodiment, the system is run on a
mainframe environment and a UNIX.RTM. server environment (UNIX is a
registered trademark of X/Open Company Limited located in Reading,
Berkshire, United Kingdom). The application is flexible and
designed to run in various different environments without
compromising any major functionality. In some embodiments, the
system includes multiple components distributed among a plurality
of computing devices. One or more components may be in the form of
computer-executable instructions embodied in a computer-readable
medium.
[0023] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular
and preceded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not
excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is
explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "example embodiment"
or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to
be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments
that also incorporate the recited features.
[0024] As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are
interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory
for execution by a processor, including RAM memory, ROM memory,
EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory.
The above memory types are examples only and thus, are not limiting
as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer
program.
[0025] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "real-time" refers to
at least one of the time of occurrence of the associated events,
the time of measurement and collection of predetermined data, the
time to process the data, and the time of a system response to the
events and the environment. In the embodiments described herein,
these activities and events occur substantially
instantaneously.
[0026] The systems and processes are not limited to the specific
embodiments described herein. In addition, components of each
system and each process can be practiced independent and separate
from other components and processes described herein. Each
component and process also can be used in combination with other
assembly packages and processes.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power and digital
communication transmission system 100 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In the exemplary
embodiment, power and digital communication transmission system 100
includes an electrical aircraft umbilical 102 comprising a supply
end 104, a plug end 106, and an electrical conductor 108 extending
there between. Plug end 106 is configured to mate with a vehicle
such as an aircraft 110 such that electrical power is supplied to
aircraft 110 through electrical conductor 108 from supply end 104.
The electrical energy used to power commercial airplanes on the
ground is 115 Vac, 400 Hz, three-phase power, and includes a
neutral line. In the exemplary embodiment, supply end 104 couples
to a ground power system 112 at an airport terminal gate 114.
Ground power system 112 is configured to receive electrical power
from a power supply through a power supply conduit 115. In other
embodiments, ground power system 112 is located on a pier to couple
to a boat, barge, or ship (not shown). In still other embodiments,
ground power system 112 is positioned at a garage or service
facility and is configured to couple to a wheeled vehicle, for
example, but not limited to a car, a recreational vehicle (RV), or
a train. Additionally, ground power system 112 may comprise another
vehicle, such as a space vehicle, undersea or sea surface vehicle
wherein one or both vehicles are moving with respect to each other
and/or their surroundings while coupled through umbilical 102.
[0028] Power and digital communication transmission system 100 also
includes a first interface device 116 electrically coupled to
supply end 104. In the exemplary embodiment, interface device 116
is electrically coupled to supply end 104 through power supply
conduit 115 and ground power system 112. In an alternative
embodiment, interface device 116 is electrically coupled to supply
end 104 downstream of ground power system 112. In one embodiment,
ground power system 112 is a distributed power system operating at
voltages that are incompatible with aircraft 110. In such
embodiments, a point of use power system 117 is utilized to step
the voltage to a level that is compatible with aircraft 110. In
another alternative embodiment, interface device 116 is
electrically coupled to electrical conductor 108 internal to ground
power system 112. Interface device 116 is also coupled to a network
118 through a wired network access point 120 or a wireless
communication link 122.
[0029] Power and digital communication transmission system 100 also
includes a second interface device 124 electrically coupled to plug
end 106 when umbilical 102 is coupled to aircraft 110. In the
exemplary embodiment, interface device 124 is electrically coupled
to an onboard power bus 125 through plug end 106 through an
umbilical plug 126 penetrating a fuselage 128 of aircraft 110.
Interface device 124 is also coupled to an onboard network 129
through an onboard wired network access point 130 or an onboard
wireless communication link 132. In some situations, onboard
wireless link 132 may be unable to transmit from the vehicle to
outside of the vehicle due to attenuation from the vehicle itself.
Examiners of onboard wireless link 132 may include, but are not
limited to, 60 GHz or low data rate wireless such as IoT
applications over BLE, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
[0030] First interface device 116 is configured to transmit and
receive data carrier signals though electrical conductor 108 while
power is supplied to aircraft 110 through electrical conductor 108.
