PROVISIONAL PA TENT APPLICATION
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`Attorney Docket No. Vl3135US (99510.3)
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`TITLE OF THE INVENTION
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`"System, Methodology, and Process for Wireless Acquisition of Sensor Data Onboard an
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`Aircraft to a Portable Computer''
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`INVENTORS:
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`Jeffery N. Warner, a U.S. citizen, of3410 Vista Chase Court, Arlington,
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`TX, and George Donald Rucker II, a U.S. citizen, of 8310 East
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`Wilderness Way, Shreveport, LA.
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`ASSIGNEE:
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`North Flight Data Systems, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, 1214
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`10
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`Hawn Ave, Suite 100, Shreveport, LA 71107, US.
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`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
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`Not applicable
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`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
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`DEVELOPMENT
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`1 s
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`Not applicable
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`REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
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`Not applicable
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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`1. Field of the Invention
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`The present invention relates to methods and apparatus that include the acquisition of
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`data, analysis of the collected data, and transmission of the collected data and/or analysis of
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`the collected data to a destination by means known to a practitioner of ordinary skill in the
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`art. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses that include
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`collecting analog or digital sensor data onboard a vehicle, analyzing said data in real-time,
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`and transmitting the data and/or analysis of the data to a destination including a portable
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`storage device such as a portable computer or electronic flight bag (EFBs) by means
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`including wireless transmission. The application of this invention includes sensor data
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`gathered from vehicles used in field of avionics such as aircraft.
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`2. General Background of the Invention
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`In the normal operation of aircraft, pilots are required to carry flight bags that contain
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`reference material such as aircraft operating manuals, flight-crew operating manuals, and
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`navigational charts. In order to promote efficiency in flight management tasks and reduce
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`DJI-1006
`IPR2023-01107
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`the usage of paper, electronic information management devices such as EFBs have been
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`employed by flight crews. Such EFBs allow for use of various applications including static
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`applications such as document viewers, flight crew operating manuals, electronic approach
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`charts, and multifunctional displays for systems such as navigational systems and air traffic
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`control instrnctions. Furthermore, EFBs can include various means of data transmission
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`including memory stick transfer and wireless connectivity.
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`Also, aircraft in general have onboard systems which communicate in real-time with
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`systems on the ground during the course of a flight. Methods and apparatus directed towards
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`such systems have patented. For example, United States Patent No. 7,835,734 to Eckert et
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`al. discloses an avionics system including a wireless router located on an aircraft and
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`configured to transceive wireless signals; and a processing unit located in the aircraft and
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`configured to supply the wireless router with configuration parameters after detennining it
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`is time to connect to a ground network, the configuration parameters based on the location
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`of the aircraft; wherein the wireless router uses the configuration parameters to establish a
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`wireless connection with the ground network and route data from at least one client
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`application on the aircraft to at least one ground application server.
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`In view of the current state of art, current technologies related to electronic flight bags
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`and real-time communications systems have yet to address the need for systems and
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`apparatus that can efficiently collect, analyze, and transmit data recorded by an aircraft's
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`sensors. Such systems could aid commercial aircraft carriers in improving efficiency in
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`delivery of their services to customers as applied to concerns or issues that include flight
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`costs or flight crew performance. Also, such systems could provide vital data to
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`administrative agencies regulating the field of avionics for various investigatory concerns
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`such as efficiently determining the cause of an aircraft failure. The disclosed invention
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`addresses what the current state of the art has yet to address.
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`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`The present invention relates to methods and apparatus that include the acquisition of
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`data, analysis of the collected data, and transmission of the collected data and/or analysis of
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`the collected data to a destination for storage or analysis, for exan1ple, from a vehicle or
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`aircraft by transmitting the data to a portable device on the vehicle or aircraft which is
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`carried onto the vehicle or aircraft by the driver or pilot and is removed by the driver or pilot
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`when he exits the vehicle or aircraft. More particularly, the present invention relates to
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`methods and apparatus that include collecting analog or digital sensor data onboard a
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`vehicle, analyzing said data in real-time, and transmitting the data and/or analysis of the
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`data to a destination including a portable storage device such as a portable computer or
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`electronic flight bag (EFB) by means including wireless transmission.
