(12) United States Patent
`Warner et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`USO0956.3580B2
`
`(54) SYSTEM, METHODOLOGY, AND PROCESS
`FOR WIRELESS TRANSMISSION OF
`SENSOR DATA ONBOARD AN AIRCRAFT
`TO A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
`
`(71) Applicant: North Flight Data Systems, LLC,
`Shreveport, LA (US)
`(72) Inventors: Jeffery N. Warner, Arlington, TX
`(US); George Donald Rucker, II,
`Shreveport, LA (US)
`(73) Assignee: North Flight Data Systems, LLC,
`Shreveport, LA (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 6 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/340,276
`(22) Filed:
`Jul. 24, 2014
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2015/0339241 A1
`Nov. 26, 2015
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/858,444, filed on Jul.
`25, 2013.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`G06F 3/12
`G06F I3/38
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ............... G06F 13/10 (2013.01); B64D 43/00
`(2013.01); G06F 13/20 (2013.01); G07C
`5/008 (2013.01);
`
`(Continued)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,115,656 A
`6,181,990 B1
`
`9/2000 Sudolsky
`1/2001 Grabowsky et al.
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CN
`WO
`WO
`
`2, 2010
`201408360
`O2/O79918 A2 10, 2002
`2011/017812 A1
`2, 2011
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Teledyne Controls Brochure: Electronic Flight Bags Simon Plass
`(ed), Future Aeronautical Communications, InTech (2011), avail
`able at http://www.mxmuhammad.com/papers/Future Aeronauti
`cal Communications.pdf.
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — Elias Mamo
`Smith,
`(74) Attorney,
`Agent,
`or
`Firm — Garvey,
`Nehrbass & North, L.L.C.; Charles C. Garvey, Jr.; Seth
`M. Nehrbass
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Monitoring and reporting methods and apparatus include the
`acquisition of detailed aircraft state and systems data, analy
`sis of the collected data, and transmission of the collected
`data and/or analysis of the collected data to a destination
`automatically via a portable electronic device which is
`carried onto and off of the aircraft by the pilot or another
`crew member. More particularly, monitoring and reporting
`methods and apparatus include collecting analog or digital
`sensor data onboard an aircraft, analyzing the data in real
`time, and automatically transmitting the data and/or analysis
`of the data to a destination including a portable storage
`device Such as a portable computer, electronic flight bag
`(EFB), or Smartphone, by means such as wireless transmis
`Sion, for automatic transfer to another destination when the
`portable computer, electronic flight bag (EFB), or smart
`phone is off of the aircraft.
`41 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`DJI-1005
`IPR2023-01106
`
`

`

`US 9,563,580 B2
`Page 2
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`G06F 3/10
`B64D 43/00
`G06F 3/20
`G07C5/00
`G07C5/08
`HO4L 29/08
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ........... G07C5/0858 (2013.01); H04L 67/125
`(2013.01); H04L 67/2842 (2013.01)
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,397,128
`
`6,477, 152
`6,788,935
`7,103.456
`7,149,612
`7,437,220
`7,456,756
`7,612,688
`7,738,477
`
`7,769,501
`7,835,734
`7,908,042
`8,121,593
`8,244,412
`8,258,983
`8,316,225
`
`B2
`B2
`B2
`B2
`B2
`B2
`B2
`
`5, 2002
`
`11, 2002
`9, 2004
`9, 2006
`12, 2006
`10, 2008
`11/2008
`11/2009
`6, 2010
`
`8, 2010
`11, 2010
`3, 2011
`2, 2012
`8, 2012
`9, 2012
`11, 2012
`
`Todd ...................... B64D 45.00
`340/945
`
`Hiett
`McKenna et al.
`Bloch et al.
`Stefani et al.
`Stefani
`Ziarno
`Vigeant-Langlois et al.
`Hoche ................... HO4L 12,403
`370,431
`
`Lusardi et al.
`Eckert et al.
`Brinkley et al.
`Pandit et al.