First interface device 116 is also configured to convert the data
carrier signals from and to a predetermined data format on the
network. Second interface device 124 is electrically coupled to
plug end 106 when umbilical 102 is coupled to aircraft 110. Second
interface device 124 (e.g., a receiver and a transmitter, onboard
transceiver) is configured to transmit and receive the data carrier
signals between first interface device 116 and onboard network 129
while power is supplied to aircraft 110 through electrical
conductor 108. In the exemplary embodiment, each of first interface
device 116 and second interface device 124 are configured to detect
a communication link established through the electrical conductor
and report the link to system 100. Interface units 116 and 124 are
electrically matched with the characteristics of umbilical 102
including but not limited to wire size, shielding, length, voltage,
load, frequency, and grounding.
[0031] In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined data format
is compatible with various network protocols including but not
limited to, Internet network protocol, gatelink network protocol,
Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) protocol, and
Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS)
network protocol.
[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, high-speed network service to
aircraft 110 while parked in a service location such as an airport
terminal gate is provided through a conductor of the aircraft
ground power umbilical using for example, but not limited to
Broadband over Power Line (BPL), X10, or similar technology. Use of
this technology permits the airports and airlines to add a simple
interface to the aircraft umbilical at the gate and for aircraft
manufacturers to provide a matching interface within the aircraft
to permit broadband Internet service to the aircraft through an
aircraft power link in the umbilical.
[0033] Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is a technology that allows
Internet data to be transmitted over power lines. (BPL is also
sometimes called Power-line Communications or PLC.) Modulated radio
frequency signals that include digital signals from the Internet
are injected/added/modulated onto the power line using, for
example, inductive or capacitive coupling. These radio frequency
signals are injected into the electrical power conductor at one or
more specific points. The radio frequency signals travel along the
electrical power conductor to a point of use. Little, if any,
modification is necessary to the umbilical to permit transmission
of BPL. The frequency separation in the umbilical substantially
minimizes crosstalk and/or interference between the BPL signals and
other wireless services. BPL permits higher speed and more reliable
Internet and data network services to the aircraft than wireless
methods. Using BPL also eliminates the need to couple an additional
separate cable to aircraft 110 because it combines aircraft
electrical power and Internet/data services over the same wire.
System 100 uses for example, an approximately 2.0 MHz to
approximately 80.0 MHz frequency or X10 similar ranges with the
exact frequency range use defined and engineered by the
characteristics and shielding of umbilical 102 and the allowable
RFI/EMI levels in that particular environment.
[0034] In an embodiment, symmetrical hi-broadband BPL is used in
umbilical 102 to transmit at communication speeds with aircraft 110
at rates in the tens or hundreds of megabits per second (Mbps).
Because the BPL link is dedicated to only one aircraft 110 and not
shared as wireless is, actual throughput can be from two to ten
times the wireless throughput in the same environment. In addition,
the throughput is stable and reliable in airport environments,
whereas the existing wireless Gatelink services vary with the
amount of RF interference and congestion at each airport.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a master control
system 200 in the power and digital communication transmission
system 100 shown in FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the master
control system 200 includes a master control unit 202. In the
exemplary embodiment, the master control unit 202 is similar to the
first interface device 116 (shown in FIG. 1).
[0036] The master control unit 202 includes a central processing
unit (CPU) 204 in communication with a powerline circuit board 206
(also known as a powerline transceiver). The powerline circuit
board 206 allows the CPU 204 to communicate with other devices
through a BPL connection 208. The BPL connection 208 uses
powerlines similar to the electrical aircraft umbilical 102 (shown
in FIG. 1).
[0037] The master control unit 202 also includes a Wi-Fi card 210
(also known as a Wi-Fi transceiver) for communicating with remotes
devices via a first wireless connection 212. The master control
unit 202 further includes a cell modem card 214 (also known as a
cellular modem) for communicating with remoted devices via a second
wireless connection 216. In some embodiments, master control unit
202 includes a removable memory 218. The removable memory 218
includes any memory card and device that may be removable attached
to master control unit including, but not limited to, universal
serial bus (USB) flash drives, external hard drives, and
non-magnetic media. The CPU 204 is in communication with and in
control of powerline circuit board 206, Wi-Fi card 210, cell modem
card 214, and removable memory 218. While the above describes Wi-Fi
and cellular connections cards 210 and 214 may also connect
wirelessly through other methodologies, including, but not limited
to, 60 Ghz, AeroMACS, WiMAX, Whitespace and Bluetooth.