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`It is sometimes best to encrypt data first, then transmit to a device that will leave with the
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`pilot. Preferably the data is wirelessly transmitted to a p01iable storage device in the
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`airplane, but one could use cat-5 cable or other wire to connect to a computer or computer(cid:173)
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`like device.
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`Preferably one uses a powered device that can capture the data (a device with logic
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`platform versus a simple storage device, such as an SD card), whether the data comes
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`wirelessly or through a wire, and the device enters the aircrafi: with the pilot and leaves with
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`the pilot.
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`The present invention includes moving a consolidated stream of data to a device that
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`contains logic (preferably a computer), preferably in real time or near real time. Preferably,
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`the computer has software that analyzes the data and can send messages to remote locations
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`or simply let those in the aircraft know that there is an issue (the computer can be
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`programmed to detect some issues that normal flight equipment might not).
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`Two recent events have occurred in FAA rules to make the present invention possible:
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`( 1) wifi can now be on aircraft;
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`(2) electronic flight bags are now allowed in the cockpit.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
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`For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present
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`invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction
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`with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and
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`wherein:
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`Figure l is a perspective view displaying a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
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`Figure 2 is a schematic view of a QAR transfer of data through a wireless network to an
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`EFB.
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`Figure 3 is a schematic view of a process for transferring data from the QAR to the EFB.
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`Figme 4 is a schematic of high level use for a preferred embodiment of the application of
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`the present invention.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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`Figure l is a perspective view displaying an embodiment of the apparatus of the present
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`invention. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus
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`comprising a lithitLm battery or cap; inputs for a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CV2R) Ethernet
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`Feed, an Ethernet Vibration Feed, a Mini-Flight Data Acquisition Unit (MFDAU) Data
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`s
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`Feed; a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 3.0 Adapter to Hard Memory; a Quick Access Recorder
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`(QAR) Board; at least one slot for receiving a storage medium to record data collected from
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`a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CV2R) Ethernet Feed, an Ethernet Vibration Feed, a Mini-Flight
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`Data Acquisition Unit (MFDAU) Data Feed: and means of transmission including wireless
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`transmission. The apparatus further comprises a means for receiving power from an outside
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`power source and a door providing access to the slot. The wireless transmission is
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`preferably accomplished through a Wifi Router with the IEEE 802.11 ac standard. The
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`inputs are preferably connected by an RJ45 ethernet connection. The storage medium is
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`preferably a Secure Digital (SD) memory card. The means of transmission can be
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`transferring multiple external component data to other storage means such as an EFB, a
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`computer, medical, or auxiliary equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the QAR preferably
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`receives data from the CV2R Ethernet Feed, the Ethernet Vibration Feed, and the MFDAU
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`Data Feed. The MFDAU feed preferably includes airframe, engine, and component data via
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`a direct interface to digital ARINC (including but not limited to ARINC 717 and 429 data),
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`serial (including but not limited to RS232, RS485) and analog data streams as well as
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`aircraft state data as provided by internal or external gyros and accelerometers. The
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`collected data preferably provides detailed aircraft state, including pitch, roll, G forces,
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`vertical speeds, detailed engine operating parameters (i.e., turbine speeds, oil pressure &
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`temperatures) and primary aircraft system parameters (rotor speeds, transmission and
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`gearbox oil pressures and temperatures). Also preferably included in the data stream
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`delivered to the QAR is the state of caution & warning lights and the position/state of
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`significant system switches in the aircraft (i.e., landing gear switch and gear position
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`indicator lights). Detailed GPS component data streams are preferably included in the
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`acquired data. Once received, the QAR board preferably directs a composite data stream to
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`the EFB and/or through the USB 3 .0 Adapter to hard memory. The composite data stream is
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`preferably transmitted from the QAR to the EFB wirelessly. This preferred embodiment
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`preferably also includes light indicators for the QAR SD Card Write Status and WiFi
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`Connection Status as well as a button for opening and closing a door. A preferred apparatus
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`is a NORTH QAR-3W Quick Access Recorder with a means for wireless transmission of
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`data.