`Myers et al.
`Conner et al.
`Yukawa et al.
`
`2008.0039.076 A1
`2008/0074854 A1
`
`2/2008 Ziarno et al.
`3/2008 Batcheller ............ HOSK 1.0271
`361,752
`
`8,335,601 B2 12/2012 Sham et al.
`8.433,475 B2
`4/2013 Corbefin
`8,768,534 B2
`7/2014 Lentz
`2003,0003872 A1
`1/2003 Brinkley et al.
`2005, 0026609 A1
`2/2005 Brinkley et al.
`2005. O149238 A1* 7, 2005 Stefani ................... GO1D 9,005
`TO1/334
`3/2006 Ziarno ..................... H01O 1/28
`455.98
`
`2006/0057974 A1
`
`4/2006 Eckert
`2006, 0080451 A1
`2007/0081672 A1* 4, 2007 Li ....................... HO4L 63,0853
`380,270
`
`3/2010 Judd et al.
`2010.0075614 A1
`6, 2010 Pandit et al.
`2010, O152924 A1
`2011/O144875 A1* 6, 2011 Rado ..................... B6OT 8, 1703
`7O 1/70
`
`6, 2012 Cabos
`2012fO1434.05 A1
`7/2012 Jacobs et al.
`2012,019 1273 A1
`5, 2013 Lentz
`2013/O124018 A1
`2013/0274964 A1* 10/2013 Jesse .................... GOSD 1.0077
`TO1/14
`2013/0332011 A1* 12/2013 Ziarno ............... GOSB 23,0213
`TO1/3
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Kim et al. A Rapid QAR Data Acquisition and Visualization System
`for Aircraft Engine Maintenances, Proceedings of iiWAS2009
`(2009).
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`
`
`it i? attery
`Cap
`
`---------. Door
`
`Button
`
`-----------------
`
`wiFi", rei
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`a sea ara
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`
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`
`
`Wii
`
`rYes -----------------------
`------------------------------ *
`...,
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`

`

`Determine if there is
`an EFB WiFi signal
`y
`or
`
`
`
`Seek aux wireless signals &
`
`establish secure connection tie
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`Deternie if there is
`a QAR WiFi signal
`
`Establish a secure
`-Exchange keys-->
`connection
`
`Estasis a secre
`Correction
`
`Create ties
`
`-
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`:
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`
`Strean data to EF3 ob- Receive data
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`Switch to back up
`cap power upon
`aircraft shutdown
`
`I
`Distribute dat
`EFE
`Applications - isible data
`s
`
`s
`
`Send End Of File message 30 sec prior to
`backup power time expiring
`
`
`
`Encrypt data
`
`:
`
`
`
`Write iaia to files
`
`Close files
`
`Terminate WiFi.
`connection
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet 4 of 10
`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`US 9,563,580 B2
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet S of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`r - - - fi'i
`
`EF8F hone
`Computer
`
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`
`
`
`
`
`QARS Card Write Status Light
`
`
`
`FAl
`
`FG, 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`Determine if there is
`an EF8 or Prote :
`
`--~~~~
`Deterfirie if there is
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`aircraft Shitdown
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`backup power Einer expiring
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`
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`s
`:
`
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`
`Terminate WiFi.
`connection
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet 8 of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`either a
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`ik
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`to the inter or
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`dowridad data
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`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`
`
`ADA Fit
`Cata
`
`Wojce
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`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 7, 2017
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
`
`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`&te:
`
`
`
`:
`
`---------------------------------------------------
`
`
`
`Estasis a secure
`--Exchange keys-->
`
`-:
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`a f)A Wi
`
`-------->So
`
`--------------------
`
`Alix
`Eata
`
`Seek aux wireless signals &
`establish secure connection :
`
`
`
`or Pie -b
`
`Switch to back up!