[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, the CPU 204 detects that a
connection has been made with another device over the BPL
connection 208, such as to second interface device 124 (shown in
FIG. 1). The CPU 204 receives a plurality of data via BPL
connection 208 and the powerline transceiver 206. The CPU 204
determines a destination for the plurality of data. In some
embodiments, the destination is another computer. In other
embodiments, the destination is a plurality of computers or a
computer network. In some embodiments, the destination is one or
more computer systems associated with the airline, the airport,
and/or an operations back office. The master control unit 202 is
remote from the destination. In the exemplary embodiment, the
master control unit 202 able to remotely connect to the destination
via one or more wireless networks. In these embodiments, the CPU
204 determines whether to route the plurality of data through the
first wireless transceiver (i.e., the Wi-Fi card 210) or the second
wireless transceiver (i.e., the cell modem card 214). The first and
second wireless transceivers may also connect using 60 Ghz,
AeroMACS, WiMAX, Whitespace, and Bluetooth
[0039] In some embodiments, the CPU 204 tests the signal strength
of the first wireless connection 212 and the second wireless
connection 216. The CPU 204 compares the signal strength of the
first wireless connection 212 and the second wireless connection
216 to determine which connection to use to transmit the plurality
of data to the destination. Then the CPU 204 routes the plurality
of data to the destination using the determined wireless
connection. In some further embodiments, master control unit 202
also considers the reliability of the first and second wireless
connections 212 and 216 in determining which wireless connection to
use
[0040] In some embodiments, if the signal strength of the first
wireless connection 212 and the second wireless connection 216 are
both below corresponding predetermined thresholds, then the CPU 204
stores the plurality of data on the removable memory 218. In some
further embodiments, the CPU 204 transmits the plurality of data to
the destination at a subsequent time when the signal strength of
one of the first wireless connection 212 and the second wireless
connection 216 exceeds the respective predetermined threshold.
[0041] In some further embodiments, the CPU 204 audits the voltage,
current, and phase of the BPL connection 208 to determine if the
connection is within parameters. The CPU 204 may determine whether
or not to transmit the plurality of data based on the audit.
Furthermore, the CPU 204 may determine whether or not to receive
the data over the BPL connection 208 if the CPU 204 determines that
the connection is not within parameters. This ensures that the BPL
connection 208 is properly connected prior to transmitting a
plurality of data to ensure both the security of the connection and
the integrity of the data being received by the master control unit
202.
[0042] In some further embodiments, the master control unit 202
transmits data over the BPL connection 208 to the slave unit about
future aircraft operations, such as, but not limited to, software
updates for one or more systems, additional movies and/or other
entertainment options, flight paths, and weather information. In
these embodiments, the master control unit 202 may have received
the data for uploading to the slave unit from the airport, the
airline, or an operations back office.
[0043] In some additional embodiments, master control unit 202 is
stored on aircraft 110. When aircraft 110 lands at an airport that
does not have an existing BPL system, master control unit 202 is
deployed to connect to one or more wireless networks at the
airport. In some further embodiments, the master control unit 202
is secured with a password to ensured access by authorized
users.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a slave system 300 in
the power and digital communication transmission system 100 shown
in FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the slave system 300
includes a slave unit 302. In the exemplary embodiment, the slave
unit 302 is similar to the second interface device 124 (shown in
FIG. 1).
[0045] The slave unit 302 includes a central processing unit (CPU)
304 in communication with a powerline circuit board 306 (also known
as a powerline transceiver). The powerline circuit board 306 allows
the CPU 304 to communicate with other devices through a BPL
connection 308. The BPL connection 308 uses powerlines similar to
the electrical aircraft umbilical 102 (shown in FIG. 1).
[0046] In some embodiments, the slave unit 302 includes a removable
memory 310. Removable memory 310 includes any memory card and
device that may be removable attached to master control unit
including, but not limited to universal serial bus (USB) flash
drives, external hard drives, and non-magnetic media. CPU 304 is in
communication with and in control of powerline circuit board 306
and removable memory 310. In some embodiments, slave unit 302 is
aboard an aircraft 110 and has a connection 312 to a plurality of
systems aboard the aircraft. In these embodiments, slave unit 302
receives data from the plurality of systems about the operation of
the aircraft.