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`Figure 2 is a schematic view of the QAR transfer of data through a wireless network to an
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`EFB. In a preferred embodiment, the QAR transmits data wirelessly to the EFB. In this
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`transfer of data, an option is given as to whether the data should be encry1Jted. If the
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`encryption is option is selected, the data is encrypted at a high level.
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`Figure 3 is a schematic view of the process for transferring data from the QAR to the
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`EFB. In the preferred embodiment, the QAR board attempts to and establishes a secure
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`connection with the EFB wirelessly. The QAR may also seek auxiliary wireless signals to
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`establish a secure connection. In preparation for receiving data, the EFB may create files to
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`incorporate the transmitted data within. Once a secure connection has been established, the
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`QAR streams the data to the EFB. When the aircraft has shut do1A-n, the QAR may switch to
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`a backup/cap power and may send an end-of-file message prior to a backup power timer
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`expiring. Once the data is received from the QAR, the EFB may include means of
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`distributing the data, encrypting the data, or writing the data to the previously created files.
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`Once the data is written to files, the EFB may close the files and tenninate the vvireless
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`connection with the QAR.
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`Figure 4 is a schematic of high level use for a preferred embodiment of the application of
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`the present invention. A preferred embodin1ent of the present invention includes a system
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`comprising a Cabin Tablet, a Pilot Tablet, vibration nodes, and a MFDAU. The system
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`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
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`tablet is preferably com1ected to MFDAU, Pilot Tablet, and Vibration Nodes via the WiFi
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`Cabin antenna. The Cabin tablet preferably has access to patient charts, 12 Lead Data, and
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`Pictures in the pre-flight stage. The Cabin tablet preferably has access to text messages,
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`patient charts, data such as generated by Golden Hour software, and 12 lead data during the
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`inflight stage. The Cabin tablet preferably has access to patient data, pictures, and data such
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`as generated by Golden Hour software in the post flight stage. The data accessible to the
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`cabin tablet is preferably accessed by a N'FDS Web Portal Download. The Pilot tablet is
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`preferably connected to MFDAU, Cabin tablet, and vibration nodes via the WiFi Cabin
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`antenna. The Pilot tablet preferably has access to flight plan and weight & balance data in
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`the pre-flight stage. The pilot tablet preferably has access to data collection data and
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`vibration data during the inflight stage. During both the pre-flight and in flight stages, the
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`pilot tablet may preferably access a flight data stream. The pilot tablet preferably has access
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`to data collection data and vibration data in the post flight stage. The data accessible to the
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`pilot tablet is preferably accessed by a NFDS Web Portal Dmvnload. The pilot table
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`preferably includes maintenance functions such as SMART Config and System Config.
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`These maintenance functions are preferably accessed when in close proximity to a WiFi
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`connection. The WiFi Cabin antenna preferably makes use of SubMiniature version A
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`(SMA) connectors. The USB Hardened Memory Modt1le is preferably ED-155 and/or ED-
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`112 crash and temperature compliant. The Ethernet switch preferably uses RJ-45 connectors
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`to connect with the MFDAU and Pilot Tablet. The Ethernet switch also preferably inputs
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`multiple external component data to data storage mediums such as secure digital memo1y
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`cards. The MFDAU preferably
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`includes a Comm Board/Processors,
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`transport
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`communications systems inputs, an audio and video card, and means of gathering internal
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`data from sensors. The MFDAU may include a satellite connection such as a RS-232-
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`Generic Satcom link. The Comm Board/Processors preferably include a modem, a code
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`divisional multiple access (CDMA), a hard drive, and the means for wireless transmission.
