Patent Description:
Vehicles such as commercial aircraft, and the various systems thereon, generate and consume considerable amounts of data. For example, engines are monitored at every stage of operation, which results in generation of significant amounts of data. Such engine monitoring data includes, for example, but not limited to compression ratios, rotation rate (RPM), temperature, and vibration data. In addition, fuel related data, maintenance, Airplane Health Monitoring (AHM), operational information, catering data, In-flight Entertainment Equipment (IFE) updates and passenger data like duty free shopping are routinely and typically generated onboard the aircraft.

At least some of these systems wirelessly connect to a ground system through a central airplane server and central transceiver for data transmission and reception. However, certain systems are not configured for wireless transfer of data. Therefore, when an aircraft arrives at a gate, much of the data is downloaded manually from the aircraft. Specifically, data recording devices are manually coupled to interfaces on the aircraft and the data is collected from the various data generators or log books for forwarding and processing at a back office. In addition, the back office function transmits updated datasets, for example data related to a next flight(s) of the aircraft, to the aircraft.

Demand for additional communication channels and data transfer is driving rapid change in connection with such communications. Such increased demand is due, for example, to increasing reliance by ground systems upon data from the aircraft, as well as increased communication needs of the flight crew, cabin crew, and passengers. In addition, data diversity along with an increasing number of applications producing and consuming data in support of a wide range of aircraft operational and business processes puts additional demand on communications. However, many of these additional communication channels could require additional holes to be drilled into the aircraft instead of using existing resources.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a system including a vehicle electrical umbilical comprising a supply end, a plug end and an electrical conductor extending therebetween, said plug end configured to mate with a vehicle such that power is supplied to the vehicle through the electrical conductor from the supply end; a first interface device electrically coupled to the supply end and a network access point, the first interface device configured to: transmit and receive data carrier signals though the electrical conductor while power is supplied to the vehicle through the electrical conductor; and convert the data carrier signals from and to a predetermined data format on the network; and a second interface device electrically coupled to the plug end when the umbilical is coupled to the vehicle, said interface device configured to transmit and receive the data carrier signals with the first interface device while power is supplied to the aircraft through the electrical conductor.

There is described herein a broadband over powerline, BPL, slave unit comprising: a processor; a local memory device in communication with the processor; a removable storage device in communication with the processor; and a powerline transceiver in communication with the processor, wherein the processor is configured to transmit and receive data over a power line via the powerline transceiver, wherein the processor is in communication with a plurality of systems, and wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a plurality of data from the plurality of systems; determine whether or not the powerline transceiver is connected to a BPL master control unit; transmit, via the powerline transceiver, the plurality of data to the BPL master control unit if the powerline transceiver is connected to the BPL master control unit; and store, in the removable storage device, the plurality of data if the powerline transceiver is not connected to the BPL master control unit.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yet other examples, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are meant to illustrate features of examples of this disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable in a wide variety of systems comprising one or more examples of this disclosure.

The described embodiments enable secure vehicle broadband communication with a data network. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to using broadband over powerline (BPL) communications to enable aircraft information exchange to occur at increased speeds and where conventional data exchange services may not be available.

Described herein are computer systems such as the BPL master and slave computer devices and related computer systems. As described herein, all such computer systems include a processor and a memory. However, any processor in a computer device referred to herein may also refer to one or more processors wherein the processor may be in one computing device or in a plurality of computing devices acting in parallel. Additionally, any memory in a computer device referred to herein may also refer to one or more memories wherein the memories may be in one computing device or in a plurality of computing devices acting in parallel.

Furthermore, while the terms "master" and "slave" are used herein to describe different computer devices, in some examples, this different devices may be considered more parallel devices rather than having the master device control the slave device. In some embodiments, the master device may be controlled by the slave device. For the purposes of this disclosure, the slave device is the device on the vehicle and the master device is the device on the ground or at the location that the vehicle is currently docked or stopped.

As used herein, a processor may include any programmable system including systems using micro-controllers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term "processor.

As used herein, the term "database" may refer to either a body of data, a relational database management system (RDBMS), or to both. As used herein, a database may include any collection of data including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object-oriented databases, and any other structured or unstructured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of RDBMS's include, but are not limited to, Oracle® Database, MySQL, IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server, Sybase®, and PostgreSQL. However, any database may be used that enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, California; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, New York; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase, Dublin, California.