[0047] In the exemplary embodiment, the CPU 304 receives a
plurality of data from the plurality of systems over connection
312. The CPU 304 determines whether a connection has been made with
another device over the BPL connection 308, such as to master
control unit 202 (shown in FIG. 2). If a connection has been made,
the CPU 304 transmits, via the powerline transceiver 306, the
plurality of data to the BPL master control unit 202. If there is
no connection, the CPU 304 stores the plurality of data in the
removable memory 310.
[0048] In some embodiments, the CPU 304 determines if the aircraft
110 is on the ground prior to determining whether or not the
powerline transceiver 306 is connected to the master control unit
202. In some embodiments, the CPU 304 continuously receives data
from the plurality of systems. The CPU 304 stores that data in the
removable memory 310. When the CPU 304 determines that the aircraft
is on the ground and connected to a master control unit 202, the
CPU 304 transfers the data from the removable memory 310 to the
master control unit 202 via the BPL connection 308.
[0049] In some further embodiments, the CPU 304 audits the voltage,
current, and phase of the BPL connection 308 to determine if the
connection is within parameters. The CPU 304 may determine whether
or not to transmit the plurality of data based on the audit.
Furthermore, the CPU 304 may determine whether or not to receive
the data over the BPL connection 308 if the CPU 304 determines that
the connection is not within parameters. This ensures that the BPL
connection 308 is properly made prior to transmitting a plurality
of data to ensure both the security of the connection and the
integrity of the data being transmitted to and received from the
master control unit 202.
[0050] In some further embodiments, the master control unit 202
transmits data over the BPL connection 308 to the slave unit 302
about future aircraft operations, such as, but not limited to,
software updates for one or more systems, additional movies and/or
other entertainment options, flight paths, and weather information.
In some embodiments, the slave unit 302 routes the data to the
appropriate systems on the vehicle. In other embodiments, the slave
unit 302 acts as a pass-through to the vehicle's network.
[0051] In some further embodiments, the slave unit 302 is secured
with a password to ensured access by authorized users.
[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified flow diagram 400 of the
power and digital communication transmission system 100 shown in
FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment, one or more devices 402 are in
communication via a communication method 404 (such as a wired or
wireless connection) to slave unit 406. The devices 402 may be one
or more systems aboard a vehicle, such as aircraft 110 (shown in
FIG. 1). The communication method 404 may be similar to onboard
network 129 including onboard wired network access point 130 and an
onboard wireless communication link 132 (all shown in FIG. 1).
Slave unit 406 may be similar to slave unit 302 (shown in FIG.
3).
[0053] Devices 402 transmit a plurality of data about the operation
of the vehicle to the slave unit 406. When the slave unit 406 is
connected to a master unit 410 via a power cable 408, the slave
unit 406 transmits the plurality of data to the master unit 410.
The master unit 410 may be similar to master control unit 202
(shown in FIG. 2). The power cable 408 may be similar to the
electrical aircraft umbilical 102 (shown in FIG. 1), the BPL
connection 208 (shown in FIG. 2), and the BPL connection 308 (shown
in FIG. 3). The master unit 410 makes a wireless connection 412
with one or more network routers 414 to transmit the plurality of
data over the wireless network to its intended destination 416.
[0054] In one embodiment, devices 402 transmit a plurality of data
to slave unit 406 about the operation of the vehicle. When slave
unit 406 connects over a power cable 408 to master unit 410, slave
unit 406 transmits the plurality of data to master unit 410. The
master unit 410 attempts to connect to one or more network routers
414 using one or more wireless connection 412. The master unit 410
determines which wireless connection 412 to use based in part on
the signal strength and reliability of the respective wireless
connections.
[0055] The above describes transferring data from one or more
device 402 on the vehicle to a destination 416 on a network 414,
such as a back-office computer system. In some embodiments, the
computer systems 416 on the network 414 will transmit data to be
routed to one or more of the devices 402. The data may include, but
is not limited to, software updates for one or more systems,
additional movies and/or other entertainment options, flight paths,
and weather information. In these embodiments, master unit 410
transmits the data to be upload over the power cable 408 to the
slave unit 406. The slave unit 406 transmits the upload data over
the Ethernet 404 to the appropriate device 402.