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`The modem is preferably an iridium short data burst modem. The CDMA is preferably a
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`light squared CDMA 4G. The hard drive is preferably a solid state hard drive. The means of
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`wireless transmission preferably includes use of the WiFi Cabin Antenna. The Comm
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`Board/Processors preferably includes means of encrypting data from the audio and video
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`card. The Comm Board/Processors also preferably includes means of conve1ting acquired
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`data into Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARJNC) 717. The MFDAU preferably includes
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`inputs for: receiving internal data from sensors such as gyros, accelerometers, and
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`magnetometers; pilot data; Co-pilot data; static data; auto pilot ARINC 429;
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`FADEC/VEMD ARINC 429; Garmin global position system (GPS) ARINC 429; FDR(cid:173)
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`ARINC 717; Intellstart-RS-485; XM Weather RS-232; AC Tach Gen Inputs; 28x Digital;
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`32x low speed analog: 8x high speed analog; Video In - BNC Connectors; Area Mic ED-
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`155 44.lkHz; JCS; and SMA to L-Band. The MFDAU preferably includes outputs for: an
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`A,V,D,R Annunciator; Composite ARJNC 717 out; and a USB hardened memory module.
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`The MFDAU preferably includes outputs and inputs for a High-Definition Multimedia
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`Interface connection, a touchscreen, RS-232 connection for a data strean1 output or a
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`Generic Satcom Link; and Ethernet Switch.
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`The present invention includes methods and
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`apparatus directed to collecting internal and external analog and digital sensor data;
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`analyzing the sensor data; and transmitting of said data to a portable storage device.
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`In one embodiment of the present invention, the method or apparatus includes a process
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`of collecting data. The data preferably includes internal and external data that may further
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`include data acquired from an analog or digital sensor. Sensor data also includes aircraft,
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`state, component data, voice, video and vibration information. The data recording is
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`preferably combined into a combined data stream. The combined data stream is preferably
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`transferred to either a fixed or portable onboard storage device via wireless transmission.
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`The combined data stream preferably includes data from similar and dissimilar devices (i.e.
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`aircraft data; video and still camera images such as jpeg, mpeg formats; forward infared
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`camera images, radioactive paiiicle sensor data, medical device data)
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`In another embodiment of the present invention, the method or apparatus includes a
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`process of analyzing data. Analysis of such data may include analysis of aircraft sensor data
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`in a virtual live basis in flight with Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA). The
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`analysis may also include an analysis of aircraft sensor data with vibration software that
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`preferably compares the composite data stream to either a predetermined set of events
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`criteria or historical data trends.
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`In another embodiment of the present invention, the method or apparatus includes
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`transmitting an alert with an exceedance message via a cellular or satellite data conduit after
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`processing the sensor data analysis. This element differs from downloading raw aircraft data
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`wirelessly in that the sensor data has been processed prior to transmission.
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`In another embodiment of the present invention, the method or apparatus includes
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`transmitting the aircraft sensor data to a crash hardened device installed onboard the aircraft
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`by wireless means.
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`In another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes combining
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`hardware and software into an apparatus that can be carried, wherein the apparatus
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`wirelessly collects, encrypts, provides for critical near real time processing, and packages
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`data for offload to a corporate data infrastructure for long time processing and preservation.
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`This embodiment of the invention may be further defined to include a process of removing a
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`portable or quasi portable device that has acquired data from onboard wireless devices from
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`an aircraft then acquiring a wired or wireless connection (to the internet or possibly a
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`company's/entity's
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`intranet) and sending that composite data via that wireless
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`connection/conduit. A process of encrypting all collected data and delivering either
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`encrypted or non-encrypted data is a preferable pmt of this process. The process of taking
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`the composite data stream, breaking it up and sending it to either one or multiple locations
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`or applications which may or may not act independently. (i.e., send aircraft data to FOQA
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`app, medical data to hospital or doctor, video data to video or motion picture platform,
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`thermal images to law enforcement entities, radioactive readings to an engineering firm).
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`This process is meant to cover the acquisition of dissimilar data via onboard wireless and
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`the administration and distribution of the data from a portable or quasi portable computer
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`and/or electronic device which contains logic.