In one example, a computer program is provided, and the program is embodied on a computer readable medium. In an example, the system is executed on a single computer system, without requiring a connection to a server computer. In a further embodiment, the system is being run in a Windows® environment (Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington). In yet another embodiment, the system is run on a mainframe environment and a UNIX® server environment (UNIX is a registered trademark of X/Open Company Limited located in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom). The application is flexible and designed to run in various different environments without compromising any major functionality. In some examples, the system includes multiple components distributed among a plurality of computing devices. One or more components may be in the form of computer-executable instructions embodied in a computer-readable medium.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "example", "example embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples or embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by a processor, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types are examples only and thus, are not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program.

Furthermore, as used herein, the term "real-time" refers to at least one of the time of occurrence of the associated events, the time of measurement and collection of predetermined data, the time to process the data, and the time of a system response to the events and the environment. In the examples described herein, these activities and events occur substantially instantaneously.

The systems and processes are not limited to the specific examples described herein. In addition, components of each system and each process can be practiced independent and separate from other components and processes described herein. Each component and process also can be used in combination with other assembly packages and processes.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a power and digital communication transmission system <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In the example, power and digital communication transmission system <NUM> includes an electrical aircraft umbilical <NUM> comprising a supply end <NUM>, a plug end <NUM>, and an electrical conductor <NUM> extending there between. Plug end <NUM> is configured to mate with a vehicle such as an aircraft <NUM> such that electrical power is supplied to aircraft <NUM> through electrical conductor <NUM> from supply end <NUM>. The electrical energy used to power commercial airplanes on the ground is 115Vac, <NUM>, three-phase power, and includes a neutral line. In the example, supply end <NUM> couples to a ground power system <NUM> at an airport terminal gate <NUM>. Ground power system <NUM> is configured to receive electrical power from a power supply through a power supply conduit <NUM>. In other examples, ground power system <NUM> is located on a pier to couple to a boat, barge, or ship (not shown). In still other examples, ground power system <NUM> is positioned at a garage or service facility and is configured to couple to a wheeled vehicle, for example, but not limited to a car, a recreational vehicle (RV), or a train. Additionally, ground power system <NUM> may comprise another vehicle, such as a space vehicle, undersea or sea surface vehicle wherein one or both vehicles are moving with respect to each other and/or their surroundings while coupled through umbilical <NUM>.

Power and digital communication transmission system <NUM> also includes a first interface device <NUM> electrically coupled to supply end <NUM>. In the example, interface device <NUM> is electrically coupled to supply end <NUM> through power supply conduit <NUM> and ground power system <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, interface device <NUM> is electrically coupled to supply end <NUM> downstream of ground power system <NUM>. In one example, ground power system <NUM> is a distributed power system operating at voltages that are incompatible with aircraft <NUM>. In such examples, a point of use power system <NUM> is utilized to step the voltage to a level that is compatible with aircraft <NUM>. In another alternative example, interface device <NUM> is electrically coupled to electrical conductor <NUM> internal to ground power system <NUM>. Interface device <NUM> is also coupled to a network <NUM> through a wired network access point <NUM> or a wireless communication link <NUM>.

Power and digital communication transmission system <NUM> also includes a second interface device <NUM> electrically coupled to plug end <NUM> when umbilical <NUM> is coupled to aircraft <NUM>. In the example, interface device <NUM> is electrically coupled to an onboard power bus <NUM> through plug end <NUM> through an umbilical plug <NUM> penetrating a fuselage <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>. Interface device <NUM> is also coupled to an onboard network <NUM> through an onboard wired network access point <NUM> or an onboard wireless communication link <NUM>. In some situations, onboard wireless link <NUM> may be unable to transmit from the vehicle to outside of the vehicle due to attenuation from the vehicle itself. Examiners of onboard wireless link <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, <NUM> or low data rate wireless such as IoT applications over BLE, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

First interface device <NUM> is configured to transmit and receive data carrier signals though electrical conductor <NUM> while power is supplied to aircraft <NUM> through electrical conductor <NUM>. First interface device <NUM> is also configured to convert the data carrier signals from and to a predetermined data format on the network. Second interface device <NUM> is electrically coupled to plug end <NUM> when umbilical <NUM> is coupled to aircraft <NUM>. Second interface device <NUM> (e.g., a receiver and a transmitter, onboard transceiver) is configured to transmit and receive the data carrier signals between first interface device <NUM> and onboard network <NUM> while power is supplied to aircraft <NUM> through electrical conductor <NUM>. In the example, each of first interface device <NUM> and second interface device <NUM> are configured to detect a communication link established through the electrical conductor and report the link to system <NUM>. Interface units <NUM> and <NUM> are electrically matched with the characteristics of umbilical <NUM> including but not limited to wire size, shielding, length, voltage, load, frequency, and grounding.