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an example configuration of a client
system shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present disclosure. User computer device 502 is operated by a
user 501. User computer device 502 may include first interface
device 116, second interface device 124 (both shown in FIG. 1),
master control unit 202 (shown in FIG. 2), slave unit 302 (shown in
FIG. 3), device 402, slave unit 406, and master unit 410 (all shown
in FIG. 4). User computer device 502 includes a processor 505 for
executing instructions. In some embodiments, executable
instructions are stored in a memory area 510. Processor 505 may
include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core
configuration). Memory area 510 is any device allowing information
such as executable instructions and/or transaction data to be
stored and retrieved. Memory area 510 may include one or more
computer-readable media.
[0057] User computer device 502 also includes at least one media
output component 515 for presenting information to user 501. Media
output component 515 is any component capable of conveying
information to user 501. In some embodiments, media output
component 515 includes an output adapter (not shown) such as a
video adapter and/or an audio adapter. An output adapter is
operatively coupled to processor 505 and operatively coupleable to
an output device such as a display device (e.g., a cathode ray tube
(CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED)
display, or "electronic ink" display) or an audio output device
(e.g., a speaker or headphones). In some embodiments, media output
component 515 is configured to present a graphical user interface
(e.g., a web browser and/or a client application) to user 501. A
graphical user interface may include, for example, one or more
settings for connecting to another device via a power cable. In
some embodiments, user computer device 502 includes an input device
520 for receiving input from user 501. User 501 may use input
device 520 to, without limitation, select and/or enter a setting
for a network. Input device 520 may include, for example, a
keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch sensitive
panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a gyroscope, an
accelerometer, a position detector, a biometric input device,
and/or an audio input device. A single component such as a touch
screen may function as both an output device of media output
component 515 and input device 520.
[0058] User computer device 502 may also include a communication
interface 525, communicatively coupled to a remote device such as
master control unit 202 or device 402. Communication interface 525
may include, for example, a wired or wireless network adapter
and/or a wireless data transceiver for use with a mobile
telecommunications network.
[0059] Stored in memory area 510 are, for example,
computer-readable instructions for providing a user interface to
user 501 via media output component 515 and, optionally, receiving
and processing input from input device 520. The user interface may
include, among other possibilities, a web browser and/or a client
application. Web browsers enable users, such as user 501, to
display and interact with media and other information typically
embedded on a web page or a website from master control unit 202 or
device 402. A client application allows user 501 to interact with,
for example, master control unit 202 or device 402. For example,
instructions may be stored by a cloud service and the output of the
execution of the instructions sent to the media output component
515.
[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates an example configuration of a server
system shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present disclosure. Server computer device 601 may include, but
is not limited to, first interface device 116, second interface
device 124 (both shown in FIG. 1), master control unit 202 (shown
in FIG. 2), slave unit 302 (shown in FIG. 3), slave unit 406, and
master unit 410 (both shown in FIG. 4). Server computer device 601
also includes a processor 605 for executing instructions.
Instructions may be stored in a memory area 610. Processor 605 may
include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core
configuration).
[0061] Processor 605 is operatively coupled to a communication
interface 615, such that server computer device 601 is capable of
communicating with a remote device such as another server computer
device 601, slave unit 302, network router 414, or device 402 (both
shown in FIG. 4). For example, communication interface 615 may
receive weather information from computer devices connected to the
master control unit 202 via the Internet.
[0062] Processor 605 may also be operatively coupled to a storage
device 634. Storage device 634 is any computer-operated hardware
suitable for storing and/or retrieving data, such as, but not
limited to, data associated with a database. In some embodiments,
storage device 634 is integrated in server computer device 601. For
example, server computer device 601 may include one or more hard
disk drives as storage device 634. In other embodiments, storage
device 634 is external to server computer device 601 and may be
accessed by a plurality of server computer devices 601. For
example, storage device 634 may include a storage area network
(SAN), a network attached storage (NAS) system, and/or multiple
storage units such as hard disks and/or solid state disks in a
redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) configuration.
[0063] In some embodiments, processor 605 is operatively coupled to
storage device 634 via a storage interface 620. Storage interface
620 is any component capable of providing processor 605 with access
to storage device 634. Storage interface 620 may include, for
example, an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) adapter, a Serial
ATA (SATA) adapter, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
adapter, a RAID controller, a SAN adapter, a network adapter,
and/or any component providing processor 605 with access to storage
device 634.