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`In another embodiment of the present invention, the method and apparatus includes an
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`avionics data acquisition and recording system. Such system preferably provides an ability
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`to collect wired and wireless sensor data and to deliver a composite data stream through a
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`wireless router (such as 802.l ln or 802. lAC) to a portable or quasi portable device that
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`contains logic. The preferred system function would be to have one device mounted in the
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`aircraft that collects: cockpit voice and video from a CV2R device, aircraft flight data (i.e.,
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`engine, airframe, and component generated data); aircraft vibration data via airframe
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`mounted sensors or other vibration acquisition components, and external devices data via
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`wi-fi connection (i.e., heart monitor). Once the data is collected by a NORTH QAR-3W
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`Quick Access Recorder, it preterably distributes/writes each primary data stream to an
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`appropriate SD card within the QLL\R and combines all data source information and transmits
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`it to a portable computer (i.e., EFB, tablet, semi fixed computer device, possibly in a
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`permanently mounted docking station) via a wi-fi transmission.
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`When the system initially boots up the QAR-3W wifi preferably looks for a receiving
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`device. Each receiving device preferably has been programmed with the appropriate router
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`address and WPA password. The NORTH software/app is preferably set to rnn when the
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`device is powered up and when the EFB recognizes the QAR wifi and opens a connection to
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`write LIVE strean1 of data to the EFB memory. When this link is established a "Blue" LED
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`on the QAR preferably illuminates indicating a positive connection and the NORTH app
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`preferably places a "Blue Light" on the tray at the bottom of the EFB screen to preferably
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`indicate positive connection. The QAR preferably sends a "message" to the ivIFDAU which
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`in turn sends a message/flips a bit, which illuminates a light on the system A,V, D, R
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`annunciator (and may turn the letter Blue) to indicate to the pilot that the system is
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`connected and recording via wi:fi to the EFB.
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`As the composite data stream is received, the NORTH app preferably takes the data and
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`applies 128 bit encryption as it writes the data to the computer's memory. The recorded data
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`is preferably made available to other software programs the customer wishes to run. The
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`NORTH app preferably monitors the data stream and connection. If the connection is lost,
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`the NORTH app preferably tries to re-establish the connection. If the wi:fi connection
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`remains intact but the data ceases to flow, the NORTH app preferably initiates the shutdown
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`and closing of files.
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`While the live data feed is being received by the EFB, a customer can preferably nm a
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`live data analysis progran1s. This may include but not limited to FOQA analysis, and
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`vibration data analysis.
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`When the aircraft is shut down and power is removed from the NORTH Flight Data
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`System, the battery and/or capacitors preferably provide power to perform the following
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`function: the CV2R will preferably continue to run and power the video camera for one ( l)
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`1 s
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`minute. It will preferably record/send data from all 6 channels of audio and one channel of
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`video to: an internal CV2R compact flash memory; a QAR-3W for writing to the QAR
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`"CV2R" SD card; and QAR WiFi router for transmission to the EFB device. ThelvlFDAU
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`will preferably continue to send any available sensor data to the QAR-3W for one (1)
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`minute and continue to send power (POE) to the QAR for approximately 30 seconds after
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`cessation of data feed to facilitate the closing of the "MFDAU" SD card data file. The QAR-
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`3W will preferably receive its primary power from the MFDAU via power of Ethernet
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`(POE) and write any received data to the appropriate SD card and continue to transmit that
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`composite data stream over the wifi router as long as it receives that MFDAU power. Upon
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`cessation of the MFDAU POE the internal QAR-3W battery or cap will preferably provide
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`power for the closing of files on all SD cards and preferably send an electronic message to
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`the EFB via wifi to close the files on the EFB. When the EFB returns a message that the
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`files have been closed properly, the QAR will preferably terminate the wifi connection and
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`shutdmvn.
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`After the shutdown process is completed the NORTH EFB app will preferably provide a
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`written message to EFB to confirm a successful shutdown or note an error has occurred.