In the example, the predetermined data format is compatible with various network protocols including but not limited to, Internet network protocol, gatelink network protocol, Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) protocol, and Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) network protocol.

In the example, high-speed network service to aircraft <NUM> while parked in a service location such as an airport terminal gate is provided through a conductor of the aircraft ground power umbilical using for example, but not limited to Broadband over Power Line (BPL), X10, or similar technology. Use of this technology permits the airports and airlines to add a simple interface to the aircraft umbilical at the gate and for aircraft manufacturers to provide a matching interface within the aircraft to permit broadband Internet service to the aircraft through an aircraft power link in the umbilical.

Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is a technology that allows Internet data to be transmitted over power lines. (BPL is also sometimes called Power-line Communications or PLC. ) Modulated radio frequency signals that include digital signals from the Internet are injected/added/modulated onto the power line using, for example, inductive or capacitive coupling. These radio frequency signals are injected into the electrical power conductor at one or more specific points. The radio frequency signals travel along the electrical power conductor to a point of use. Little, if any, modification is necessary to the umbilical to permit transmission of BPL. The frequency separation in the umbilical substantially minimizes crosstalk and/or interference between the BPL signals and other wireless services. BPL permits higher speed and more reliable Internet and data network services to the aircraft than wireless methods. Using BPL also eliminates the need to couple an additional separate cable to aircraft <NUM> because it combines aircraft electrical power and Internet/data services over the same wire. System <NUM> uses for example, an approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM> frequency or X10 similar ranges with the exact frequency range use defined and engineered by the characteristics and shielding of umbilical <NUM> and the allowable RFI/EMI levels in that particular environment.

In an example, symmetrical hi-broadband BPL is used in umbilical <NUM> to transmit at communication speeds with aircraft <NUM> at rates in the tens or hundreds of megabits per second (Mbps). Because the BPL link is dedicated to only one aircraft <NUM> and not shared as wireless is, actual throughput can be from two to ten times the wireless throughput in the same environment. In addition, the throughput is stable and reliable in airport environments, whereas the existing wireless Gatelink services vary with the amount of RF interference and congestion at each airport.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of a master control system <NUM> in the power and digital communication transmission system <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the example, the master control system <NUM> includes a master control unit <NUM>. In the example, the master control unit <NUM> is similar to the first interface device <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

The master control unit <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM> in communication with a powerline circuit board <NUM> (also known as a powerline transceiver). The powerline circuit board <NUM> allows the CPU <NUM> to communicate with other devices through a BPL connection <NUM>. The BPL connection <NUM> uses powerlines similar to the electrical aircraft umbilical <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

The master control unit <NUM> also includes a Wi-Fi card <NUM> (also known as a Wi-Fi transceiver) for communicating with remotes devices via a first wireless connection <NUM>. The master control unit <NUM> further includes a cell modem card <NUM> (also known as a cellular modem) for communicating with remoted devices via a second wireless connection <NUM>. In some examples, master control unit <NUM> includes a removable memory <NUM>. The removable memory <NUM> includes any memory card and device that may be removable attached to master control unit including, but not limited to, universal serial bus (USB) flash drives, external hard drives, and non-magnetic media. The CPU <NUM> is in communication with and in control of powerline circuit board <NUM>, Wi-Fi card <NUM>, cell modem card <NUM>, and removable memory <NUM>. While the above describes Wi-Fi and cellular connections cards <NUM> and <NUM> may also connect wirelessly through other methodologies, including, but not limited to, <NUM>, AeroMACS, WiMAX, Whitespace and Bluetooth.

In the example, the CPU <NUM> detects that a connection has been made with another device over the BPL connection <NUM>, such as to second interface device <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The CPU <NUM> receives a plurality of data via BPL connection <NUM> and the powerline transceiver <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> determines a destination for the plurality of data. In some examples, the destination is another computer. In other examples, the destination is a plurality of computers or a computer network. In some examples, the destination is one or more computer systems associated with the airline, the airport, and/or an operations back office. The master control unit <NUM> is remote from the destination. In the example, the master control unit <NUM> able to remotely connect to the destination via one or more wireless networks. In these examples, the CPU <NUM> determines whether to route the plurality of data through the first wireless transceiver (i.e., the Wi-Fi card <NUM>) or the second wireless transceiver (i.e., the cell modem card <NUM>). The first and second wireless transceivers may also connect using <NUM>, AeroMACS, WiMAX, Whitespace, and Bluetooth.