[0064] Processor 605 executes computer-executable instructions for
implementing aspects of the disclosure. In some embodiments,
processor 605 is transformed into a special purpose microprocessor
by executing computer-executable instructions or by otherwise being
programmed. For example, processor 605 is programmed with the
instructions such as are illustrated below.
[0065] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process 700 for communicating
using the power and digital communication transmission systems 100
and 400 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. In the exemplary embodiment,
process 700 is performed by master control unit 202 (shown in FIG.
2).
[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, master control unit 202 detects
705, via the BPL connection 208 (shown in FIG. 2), a connection to
a slave unit 302 (shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the master
control unit 202 analyzes the voltage, current, and phase of the
BPL connection 208 to determine if the connection is within
parameters. The master control unit 202 may determine whether or
not to transmit the plurality of data based on the analysis.
Furthermore, the master control unit 202 may determine whether or
not to receive the data over the BPL connection 208 if the master
control unit 202 determines that the connection is not within
parameters. This ensures that the BPL connection 208 is properly
connected prior to transmitting a plurality of data to ensure both
the security of the connection and the integrity of the data being
received by the master control unit 202.
[0067] In the exemplary embodiment, the master control unit 202
receives 710, via the BPL connection 208, a plurality of data from
the slave unit 302. In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of
data includes data from a plurality of systems that have
transmitted their respective data to the slave unit 302.
[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, the master control unit 202
determines 715 a destination for the plurality of data. In some
embodiments, the destination is one or more computer systems
associated with the airline, the airport, and/or an operations back
office.
[0069] In the exemplary embodiment, the master control unit 202
compares 720 two or more transmission methods for transmitting the
plurality of data to the destination. In some embodiments, the two
or more transmission methods may include a first wireless
transmission method, such as the first wireless connection 212
using Wi-Fi card 210 (both shown in FIG. 2) and a second wireless
transmission method, such as the second wireless connection 216
using cell modem card 214 (both shown in FIG. 2). In these
embodiments, the master control unit 202 determines a first signal
strength of the first wireless transmission method and a second
signal strength of the second wireless transmission method. The
master control unit 202 compares the first signal strength and the
second signal strength to determine which wireless transmission
method to use. In the exemplary embodiment, the master control unit
202 transmits 725 the plurality of data to the destination via the
determined wireless transmission method based on the comparison. In
some further embodiments, master control unit 202 also considers
the reliability of the first and second wireless connections 212
and 216 in determining which wireless connection to use. In other
embodiments, the first wireless connection 212 and the second
wireless connection 216 may use one or more of 60 Ghz, AeroMACS,
WiMAX, Whitespace, and Bluetooth.
[0070] In some embodiments, the master control unit 202 compares
the first signal strength and the second signal strength to a
corresponding predetermined threshold. If at least one of the first
and second signal strength exceed the corresponding threshold, then
the master control unit 202 determines which wireless transmission
method to use. If neither the first nor the second signal strength
exceed their corresponding threshold, the master control unit 202
stores the plurality of data in a removable storage device, such as
removable memory 218 (shown in FIG. 2).
[0071] If, after beginning to transmit 725 the plurality of data
over the wireless network, the master control unit 202 determines
that the wireless connection has stopped or been interrupted, the
master control unit 202 stores the plurality of data in the
removable memory 218. In some embodiments, the master control unit
202 attempts to reconnect to the wireless network or to connect to
the other wireless network.
[0072] In some embodiments, the slave unit 302 receives the
plurality of data from a plurality of computer systems. In some
further embodiments, the plurality of computer systems and the
slave unit 302 are aboard a vehicle, such as aircraft 110 (shown in
FIG. 1). In some further embodiments, the slave unit 302 determines
that the aircraft 110 is in flight. When the slave unit 302
receives the plurality of data from the plurality of computer
systems, the slave unit 302 stores the plurality of data in
removable memory 310 (shown in FIG. 3). When the slave unit 302
determines that that the aircraft 110 is on the ground, the slave
unit 302 scans to detect if there is a connection to the master
control unit 202. In response to detecting the connection, the
slave unit transmits, via the BPL connection 308, the plurality of
data from the removable memory 308 to the master control unit
202.
