Patent Publication Number: US-2023156055-A1

Title: System for Transferring Data from a Moving Vehicle to a Remote Monitoring Node

Description:
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to systems for transferring data and, more specifically, systems that transfer data from a vehicle to a remote node in a secure and real-time manner. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various types of vehicles include video surveillance systems that provide for monitoring activities that occur on or with the vehicle. The video is saved in local storage and archived. The relevant video can be accessed and retrieved if there is an event that requires a review of the activities of the vehicle. 
     An issue with these systems is the amount of video data collected is too large to simply be uploaded continuously to the cloud. The process of uploading, storing, and subsequently accessing the video data is inefficient and untimely. This type of system can also be expensive to implement and maintain. In one application for aircraft used for long-haul flights, operators rely on SATCOM for uploading the video during flight. While this system does work, there is significant cost associated with moving data to and from the vehicle. 
     Another issue is the delay in recording and accessing the video data. There are events in which it is necessary to access the data in a real-time period. For example, video may be needed in near real-time to address events involving terrorism, human trafficking and many other international crimes. Current systems introduce a lag in accessing the information which may require the event to conclude before the data is available to be retrieved. Further, some events may prevent the video data from being uploaded and thus the data may not be recoverable. 
     In addition to video data, there is also other types of data that are recorded at a vehicle and stored. Examples include but are not limited to phase-of-flight transitions for an aircraft, security event markers, audio markers, and various sensor data. This data should also be managed in a manner that can provide for real-time review. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect is directed to a computing device positioned in a vehicle to stream data from the vehicle to a monitoring node. The computing device comprises communications circuitry and processing circuitry operatively connected to the communications circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to: establish a secure communication tunnel with the monitoring node while the vehicle is moving; obtain data to be streamed to the monitoring node; translate the data into a message using a publish-and-subscribe protocol; initiate a communication session with the monitoring node; and transmit the message from the vehicle to the monitoring node via the secure communication tunnel. 
     In another aspect, the processing circuitry is configured to obtain the data from storage on the vehicle. 
     In another aspect, the processing circuitry is configured to obtain the data from one or more cameras in the vehicle. 
     In another aspect, the processing circuitry is configured to obtain the data in response to receiving a request from the monitoring node. 
     In another aspect, the processing circuitry is further configured to: encrypt the data; save the encrypted data at the vehicle; initiate the communication session with the monitoring node; after initiating the communication session, receive a request for the data; and in response to receiving the request, decrypt the data prior to translating the data into the message. 
     In another aspect, the publish-and-subscribe protocol is an MQTT protocol. 
     In another aspect, the secure communication tunnel is a TLS tunnel with a first endpoint at the vehicle and a second endpoint at the monitoring node. 
     In another aspect, the processing circuitry initiates the communication session based on an event that occurs with the vehicle. 
     One aspect is directed to a computing device to transfer data from a moving vehicle to a monitoring node located remotely from the vehicle. The computing device comprises a memory circuitry configured to store computer-readable program code, and processing circuitry configured to execute the computer-readable program code to cause the computing device to: establish a communication tunnel with the monitoring node; initiate a communication session with the monitoring node; after initiating the communication session, receive a request for the data from the monitoring node with the request being received through the communication tunnel; obtain the data from one or more cameras positioned in the vehicle; in response to the request, translating the data into a message using MQTT protocol; and transmit the data through the communication tunnel from the vehicle to the monitoring node. 
     In another aspect, the processing circuitry is further configured to obtain the data from a specific one of the cameras that is indicated in the request. 
     In another aspect, the image processing circuitry is configured to: obtain the data prior to receiving the request; encrypt the data; store the encrypted data; in response to the request, decrypt the encrypted data; and transmit the data through the communication tunnel from the vehicle to the monitoring node. 
     In another aspect, the processing circuitry is configured to transmit the data to the monitoring node prior to saving the data at the vehicle. 
     In another aspect, the vehicle is an aircraft and the processing circuitry is configured to transmit the data during flight. 
     One aspect is directed to a method of transmitting data from a moving vehicle to a remote monitoring node located away from the vehicle. The method comprises: capturing the data through one or more cameras located in the vehicle; after initiating communication, receiving a request to transfer the data to the monitoring node; establishing a secure communication tunnel between the vehicle and the monitoring node; and transferring the data from the vehicle to the monitoring node through the secure communication tunnel. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises transferring the data from the vehicle through one or more satellites and then to the monitoring node. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises storing the data at the vehicle prior to transferring the data to the monitoring node. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises translating the data using MQTT protocol and subsequently transferring the data to the monitoring node. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises receiving a request from the monitoring node to access the data and in response transferring the data from the vehicle to the monitoring node. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises transferring the data through the secure communication tunnel separately as video packets and audio packets. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises live streaming the data captured by the one or more cameras through the secure communication tunnel. 