`cap power Ligo
`aircraft shutdown
`
`:
`
`ES
`rvival is
`
`:
`
`life is
`
`Send End Of File message 30 sec prior to
`backup power tinner expiring
`
`
`
`
`
`FG 1 O
`
`Receive data
`Sirear
`
`Write data to files
`
`Close fies
`
`Terminate wiFi.
`connection
`
`

`

`US 9,563,580 B2
`
`1.
`SYSTEM, METHODOLOGY. AND PROCESS
`FOR WIRELESS TRANSMISSION OF
`SENSOR DATA ONBOARD AN AIRCRAFT
`TO A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`Priority of our U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
`61/858,444, filed 25 Jul. 2013, incorporated herein by ref.
`erence, is hereby claimed.
`
`10
`
`2
`wireless router uses the configuration parameters to establish
`a wireless connection with the ground network and route
`data from at least one client application on the aircraft to at
`least one ground application server.
`In view of the current state of art, current technologies
`related to electronic flight bags and real-time communica
`tions systems have yet to address the need for systems and
`apparatus that can efficiently collect, analyze, and transmit
`data recorded by an aircraft's sensors or other such sensors
`carried aboard or affixed to the aircraft. Such systems could
`aid commercial aircraft carriers in improving efficiency in
`delivery of their services to customers as applied to concerns
`or issues that include flight costs or flight crew performance.
`Also, Such systems could provide vital data to administrative
`agencies regulating the field of avionics for various inves
`tigatory concerns such as efficiently determining the cause
`of an aircraft failure.
`The following references are incorporated herein by ref
`CCC.
`U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,115,656: 6,181,990; 6,477,152: 6,788,935;
`7,103,456; 7,149,612; 7,437,220; 7,456,756; 7,612,688;
`7,769,501; 7,835,734; 7,908,042; 8,121,593; 8,244,412,
`8,258,983; 8,316,225; 8,335,601; 8,433,475; and 8,768,534.
`U.S. Patent Publication Nos.: 2005/0149238; 2013/
`0.124018; 2003/0003872; 2005/0026609; 2010/0152924;
`2010/0075614; 2012/0191273; 2006/0080451; and 2008/
`0039076; 2012/0143405; 2013/0124018; 2013/0274.964.
`PCT Publication NoS.: WO 20021079918 and WO 2011/
`O17812.
`Chinese patent document CN 201408360.
`Publication: Teledyne Controls Brochure: Electronic
`Flight Bags.
`Simon Plass, Future Aeronautical Communications,
`InTech (2011), available at http://www.mxmuhammad.com/
`paperS/Future Aeronautical Communications.pdf.
`Kim et al., A Rapid QAR Data Acquisition and Visual
`ization System for Aircraft Engine Maintenances. Proceed
`ings of iiWAS2009 (2009).
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The disclosed invention addresses what the current state
`of the art has yet to address.
`The present invention relates to methods and apparatus
`that include the automatic acquisition of data, analysis of the
`collected data, and preferably automatic wireless transmis
`sion of the collected data and/or analysis of the collected
`data to a destination for storage or analysis, for example,
`from an aircraft by automatically transmitting the data to a
`portable device on the aircraft which is carried onto the
`aircraft by the pilot or other crew member and is removed by
`the pilot or other crew member when he exits the aircraft.
`More particularly, the present invention relates to methods
`and apparatus that include automatically collecting analog or
`digital sensor data onboard an aircraft, analyzing said data in
`real-time, and automatically transmitting the data and/or
`analysis of the data to a destination including a portable
`storage device such as a portable computer or electronic
`flight bag (EFB) by means including wireless transmission.
`It is sometimes best to encrypt data first, then automati
`cally transmit to a device that will leave with the pilot.
`Preferably the data is automatically wirelessly transmitted to
`a portable storage device in the airplane, but one could use
`cat-5 cable or other wire to connect to a computer or
`computer-like device.