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`If the EFB loses power by either having ship's power removed from the "docking station"
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`or other source, the NORTH app will preferably close the received data files under the EFB
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`internal battery power. If the EFB or such device has sensed the internal battery may not
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`have sufficient power to continue operation (i.e., low battery ale1t), the NORTH app will
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`preferably initiate the proper closing of files on the EFB.
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`If there is a data feed interruption for more than 15 seconds sensed by the EFB ( either by
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`s
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`the lack of data or a break in the wifi connection), the NORTH app will preferably initiate
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`the closing of previously received data files. If the wifi link is lost, both the QAR-3w and
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`the EFB via the NORTH app will preferably try to re-establish the link for a period of one
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`(1) minute. When the wifi link is lost, the blue LED light on the QAR will preferably turn
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`red and the annunciator light will either tum off or tum amber in color.
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`EFB/Tablet Collection and Processing:
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`An embodiment of the invention includes placing the computing device or EFB in the
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`aircraft and allowing the computing device or EFB to operate on its own battery power
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`(physical security of the device to be determined by aircraft pilot/operator)
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`Another embodiment of the invention includes mounting the computing device or EFB
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`in the aircraft via a docking station which has been pennanently affixed to the airframe.
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`Another embodiment of the invention includes a display being an integral pmt of the
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`computing device or EFB, which is considered "carry on equipment".
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`Another embodiment of the invention includes a display for the computing device or EFB
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`that can be considered "Loose carry on equipment" to be secured at the discretion of the
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`pilot/operator.
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`W11en an aircraft is initially powered up, the recorder (QAR) preferably goes tln·ough a
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`system check and the WiFi router preferably broadcasts a Service Set Identifier (SSID) for
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`an EFB receiving device to "see". If necessary the QAR preferably stores accumulated data
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`from the MFDAU, CV2R and Vibration acquisition units and "buffers" that data until the
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`WiFi router is activated and can make a positive connection with the EFB. Upon
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`establishing a positive connection to the EFB, the QAR preferably transmits all
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`stored/buffered data and initiates the continuous flow of received data. If for some reason
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`(regulatory or otherwise) the WiFi router must be disabled (possibly during takeoff or
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`approach/landing) the QAR will preferably store/buffer the collected data and upon
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`reactivation of the WiFi router ancllor connection the stored data will be sent to the EFB.
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`\Vhen an EFB is identified by the QAR router, the EFB and QAR router preferably
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`conduct a security check via a shared security key encryption. \Vhen a positive connection is
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`made, a signal is preferably sent to the QAR to illuminate the "Blue" WiFi connection LED
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`light on the QAR. Simultaneously, a signal will be preferably sent to the optional panel
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`mounted Annunciator to indicate positive connection (this can be by either turning a
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`segment light on; the segment light can be preferably illuminated in Blue and when a
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`connection is lost it can either tum off or alternatively tum amber).
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`Upon the acquisition of a positive WiFi connection, the EFB preferably creates four ( 4)
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`primary files (MFDAU, Voice, Video, and Vibration) in which to store the received data.
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`The EFB software will preferably "listen" for auxiliary data streams (e.g., medical
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`equipment, Wx radar data) and preferably will create a file to capture that data if the stream
`
`1 o
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`is present.
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`The EFB will preferably contain a governing application which drives the logic for WiFi
`
`connection, security, file strncture, and data processing including the option to apply high
`
`level encryption to a specified data stream. The application will have a preferable set up
`
`function that will store security settings and customer driven options within nonvolatile
`
`1s
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`memory.
`
`When the data stream(s) are received by the EFB, the EFB will preferably encrypt the
`
`data (if selected by the customer) p1ior to storing the data in the designated file. All
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`enc1ypted files preferably include individual passwords associated with them to ensure that
`
`only authorized users can read that particular data.
`
`20
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`During aircraft operation (based upon customer selections) a data stream can be
`
`preferably accessed by other applications rnnning on the same EFB which display, analyze
`
`and interact with customer commands (e.g., FOQA, Vibration Analysis, medical charting
`
`software).