     The features, functions and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined in yet other aspects, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a computing device. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic diagram of a communication network. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic diagram of a section of the communication network that includes a secure tunnel that extends between a vehicle and a monitoring node. 
         FIG.  4    schematic diagram of a computing device transmitting image data in separate data packets. 
         FIG.  5    is a flowchart diagram of a method of a processing one or more messages that are transmitted to the vehicle. 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart diagram of a method of processing image data that is transmitted to a monitoring node. 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart diagram of a method of receiving image data and transmitting the image data to a monitoring node. 
         FIG.  8    is a flowchart diagram of a method of requesting and receiving image data from a vehicle. 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic diagram of a computing device and monitoring node that form endpoints on a secure communication tunnel. 
         FIG.  10    is a block diagram of functional units of a processing circuitry of the computing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a vehicle  100  equipped with a computing device  20  configured to collect and transmit data. In one example, the vehicle  100  is an aircraft  100 , although the computing device  20  can be used within a variety of different vehicles  100 . In this example, the vehicle  100  includes one or more cameras  21  configured to capture images from within the vehicle  100 . The cameras  21  can be positioned at various locations.  FIG.  1    includes an example with cameras  21  positioned in the flight deck  102 , cabin area  103 , and cargo hold  104 . The cameras  21  are configured to record video and/or individual images of the areas in the vehicle  100 . The cameras  21  may include microphones to capture audio associated with the images. In another example, separate microphones are positioned in proximity to the cameras  21  to capture the audio. Various types of cameras  21  can be used to capture the video. In one example, the cameras  21  include power over ethernet (PoE) cameras  21 . The computing device  20  is operatively connected to the cameras  21 . Image data captured by the cameras  21  is sent to the computing device  20 . 
     One or more control panels  60  are positioned on the vehicle  100  to allow persons onboard the vehicle  100  to view the image data. The control panels  60  can be positioned at one or more locations within the vehicle  100 , including but not limited to the flight deck  102  for viewing by the flight deck personnel (e.g., pilot, co-pilot) and the cabin area  103  for viewing by other flight crew members. In one example, the control panels  60  are wireless tablets that can be carried by flight personnel throughout the vehicle  100 . 
     The computing device  20  is configured to transmit the image data through a communication network  150  to a remote monitoring node  130 .  FIG.  2    includes an example with the vehicle  100  being an aircraft that is in flight with the monitoring node  130  positioned on the ground and being remote from the aircraft  100 . The communication system  150  includes satellites  151  that receive the image data from the aircraft  100  during flight. The satellite  151  transmits the image data to a ground station  152  which transmits the image data through a network  153  (e.g., Internet) to the remote monitoring node  130 . The monitoring node  130  in turn communicates with one or more nodes  154 , such as but not limited to ground airline operations center, devices associated with security personnel, other vehicles  100 , and devices associated with emergency response service providers including various local, state, and federal agencies. 
     The communication system  150  is configured to support offboard connectivity to transmit the image data while the vehicle  100  is moving. In one example with an aircraft  100 , this occurs during flight. In one example, the image data is streamed in real time from the vehicle  100 . Thus, personnel on the ground are able to receive images and/or video of events that are occurring on the vehicle  100  in real time. In another example, the image data is stored at the vehicle  100  and subsequently transmitted to the monitoring node  130  for access by the one or more nodes  154 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a section of the communication system  150  that provides the connectivity between the vehicle  100  and the monitoring node  130 . This section of the communication system  150  includes a cryptographically secure point-to-point tunnel  160  that is established between the vehicle  100  and the monitoring node  130 . In one example, a certificate-based system is employed to provide mutual authentication to establish a TLS tunnel  160  and to authorize access to trusted services. The amount and speed of the image data available through the tunnel  160  can vary. 
     The computing device  20  establishes the tunnel  160  that includes certificate-based functionality that provides mutual authentication (e.g. according to 802.1x) of the end-points of the tunnel  160 , establish the TLS tunnel  160 , and authorize access to trusted services. The computing device  20  includes a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) that manages and maintains the certificates, as well as installs, revokes, and securely stores the certificates. 