`Preferably one uses a powered device that can capture the
`data (a device with logic platform versus a simple storage
`
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`
`Not applicable
`
`REFERENCE TO AMICROFICHE APPENDIX
`
`Not applicable
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to methods and apparatus
`that include the acquisition of data, analysis of the collected
`data, and transmission of the collected data and/or analysis
`of the collected data to a destination by means known to a
`practitioner of ordinary skill in the art. More particularly, the
`present invention relates to methods and apparatuses that
`include collecting analog or digital sensor data onboard an
`aircraft, analyzing said data in real-time, and transmitting
`the data and/or analysis of the data to a destination including
`a portable storage device Such as a portable computer or
`electronic flight bag (EFB) by means including wireless
`transmission. The application of this invention includes
`sensor data gathered from aircraft used in field of avionics
`Such as aircraft or other data collection/generating devices
`Such as medical apparatus. IR (infra-red) heat sensing sen
`sors, or other devices whereas the invention is used to
`pre-process or post-process the collected information.
`2. General Background of the Invention
`In the normal operation of aircraft, pilots are typically
`required to carry flight bags that contain reference material
`Such as aircraft operating manuals, flight-crew operating
`manuals, and navigational charts. In order to promote effi
`ciency in flight management tasks and reduce the usage of
`paper, electronic information management devices such as
`EFBs have been employed by flight crews. Such EFBs allow
`for use of various applications including static applications
`Such as document viewers, flight crew operating manuals,
`electronic approach charts, and multifunctional displays for
`systems such as navigational systems and air traffic control
`instructions. Furthermore, EFBs can include various means
`of data transmission including memory Stick transfer and
`wireless connectivity.
`Also, aircraft in general have onboard systems which
`communicate in real-time with systems on the ground during
`the course of a flight. Methods and apparatus directed
`towards such systems have patented. For example, U.S. Pat.
`No. 7,835.734 to Eckert et al. discloses an avionics system
`including a wireless router located on an aircraft and con
`figured to transceive wireless signals; and a processing unit
`located in the aircraft and configured to Supply the wireless
`router with configuration parameters after determining it is
`time to connect to a ground network, the configuration
`parameters based on the location of the aircraft; wherein the
`
`

`

`3
`device, such as an SD card), whether the data comes
`wirelessly or through a wire, and the device enters the
`aircraft with the pilot and leaves with the pilot.
`The present invention includes automatically moving a
`consolidated stream of data to a device that contains logic
`(preferably a computer), preferably in real time or near real
`time. Preferably, the computer has software that analyzes the
`data and can send messages to remote locations or simply let
`those in the aircraft know that there is an issue (the computer
`can be programmed to detect some issues that normal flight
`equipment might not).
`Two recent events have occurred in FAA rules to make the
`present invention possible:
`(1) wifi can now be on aircraft;
`(2) electronic flight bags are now allowed in the cockpit.
`The hardware used in the collection, processing and
`transmission over wifi to the EFB or other portable elec
`tronic device can reside in the MFDAU (preferably), QAR,
`or any such external device that is integrated into the system.
`Preferably, the data is automatically wirelessly transmit
`ted to the EFB or other portable electronic device carried by
`the pilot or other crew member onto the aircraft, then
`automatically wirelessly downloaded from the EFB or other
`portable electronic device after the EFB or other portable
`electronic device is removed from the aircraft by the pilot or
`other crew member, typically when the portable electronic
`device connects to a network after it is removed from the
`aircraft. While the data could be downloaded via for
`example a Cat5 cable after the portable electronic device
`leaves the aircraft, wireless transmission is preferred.
`The present invention includes an apparatus comprising:
`means for receiving data;
`means for recording data; at least one of a Quick Access
`Recorder (QAR) Board and a Multi Function Data Acqui
`sition Unit (MFDAU); and
`a means of autonomous transmission of data from the QAR
`board or the MFDAU to a removable device in an aircraft
`which can retransmit the data autonomously when removed
`from the aircraft, wherein the data comprises:
`data acquired from a Cockpit Voice and Video Recorder
`(CV2R) Ethernet feed;
`data from an Ethernet Vibration feed;
`data from a Multi Function Data Acquisition Unit (MFDAU)
`Data Feed; and
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`aircraft flight data.