In some examples, the CPU <NUM> tests the signal strength of the first wireless connection <NUM> and the second wireless connection <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> compares the signal strength of the first wireless connection <NUM> and the second wireless connection <NUM> to determine which connection to use to transmit the plurality of data to the destination. Then the CPU <NUM> routes the plurality of data to the destination using the determined wireless connection. In some further examples, master control unit <NUM> also considers the reliability of the first and second wireless connections <NUM> and <NUM> in determining which wireless connection to use.

In some examples, if the signal strength of the first wireless connection <NUM> and the second wireless connection <NUM> are both below corresponding predetermined thresholds, then the CPU <NUM> stores the plurality of data on the removable memory <NUM>. In some further examples, the CPU <NUM> transmits the plurality of data to the destination at a subsequent time when the signal strength of one of the first wireless connection <NUM> and the second wireless connection <NUM> exceeds the respective predetermined threshold.

In some further examples, the CPU <NUM> audits the voltage, current, and phase of the BPL connection <NUM> to determine if the connection is within parameters. The CPU <NUM> may determine whether or not to transmit the plurality of data based on the audit. Furthermore, the CPU <NUM> may determine whether or not to receive the data over the BPL connection <NUM> if the CPU <NUM> determines that the connection is not within parameters. This ensures that the BPL connection <NUM> is properly connected prior to transmitting a plurality of data to ensure both the security of the connection and the integrity of the data being received by the master control unit <NUM>.

In some further examples, the master control unit <NUM> transmits data over the BPL connection <NUM> to the slave unit about future aircraft operations, such as, but not limited to, software updates for one or more systems, additional movies and/or other entertainment options, flight paths, and weather information. In these examples, the master control unit <NUM> may have received the data for uploading to the slave unit from the airport, the airline, or an operations back office.

In some additional examples, master control unit <NUM> is stored on aircraft <NUM>. When aircraft <NUM> lands at an airport that does not have an existing BPL system, master control unit <NUM> is deployed to connect to one or more wireless networks at the airport. In some further examples, the master control unit <NUM> is secured with a password to ensured access by authorized users.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of a slave system <NUM> in the power and digital communication transmission system <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the exemplary example, the slave system <NUM> includes a slave unit <NUM>. In the exemplary example, the slave unit <NUM> is similar to the second interface device <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

The slave unit <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM> in communication with a powerline circuit board <NUM> (also known as a powerline transceiver). The powerline circuit board <NUM> allows the CPU <NUM> to communicate with other devices through a BPL connection <NUM>. The BPL connection <NUM> uses powerlines similar to the electrical aircraft umbilical <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

In some examples, the slave unit <NUM> includes a removable memory <NUM>. Removable memory <NUM> includes any memory card and device that may be removable attached to master control unit including, but not limited to universal serial bus (USB) flash drives, external hard drives, and non-magnetic media. CPU <NUM> is in communication with and in control of powerline circuit board <NUM> and removable memory <NUM>. In some examples, slave unit <NUM> is aboard an aircraft <NUM> and has a connection <NUM> to a plurality of systems aboard the aircraft. In these examples, slave unit <NUM> receives data from the plurality of systems about the operation of the aircraft.

In the exemplary example, the CPU <NUM> receives a plurality of data from the plurality of systems over connection <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> determines whether a connection has been made with another device over the BPL connection <NUM>, such as to master control unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). If a connection has been made, the CPU <NUM> transmits, via the powerline transceiver <NUM>, the plurality of data to the BPL master control unit <NUM>. If there is no connection, the CPU <NUM> stores the plurality of data in the removable memory <NUM>.

In some examples, the CPU <NUM> determines if the aircraft <NUM> is on the ground prior to determining whether or not the powerline transceiver <NUM> is connected to the master control unit <NUM>. In some examples, the CPU <NUM> continuously receives data from the plurality of systems. The CPU <NUM> stores that data in the removable memory <NUM>. When the CPU <NUM> determines that the aircraft is on the ground and connected to a master control unit <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> transfers the data from the removable memory <NUM> to the master control unit <NUM> via the BPL connection <NUM>.