     The monitoring node  130  provides an opposing endpoint for the tunnel  160 . The monitoring node  130  authenticates inbound connection requests from the vehicle  100 . Once authenticated, the image data is received at the monitoring node  130  and transmitted or otherwise made accessible to the one or more nodes  154 . The image data can also be stored by the monitoring node  130  for later access. The monitoring node  130  can encrypt the image data prior to providing access to the nodes  154  and/or transmitting the image data to the nodes  154 . In one example, the image data is encrypted utilizing a single-use AES  256  key and encrypting that AES  256  key with a public key. 
     In one example, the monitoring node  130  includes image player circuitry for viewing the image data. The monitoring node  130  receives the real-time image data pushed by the vehicle  100  and the image player circuitry provides for viewing the image data. In one example, the image player circuitry provides for web-based access for viewing of the image data by the one or more nodes  154 . The image player circuitry provides for various viewing functionality, including but not limited to pausing, rewinding and fast forwarding up to the point of receipt of the image data. 
     The monitoring node  130  provides for remote control of the computing device  20  and/or cameras  21  onboard the vehicle  100 . This control provides for remote personnel to select the applicable image data for remote viewing. The control can also provide for the remote user to adjust one or more of the cameras  21  to obtain the desired image data. The control of the computing device  20  and cameras  21  can be performed by personnel stationed at the monitoring node  130  and/or at one of the nodes  154 . 
     In one example, the monitoring node  130  is configured to provide a web interface for access by the nodes  154 . The monitoring node  130  is configured for accessing image data using a browser-based interface or an applications program interface (API). The browser-based interface can include a website through which the image data can be accessed. The website can be hosted by the monitoring node  130  or at another location accessible through the network  153 . 
     The cryptographically secure point-to-point tunnel  160  is established when connectivity is available and the computing device  20  makes a request to connect to the monitoring node  130  and the identities of both endpoints is mutually authenticated. The computing device  20  and the monitoring node  130  participate in a certificate-based mutual authentication process to validate the identities of the endpoints. Once authenticated, the cryptographically secure TLS-based tunnel  160  is established and maintained via heartbeat signals or messages. 
     In one example, security restrictions require that the vehicle  100  initiate connections with the monitoring node  130 . These restrictions prevent the use of conventional bidirectional connection negotiations that provide for the monitoring node  130  to initiate a connection. To satisfy these security restrictions, a publish-and-subscribe architecture is used for exchanging the image data between the vehicle  100 , monitoring node  130 , and nodes  154 . The monitoring node  130  acts as a broker that relays image data downloaded from the vehicle  100  to the nodes  154 . Further, the monitoring node  130  collects and stages messages from the nodes  154  intended for uploading to the vehicle  100 . For example, in one example monitoring node  130  receives and stages the messages intended to be sent to vehicle  100 . In one example, the messages may be staged in a local memory, or in memory accessible to the monitoring node  130 . As stated above, monitoring node  130  does not initiate a connection with vehicle  100  and therefore does not send the messages to vehicle  100  until it receives a connection initiation request from the computing device  20  on the vehicle  100 . Once the monitoring node  130  receives the connection initiation request from the vehicle  100  and the connection is established, the monitoring node  130  transmits the staged messages to the vehicle  100 . 
     The publish-and-subscribe architecture further provides for each of the messages to be categorized by one or more topics. The image data messages are transmitted to the one or more nodes  154  that subscribe to the topic. For example, image data may be categorized by a topic of “cargo hold”. A node  154  for shipping analysis may be subscribed to this topic, and therefore would receive the image data for this topic through the monitoring node  130 . A second node associated with safety functions on the vehicle  100  may not subscribe to this topic and therefore would not receive the “cargo hold” image data. The number of topics can vary. 
     In one example, messages received at the monitoring node  130  during times when the computing device  20  has not initiated a connection are timestamped and staged by the monitoring node  130 . The messages are held by the monitoring node  130  until the vehicle  100  initiates a connection with the monitoring node  130  and requests the messages. 