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`US 9,563,580 B2
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`4
`FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a QAR transfer of data
`through a wireless network to an EFB, and differs from FIG.
`2 primarily in that the data can be transmitted through an
`EFB or a telephone and is already encrypted by the QAR
`before being transmitted.
`FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a process for transferring
`data from the QAR to the EFB or telephone, and differs from
`FIG. 3 primarily in that the data can be transmitted through
`an EFB or a telephone and is already encrypted by the QAR
`before being transmitted.
`FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing how data is downloaded via
`wifi after the EFB is removed from an aircraft for a preferred
`embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
`FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a MFDAU transfer of data
`through a wireless network to an EFB, and differs from FIG.
`6 primarily in that the data can be transmitted through a
`MFDAU instead of a QAR.
`FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a process for transferring
`data from the MFDAU to the EFB or telephone, and differs
`from FIG. 7 primarily in that the data can be transmitted
`through the MFDAU instead of the QAR.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view displaying an embodiment of
`the apparatus of the present invention. A preferred embodi
`ment of the present invention includes an apparatus com
`prising a lithium battery, capacitor, or other power source:
`inputs for a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CV2R) Ethernet Feed,
`an Ethernet Vibration Feed, a Multi Function Data Acqui
`sition Unit (MFDAU) Data Feed; a Universal Serial Bus
`(USB) 3.0 Adapter to Hard Memory; a Quick Access
`Recorder (QAR) Board; at least one slot for receiving a
`storage medium to record data collected from a Cockpit
`Voice Recorder (CV2R) Ethernet Feed, an Ethernet Vibra
`tion Feed, a Multi Function Data Acquisition Unit
`(MFDAU) Data Feed; and means of transmission including
`wireless transmission. The apparatus further comprises a
`means for receiving power from an outside power Source
`and a door providing access to the slot. The wireless
`transmission is preferably accomplished through a Wifi
`router with the IEEE 802.11ac standard. The inputs are
`preferably connected by an RJ45 ethernet connection to a
`MFDAU. The storage medium is preferably a Secure Digital
`(SD) memory card. The means of transmission can be
`transferring multiple external component data to other Stor
`age means such as an EFB, a computer, medical, or auxiliary
`equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the QAR preferably
`receives data from the CV2R Ethernet Feed, the Ethernet
`Vibration Feed, and the MFDAU Data Feed. In a more
`preferred embodiment, the MFDAU preferably both sends
`and receives data to and from the CV2R Ethernet Feed, the
`Ethernet Vibration Feed, Airlinc 429, and auxiliary inputs
`such as analog signaling devices The MFDAU feed prefer
`ably includes airframe, engine, and component data via a
`direct interface to digital ARINC (including but not limited
`to ARINC 717 and 429 data), serial (including but not
`limited to RS232, RS485) and analog data streams as well
`as aircraft state data as provided by internal or external gyros
`and accelerometers. The collected data preferably provides
`detailed aircraft state, including pitch, roll, G forces, vertical
`speeds, detailed engine operating parameters (i.e., turbine
`speeds, oil pressure & temperatures) and primary aircraft
`system parameters (rotor speeds, transmission and gearbox
`oil pressures and temperatures). Also preferably included in
`the data stream delivered to the MFDAU or QAR is the state
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and
`advantages of the present invention, reference should be had
`to the following detailed description, read in conjunction
`with the following drawings, wherein like reference numer
`als denote like elements and wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view displaying a preferred
`embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a QAR transfer of data
`through a wireless network to an EFB.
`FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a process for transferring
`data from the QAR to the EFB.
`FIG. 4 is a schematic of high level use for a preferred
`embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view displaying a preferred
`embodiment of the present invention which differs from that
`shown in FIG. 1 primarily in that the QAR Board includes
`high level data encryption.