[0073] Although described with respect to an aircraft broadband
power line application, embodiments of the disclosure are also
applicable to other vehicles such as ships, barges, and boats
moored at a dock or pier and also wheeled vehicles parked in a
service area.
[0074] The above-described methods and systems for transmitting
power and digital communication to provide high speed Internet
service support directly to the aircraft while at the gate are
cost-effective, secure and highly reliable. The methods and systems
include integration and use of BPL or X10 similar technology into
the aircraft and airport infrastructure to support broadband
Internet and data services to the aircraft with minimal
infrastructure impacts and cost. The integration of BPL, X10, or
similar technology into the airport and aircraft permit using the
existing aircraft gate umbilical to provide the aircraft with
high-speed and high reliability Internet and data services from the
airport gate. Accordingly, the methods and systems facilitate
transmitting power and digital communication in a secure,
cost-effective, and reliable manner.
[0075] The computer-implemented methods discussed herein may
include additional, less, or alternate actions, including those
discussed elsewhere herein. The methods may be implemented via one
or more local or remote processors, transceivers, servers, and/or
sensors (such as processors, transceivers, servers, and/or sensors
mounted on vehicles or mobile devices, or associated with smart
infrastructure or remote servers), and/or via computer-executable
instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable media or
medium. Additionally, the computer systems discussed herein may
include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including
that discussed elsewhere herein. The computer systems discussed
herein may include or be implemented via computer-executable
instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable media or
medium.
[0076] As used herein, the term "non-transitory computer-readable
media" is intended to be representative of any tangible
computer-based device implemented in any method or technology for
short-term and long-term storage of information, such as,
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules
and sub-modules, or other data in any device. Therefore, the
methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions
embodied in a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable medium,
including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory
device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the
processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described
herein. Moreover, as used herein, the term "non-transitory
computer-readable media" includes all tangible, computer-readable
media, including, without limitation, non-transitory computer
storage devices, including, without limitation, volatile and
nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media such as a
firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and any
other digital source such as a network or the Internet, as well as
yet to be developed digital means, with the sole exception being a
transitory, propagating signal
[0077] As described above, the described embodiments enable secure
vehicle broadband communication with a data network. More
particularly, the present disclosure is directed to using broadband
over powerline (BPL) communications to enable aircraft information
exchange to occur at increased speeds and where conventional data
exchange services may not be available. More specifically, a master
control unit on the ground and a slave unit on the aircraft set-up
a two-way communication channel over one or more powerlines and
ensure the security and the integrity of the data being transferred
over the powerline. The master control unit also ensures that the
data is transmitted to its intended destination via the most
efficient wireless network.
[0078] The above-described methods and systems for BPL
communication are cost-effective, secure, and highly reliable. The
methods and systems include detecting, via a BPL connection, a
connection to a slave unit, receiving, via the BPL connection, a
plurality of data from the slave unit, determining a destination
for the plurality of data, comparing two or more transmission
methods for transmitting the plurality of data to the destination,
and transmitting the plurality of data to the destination via one
of the two or more transmission methods based on the comparison.
Accordingly, the methods and systems facilitate improving the use
and efficiency of BPL communication by improving the BPL
communication systems ability to communicate with outside systems
that are incompatible with the 115 Vac, 400 Hz, three-phase power
system.
[0079] The methods and system described herein may be implemented
using computer programming or engineering techniques including
computer software, firmware, hardware, or any combination or
subset. As disclosed above, at least one technical problem with
prior systems is that there is a need for systems for a
cost-effective and reliable manner for BPL communications. The
system and methods described herein address that technical problem.
The technical effect of the systems and processes described herein
is achieved by performing at least one of the following steps: (a)
detecting, via a BPL connection, a connection to a slave unit; (b)
receiving, via the BPL connection, a plurality of data from the
slave unit; (c) determining a destination for the plurality of
data; (d) comparing two or more transmission methods for
transmitting the plurality of data to the destination; and (e)
transmitting the plurality of data to the destination via one of
the two or more transmission methods based on the comparison. The
resulting technical effect is communicating between BPL systems and
other computer systems based on wireless communication bridges.
[0080] This written description uses examples to disclose various
implementations, including the best mode, and also to enable any
person skilled in the art to practice the various implementations,
including making and using any devices or systems and performing
any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is
defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to
those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be
within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements
that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if
they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial
differences from the literal language of the claims.
* * * * *