     In one example, the publish-and-subscribe architecture uses Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol. The MQTT protocol is built on the TCP/IP protocol and provides real-time reliable messaging services to the nodes  154  with minimal code and limited bandwidth. The MQTT protocol runs on TCP and is an application layer protocol. Therefore, the MQTT protocol can be used in application scenarios that support the TCP/IP protocol stack. MQTT includes a publish-subscribe messaging pattern that uses the monitoring node  130  as a message broker to distribute messages to the applicable nodes  154  based on the topic of a message. Typically, there are multiple MQTT topics available, which are associated with different nodes  154 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates the broad level functionality of the transmission of the image data from the vehicle  100  to the monitoring node  130 . Image and corresponding audio data is captured by a camera  21  and associated microphone that is onboard the vehicle  100 . The image and audio data is transferred from the camera  21  and microphone via an onboard communications network to the computing device  20 . In one example, the camera  21  and computing device  20  are connected by ethernet connections that are part of a local area network within the vehicle  100 . In one example, the image and audio data is communicated to the computing device  20  using a Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP). The computing device  20  then generates separate packets  161 ,  162  for the image data and the audio data, respectively, and transmits the packets  161 ,  162  to the monitoring node  130  using the MQTT protocol. In one example, the computing device  20  and the monitoring node  130  communicate using an Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4). 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a method of transmitting one or more messages from the monitoring node  130  to the vehicle  100 . The monitoring node  130  receives one or more messages from one or more of the nodes  154  (block  190 ). The monitoring node  130  determines whether the vehicle  100  is in vehicle-initiated communication (block192). If the vehicle  100  has not initiated communication, the monitoring node  130  stores the one or more messages (block  194 ). In one example, the monitoring node  130  timestamps the messages when received. If the vehicle  100  has initiated communication, the monitoring node  130  transmits the one or more messages to the vehicle  100  (block  196 ). 
     The messages received at the vehicle  100  can includes requests for previously recorded data and/or real-time data.  FIG.  6    illustrates a method of the vehicle  100  handling image data and responding to a request for the image data. Initially, the image data is received by the computing device  20  from one or more of the cameras  21  (block  200 ). 
     After receipt, the image data is encrypted (block  202 ) and saved (block  204 ) by the computing device  20 . At some point thereafter, a request is received from one or more of the nodes  154  for the image data (block  206 ). The request can be for the entirety of the image data or for one or more discrete portions. After receiving the request, the image data is decrypted (block  208 ) and transmitted to the monitoring node  130  (block  210 ). In one example, the image data is transmitted using the MQTT protocol. 
     The processing circuitry  23  can also receive requests for real-time image data. For these situations, the image data is not initially encrypted and/or stored at the vehicle  100 .  FIG.  7    illustrates a method of handling real-time image data. The image data is received by the computing device  20  from the one or more cameras  21  (block  220 ). A request for the image data is also received (block  222 ). After receiving the request, the image data is transmitted to the monitoring node  130  (block  224 ). In one example, the image data is transferred using the MQTT protocol. 
     In one example, the request is received prior to the image data being captured. In response to the request, the computing device  20  causes the one or more cameras  21  to capture the scene. In another example, the computing device  20  receives image data continuously and/or on periodic intervals. Prior to receiving the request, the receive image data is encrypted and stored and transmitted as disclosed in  FIG.  6   . Image data that is obtained after receiving the request is not encrypted and/or stored, but rather transmitted directly to the monitoring node  130 . 
     The real-time image data includes one or more images, video, and/or audio of events that are currently occurring on the vehicle  100 . The events are captured in real-time, although there may be delays (latency) caused by the process of capturing and transmitting/accessing the image data. The latency can be caused by one or more of the time for the cameras  21  to capture the images, the transmission of the image data to the computing device  20 , the transmission to the monitoring node  130  due to the speed of data transfer (bps), and displaying the image data on a display screen (either at the monitoring node  130  or other node  154 ). In one example, what the viewer views on their display will have a delay from when the event actually occurred. 
     Nodes  154  can access the image data at the monitoring node  130  through a variety of devices, including but not limited to laptop computers, personal computers, personal digital assistants, mobile computing/communication, tablet devices, and various other-like computing devices. Each of the nodes  154  accesses the monitoring node  130  either directly through a dedicated network or through the network  153  (e.g., Internet). In one example, one or more of the nodes  154  accesses the monitoring node  130  through a separate portal. Each node’s portal can include a secure interface through which the node  154  can access the image data and have access to one or more of the vehicles  100 . In one example, nodes  154  are assigned one or more vehicles  100  from which they can receive the image data. 