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`US 9,563,580 B2
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`of caution and warning lights and the position/state of
`significant system Switches in the aircraft (i.e., landing gear
`switch and gear position indicator lights). Detailed GPS
`component data streams are preferably included in the
`acquired data. Once received, the MFDAU or QAR board
`preferably directs a composite data stream to the EFB and/or
`through the USB 3.0 Adapter to hard memory. The com
`posite data stream is preferably transmitted from the
`MFDAU or QAR to the EFB wirelessly. This preferred
`embodiment preferably also includes light indicators for the
`MFDAU QARSD Card Write Status and WiFi connection
`status as well as a button for opening and closing a door. A
`preferred apparatus is a NORTH QAR-3W Quick Access
`Recorder or MFDAU with a means for wireless transmission
`of data, both of which can be similar to NORTH QAR-3W
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`Quick Access Recorder or MFDAU currently commercially
`available from North Flight Data Systems, LLC.
`A MFDAU is a multi-function data acquisition unit. It
`typically includes at least the following: Digital and analog
`data receivers, an internal attitude and heading reference
`system, and other such electronic devices with which to
`acquire information from various devices. When used in the
`present invention, it preferably also includes a logic plat
`form and operating system that facilitates the acquisition of
`data, hosts firmware and software to enable it to either direct
`the raw data or to manage acquired data and to perform
`analyses of the data, manipulate the data, encrypt the data,
`and classify the data as to type, origin, and protocol for
`processing the data.
`A QAR is a quick access recorder which includes an SD
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`card slot, an SD card in the slot, a cable to reach a data
`source, such as the MFDAU. It is akin to a SD card reader
`for a computer. When used to transmit data in the present
`invention, it preferably also includes a wireless data router,
`wireless access point, Solid State memory, and logic.
`FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the QAR transfer of data
`through a wireless network to an EFB. In a preferred
`embodiment, the QAR transmits data wirelessly to the EFB.
`In this transfer of data, an option is given as to whether the
`data should be encrypted. If the encryption is option is
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`selected, the data is encrypted at a high level. The MFDAU
`of the present invention with wireless capability could be
`used in place of the QAR in FIG. 2.
`FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the process for transferring
`data from the QAR to the EFB. In the preferred embodiment,
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`the QAR board attempts to and establishes a secure con
`nection with the EFB wirelessly. The QAR may also seek
`auxiliary wireless signals to establish a secure connection. In
`preparation for receiving data, the EFB may create files to
`incorporate the transmitted data within. Once a secure
`connection has been established, the QAR streams the data
`to the EFB. When the aircraft has shut down, the QAR may
`Switch to a backup/cap power and may send an end-of-file
`message prior to a backup power timer expiring. Once the
`data is received from the QAR, the EFB may include means
`of distributing the data, encrypting the data, or writing the
`data to the previously created files. Once the data is written
`to files, the EFB may close the files and terminate the
`wireless connection with the QAR. In FIG. 3, one could
`substitute a MFDAU of the present invention with wireless
`capability for the QAR.
`FIG. 4 is a schematic of high level use for a preferred
`embodiment of the application of the present invention. A
`preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a
`system comprising a Cabin Tablet, a Pilot Tablet, vibration
`nodes, and a MFDAU. The system further comprises a WiFi
`Cabin antenna, a USB Hardened Memory Module, and an
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`Ethernet switch. The system may be used pre-flight, during
`flight, or post flight. The cabin tablet is preferably connected
`to MFDAU, Pilot Tablet, and Vibration Nodes via the WiFi
`Cabin antenna. The Cabin tablet preferably has access to
`patient charts, 12 Lead Data, and Pictures in the pre-flight
`stage. The Cabin tablet preferably has access to text mes
`sages, patient charts, data Such as generated by Golden Hour
`Software, and 12 lead data during the inflight stage. The
`Cabin tablet preferably has access to patient data, pictures,
`and data such as generated by Golden Hour software in the
`post flight stage. The data accessible to the cabin tablet is
`preferably accessed by a NFDS Web Portal Download. The
`Pilot tablet is preferably connected to MFDAU, Cabin
`tablet, and vibration nodes via the WiFi Cabin antenna. The
`Pilot tablet preferably has access to flight plan and weight &
`balance data in the pre-flight stage. The pilot tablet prefer
`ably has access to data collection data and vibration data
`during the inflight stage. During both the pre-flight and in
`flight stages, the pilot tablet may preferably access a flight
`data stream. A mechanic or other individual may access the
`historical and live data stream during the flight to perform
`maintenance or other sensor input viewing and/or analysis.