`
`\Vhen the flight is complete and the aircraft is shut down, the EFB application preferably
`
`2 5
`
`closes the files.
`
`All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level
`
`on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human
`
`being are biocompatible, unless indicated othenvise.
`
`The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the
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`3 o
`
`present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.
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`11 of 16
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`

`

`CLAIMS
`
`1.
`
`An apparatus comprising:
`
`5
`
`a)
`
`b)
`
`c)
`
`d)
`
`means for receiving data:
`
`means for recording data:
`
`a Quick Access Recorder (QAR) Board;
`
`and a means of transmission of data from the QAR board to a removable
`
`device in an aircraft or vehicle which can retransmit the data automatically
`
`when removed from the aircraft or vehicle.
`
`2.
`
`The apparatus of claim l, wherein the means for receiving data includes inputs,
`
`1 o
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`and the means for recording data includes a slot, and further comprising:
`
`a)
`
`b)
`
`c)
`
`d)
`
`a battery;
`
`a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Adapter to Hard Memory;
`
`a means for receiving power from an outside power source; and
`
`a door providing access to the slot.
`
`1s
`
`3.
`
`The apparatus of claim l, wherein the means for receiving data includes inputs,
`
`and wherein the inputs receive data from for a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CV2R)
`
`Ethernet Feed, an Ethernet Vibration Feed, and a Mini-Flight Data Acquisition Unit
`
`(MFDAU) Data Feed.
`
`4.
`
`The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the inputs are connected to the feed by an RJ45
`
`2 o
`
`ethernet connection.
`
`5.
`
`6.
`
`7.
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`The apparatus of claim l, wherein means for recording data includes a slot, and
`
`wherein the slot receives a storage medium.
`
`The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the storage medium is a Secure Digital (SD)
`
`memory card.
`
`The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the QAR records data acquired from a CV2R
`
`Ethernet feed, an Ethernet Vibration feed, and a MFDAU Data Feed on the storage
`
`medium.
`
`The apparatus of claiml, wherein the QAR board receives data from a CV2R
`
`Ethernet feed, an Ethernet Vibration feed, and a MFDAU Data Feed.
`
`The apparatus of claiml, wherein the QAR board directs a composite data stream
`
`of multiple external data to the means of transmission.
`
`10.
`
`The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the QAR board directs a composite data stream
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`12 of 16
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`25
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`30
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`

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`of multiple external component data to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Adapter to
`
`Hard Memory.
`
`11.
`
`12.
`
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means of transmission is wireless transmission.
`
`The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the wireless transmission is accomplished through a
`
`s
`
`wireless router with the IEEE 802. l lac standard
`
`13.
`
`The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the wireless router provides access for between the
`
`QAR and an electronic flight bag (EFB) or portable computer.
`
`14.
`
`The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the QAR transmits a composite data stream of
`
`multiple external component data through the wireless router and to an EFB or portable
`
`1 o
`
`computer.
`
`15.
`
`The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the QAR transmits the multiple external
`
`component data through the wireless router and to medical or auxiliary equipment and
`
`receives multiple external component data through the wireless router from medical or
`
`auxiliary equipment.
`
`15
`
`16.
`
`The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the EFB allows for encryption of the multiple
`
`external component data.
`
`17.
`
`A method for acquiring data, analyzing said data, and transmitting the data and/or
`
`analysis of the collected data to a destination by using the apparatus of claim 1.
`
`18.
`
`The method of claim 17, wherein said data is data derived from internal and
`
`2 o
`
`external sensors of an aircraft.
`
`19.
`
`20.
`
`21.
`
`22.
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`25
`
`The method of claim 18, wherein the data is digital or analog.
`
`The method of claim 17, wherein the data comprises:
`
`a)
`
`b)
`
`c)
`
`d)
`
`data acquired from a CV2R Ethernet feed:
`
`data from an Ethernet Vibration feed;
`
`data a MFDAU Data Feed; and
`
`aircraft f