     In one example, the monitoring node  130  is configured for browser-based accessibility. The browser-based interface can support well-known browsers. Alternatively, or in conjunction the nodes  154  can obtain the image data using one or more APIs. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a method of a node  154  obtaining image data from the vehicle  100 . The node  154  accesses the monitoring node (block  300 ). In one example, identifying information and passwords are used to authenticate the node  154  and, provided authentication is successful, allow the access. Once connected with the monitoring node  130 , the node  154  selects the applicable vehicle  100  (block  302 ). The monitoring node  130  can provide access to one or more vehicles  100  that are located at various locations. In one example, a vehicle identification ID is input, such as a registration number. Once the vehicle  100  has been selected, the node  154  selects the one or more cameras that are to provide the image data (block  304 ). Once the one or more cameras  21  are selected, the request is made to the vehicle  100 . In addition to selecting the one or more cameras  21 , the request can also include the type of media which can include one or more still images (e.g., single pictures), previously recorded video, or a live video stream. Once the vehicle  100  initiates communication, the request is transmitted to the vehicle  100  which processes the request and transmits the image data (block  306 ). The image data is then either accessed by the node  154  at the monitoring node  130  or transmitted by the monitoring node  130  to the node  154 . 
     The aspects disclosed above include the transmission of image data that is captured by one or more cameras  21 . The structures and processes are also applicable for gathering and transmitting other types of data. On example includes one or more sensors  105  (see  FIG.  1   ) are positioned on the vehicle  100 . The sensors  105  detect one or more physical properties (e.g., temperature, speed, elevation, flight detect door position, motion detection). Another example includes various event markers that are detected onboard the vehicle, such as but not limited to phase-of-flight transitions, security event markers (e.g., abnormal onboard traffic events), and audio-only transfers such as VOIP. In one example, these different aspects are detecting by control circuitry  106  that oversees the travel of the vehicle  100 . In one specific example with an aircraft, the control circuitry  106  is a flight controller that monitors the multiple systems operating on the aircraft during flight. In another example, the aspect can be input from a control panel  60  such as by a person onboard the vehicle  100 . As with the image date, this other information can be saved by the computing device  20  and transmitted to the monitoring node  130  at a later time and/or transmitted in real-time. 
     In one example, the computing device  20  assigns different topics to the data based on the data type. For example, a first topic includes image data which is assigned a topic for publication to a first set of nodes  154 , and a second topic includes flight control data which is assigned a different topic for publication to a second set of nodes. 
     In one example, the vehicle  100  initiates the communication with the monitoring node  130 . This can include the vehicle  100  periodically initiating communication at predetermined time periods. Additionally or alternatively, a specific predetermined event that occurs on the vehicle  100  can trigger or cause computing device  20  into initiating the establishment of a secure communications tunnel  160  with the monitoring node  130 . In one example, an unplanned or sudden change in vehicle movement (e.g., change in flight path, change in elevation, change in course, change in speed) may trigger or cause the computing device  20  to initiate the establishment of a secure communications tunnel  160  with the monitoring node  130 . In another example, detected motion in an area of the vehicle  100  not typically known for movement during flight operations (e.g., the cargo hold) can trigger the computing device  20  to initiate the establishment of a secure communications tunnel  160 . Initiating the establishment of the secure communications tunnel  160  may be performed automatically, such as in response to a signal output by one or more sensors, or be performed manually, such as responsive to input by onboard personnel. For example, a flight crew member may input a command or provide a signal to the computing device  20  through a control panel  60 . In response to receiving the input, computing device  20  would initiate the establishment of the secure communications tunnel with the monitoring node  130 . 
     In one example, the computing device  20  is configured to automatically trigger data transfers to the monitoring node  130  at predetermined times and/or predetermined events. Specific examples include but are not limited to automatically pushing one or more images or video during takeoff and landing of the aircraft  100 . 
     The computing device  20  is configured to communicate with the monitoring node  130  through the communication network  150  by available connections. These connections are requested by the vehicle  100  when available. Once proper credentials are established, the connection is established enabling bi-directional secure transmission of data using the MQTT protocol. 
     In one example, the hierarchy is established by a customer using the system (e.g., airline, airport). For example, a customer defines the hierarchy that includes satellite communications for airports A, B, and C. Communications at airports A and B occur through the available satellite communications. However, airport C has spotty coverage through satellites and a connection may not be available. When not available, the vehicle  100  determines that a cellular connection is available and communication occurs through the cellular system. In this instance, the computing device  20  changes from the default satellite communications to cellular communications upon detection of the cellular signal. 