`The pilot tablet preferably has access to data collection data
`and vibration data in the post flight stage. The data acces
`sible to the pilot tablet is preferably accessed by a NFDS
`Web Portal Download. The pilot tablet preferably includes
`maintenance functions such as SMART Config and System
`Config. These maintenance functions are preferably
`accessed when in close proximity to a WiFi connection. The
`WiFi Cabin antenna preferably makes use of SubMiniature
`version A (SMA) connectors. The USB Hardened Memory
`Module is preferably ED-155 and/or ED-112 crash and
`temperature compliant. The Ethernet switch preferably uses
`RJ-45 connectors to connect with the MFDAU and Pilot
`Tablet. The Ethernet switch also preferably inputs multiple
`external component data to data storage mediums such as
`secure digital memory cards. The MFDAU preferably
`includes a Comm Board/Processors, transport communica
`tions systems inputs, an audio and video card, and means of
`gathering internal data from sensors. The MFDAU may
`include a satellite connection such as a RS-232-Generic
`Satcom link. The Comm Board/Processors preferably
`include a modem, a code divisional multiple access
`(CDMA), a hard drive, and the means for wireless trans
`mission. The modem is preferably an iridium short data
`burst modem. The CDMA is preferably a light squared
`CDMA 4G. The hard drive is preferably a solid state hard
`drive. The means of wireless transmission preferably
`includes use of the WiFi Cabin Antenna. The Comm Board/
`Processors preferably includes means of encrypting data
`from the audio and video card. The Comm Board/Processors
`also preferably includes means of converting acquired data
`into Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC) 717. The
`MFDAU preferably includes inputs for: receiving internal
`data from sensors such as gyros, accelerometers, and mag
`netometers; pilot data; Co-pilot data; static data; auto pilot
`ARINC 429: FADEC/VEMD ARINC 429; Garmin global
`position system (GPS) ARINC 429; FDR-ARINC 717;
`Intellstart-RS-485; XM Weather RS-232; AC Tach Gen
`Inputs; 28x Digital; 32x low speed analog; 8x high speed
`analog: Video. In BNC Connectors: Area Mic ED-155 44.1
`kHz: ICS (internet connection sharing); and SMA to
`L-Band. The MFDAU preferably includes outputs for: an A,
`V. D. R Annunciator; Composite ARINC 717 out; and a USB
`hardened memory module. The MFDAU preferably
`includes outputs and inputs for a High-Definition Multime
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`US 9,563,580 B2
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`7
`dia Interface connection, a touchscreen, RS-232 connection
`for a data stream output or a Generic Satcom Link; and
`Ethernet Switch.
`The present invention includes methods and apparatus
`directed to collecting internal and external analog and digital
`sensor data; analyzing the sensor data; and transmitting of
`said data to a portable storage device.
`In one embodiment of the present invention, the method
`or apparatus includes a process of collecting data. The data
`preferably includes internal and external data that may
`further include data acquired from an analog or digital
`sensor. Sensor data also includes aircraft, state, component
`data, voice, video, and vibration information. The data
`recording is preferably combined into a combined data
`stream. The combined data stream is preferably transferred
`to either a fixed or portable onboard storage device via
`wireless transmission. The combined data stream preferably
`includes data from similar and dissimilar devices (i.e. air
`craft data; Video and still camera images Such as jpeg, mpeg
`formats; forward infra-red camera images, radioactive par
`ticle sensor data, med