     The communication network  150  and architecture provide for a single monitoring node  130  to monitor multiple different vehicles  100 . Further, the communications network  150  can include additional vehicles  100 . A vehicle  100  can transmit and receive data from other vehicles  100  to each other while moving. In the specific application of aircraft, this includes the aircraft transmitting and receiving data during flight from other aircraft. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a schematic diagram of the computing device  20  that forms a first endpoint for the tunnel  160  and the monitoring node  130  that forms a second endpoint. The computing device  20  is positioned on the vehicle  100  and the monitoring node  130  is positioned remote from the vehicle  100 . Each of the computing device  20  and monitoring node  130  includes processing circuitry  23 ,  133 . The processing circuitry  23 ,  133  can include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), or the like, configured with appropriate software and/or firmware. Computer readable storage medium (shown respectively as memory circuitry  24 ,  134 ) stores data and computer readable program code that configures the processing circuitry  23 ,  133  to implement the various communication techniques. Memory circuitry  24 ,  135  is a non-transitory computer readable medium and may include various memory devices such as random access memory, read-only memory, and flash memory. The memory circuitry  24  is configured to store computer-readable program code with the processing circuitry  23  configured to execute the computer-readable program code to cause the computing device  20  to perform the various functions. Likewise, the memory circuitry  134  is configured to store computer-readable program code with the processing circuitry  133  configured to execute the computer-readable program code to cause the monitoring node  130  to perform the various functions. 
     Communications circuitry  25 ,  135  provides for communication through the tunnel  160 . Communications circuitry  135  of the monitoring node  130  also provides for communication with the nodes  154 . Databases  26 ,  136  store information relevant and include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor system-based storage device). The databases  26 ,  136  can be local or remote relative to the respective image processing circuitry  23 ,  133 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a computer program product in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. As seen in  FIG.  10   , computer program product includes one or more functional units or modules that, when executed by the processing circuitry  23 , configure the computing device  20  to implement the functions of the present disclosure, as previously described. In this example, the units and/or modules comprising the computer program product may include, but are not limited to, a secure tunnel establishing unit/module  30 , a data obtaining unit/module  31 , a data translation unit/module  32 , a session establishment unit/module  33 , and a communications unit/module  34 . 
     The secure tunnel establishing unit/module  30  comprises instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry  23 , causes the computing device  20  to initiate the establishment of a secure communications tunnel  160  with the monitoring node  130 , as previously described. The data obtaining unit/module  31  comprises instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry  23 , causes the computing device  20  to obtain the data to be streamed from the computing device  20  to the monitoring node  130 , as previously described. The data translation unit/module  32  comprises instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry  23 , causes the computing device  20  to translate the data obtained by data obtaining unit/module  31  into a message using a publish-and-subscribe protocol, as previously described. The session establishment unit/module  33  comprises instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry  23 , causes the computing device  20  to establish a communication session with the monitoring node  130  over the secure communications tunnel  160 , as previously described. The communications unit/module  34  comprises instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry  23 , causes the computing device  20  to transmit the translated message to the monitoring node  130 , and to receive data messages from the monitoring node  130 , as previously described. 
     One or more control panels  60  are positioned on the vehicle  100  and provide for onboard monitoring of the captured data. The control panel  60  include a display for displaying the image data for viewing by onboard personnel. One or more input devices such as but not limited to a keyboard and mouse provide for a user to control the control panel. The control panel  60  can also include a browser for accessing the image data and/or controlling the transmission. The control panel  60  can also include a port to input data that is to be transmitted to the computing device  20 . In one example, the port provides for input of image data stored on memory cards. 
     In one example as disclosed above, the vehicle  100  initiates the communications sessions that includes the transfer of data with the monitoring node  130 . In another example, the communications provide for the monitoring node  130  to initiate communication and data transfer with the vehicle  100 . This communication can be initiated in various manner, including but not limited to at predetermined timed intervals and upon receiving a request from a node  154 . 
     The systems and methods described can be used on a variety of vehicles  100 . Vehicles  100  include but are not limited to manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, manned spacecraft, unmanned spacecraft, manned rotorcraft, unmanned rotorcraft, satellites, rockets, missiles, manned terrestrial vehicles, unmanned terrestrial vehicles, manned surface water borne vehicles, unmanned surface water borne vehicles, manned sub-surface water borne vehicles, unmanned sub-surface water borne vehicles, and combinations thereof. 
     The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.