In some further examples, the CPU <NUM> audits the voltage, current, and phase of the BPL connection <NUM> to determine if the connection is within parameters. The CPU <NUM> may determine whether or not to transmit the plurality of data based on the audit. Furthermore, the CPU <NUM> may determine whether or not to receive the data over the BPL connection <NUM> if the CPU <NUM> determines that the connection is not within parameters. This ensures that the BPL connection <NUM> is properly made prior to transmitting a plurality of data to ensure both the security of the connection and the integrity of the data being transmitted to and received from the master control unit <NUM>.

In some further examples, the master control unit <NUM> transmits data over the BPL connection <NUM> to the slave unit <NUM> about future aircraft operations, such as, but not limited to, software updates for one or more systems, additional movies and/or other entertainment options, flight paths, and weather information. In some examples, the slave unit <NUM> routes the data to the appropriate systems on the vehicle. In other examples, the slave unit <NUM> acts as a pass-through to the vehicle's network.

In some further examples, the slave unit <NUM> is secured with a password to ensured access by authorized users.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified flow diagram <NUM> of the power and digital communication transmission system <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the exemplary example, one or more devices <NUM> are in communication via a communication method <NUM>(such as a wired or wireless connection) to slave unit <NUM>. The devices <NUM> may be one or more systems aboard a vehicle, such as aircraft <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The communication method <NUM> may be similar to onboard network <NUM> including onboard wired network access point <NUM> and an onboard wireless communication link <NUM> (all shown in <FIG>). Slave unit <NUM> may be similar to slave unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

Devices <NUM> transmit a plurality of data about the operation of the vehicle to the slave unit <NUM>. When the slave unit <NUM> is connected to a master unit <NUM> via a power cable <NUM>, the slave unit <NUM> transmits the plurality of data to the master unit <NUM>. The master unit <NUM> may be similar to master control unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The power cable <NUM> may be similar to the electrical aircraft umbilical <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), the BPL connection <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and the BPL connection <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The master unit <NUM> makes a wireless connection <NUM> with one or more network routers <NUM> to transmit the plurality of data over the wireless network to its intended destination <NUM>.

In one example, devices <NUM> transmit a plurality of data to slave unit <NUM> about the operation of the vehicle. When slave unit <NUM> connects over a power cable <NUM> to master unit <NUM>, slave unit <NUM> transmits the plurality of data to master unit <NUM>. The master unit <NUM> attempts to connect to one or more network routers <NUM> using one or more wireless connection <NUM>. The master unit <NUM> determines which wireless connection <NUM> to use based in part on the signal strength and reliability of the respective wireless connections.

The above describes transferring data from one or more device <NUM> on the vehicle to a destination <NUM> on a network <NUM>, such as a back-office computer system. In some examples, the computer systems <NUM> on the network <NUM> will transmit data to be routed to one or more of the devices <NUM>. The data may include, but is not limited to, software updates for one or more systems, additional movies and/or other entertainment options, flight paths, and weather information. In these examples, master unit <NUM> transmits the data to be upload over the power cable <NUM> to the slave unit <NUM>. The slave unit <NUM> transmits the upload data over the Ethernet <NUM> to the appropriate device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example configuration of a client system shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. User computer device <NUM> is operated by a user <NUM>. User computer device <NUM> may include first interface device <NUM>, second interface device <NUM> (both shown in <FIG>), master control unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), slave unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), device <NUM>, slave unit <NUM>, and master unit <NUM> (all shown in <FIG>). User computer device <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> for executing instructions. In some embodiments, executable instructions are stored in a memory area <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration). Memory area <NUM> is any device allowing information such as executable instructions and/or transaction data to be stored and retrieved. Memory area <NUM> may include one or more computer-readable media.

User computer device <NUM> also includes at least one media output component <NUM> for presenting information to user <NUM>. Media output component <NUM> is any component capable of conveying information to user <NUM>. In some embodiments, media output component <NUM> includes an output adapter (not shown) such as a video adapter and/or an audio adapter. An output adapter is operatively coupled to processor <NUM> and operatively coupleable to an output device such as a display device (e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, or "electronic ink" display) or an audio output device (e.g., a speaker or headphones). In some examples, media output component <NUM> is configured to present a graphical user interface (e.g., a web browser and/or a client application) to user <NUM>. A graphical user interface may include, for example, one or more settings for connecting to another device via a power cable. In some examples, user computer device <NUM> includes an input device <NUM> for receiving input from user <NUM>. User <NUM> may use input device <NUM> to, without limitation, select and/or enter a setting for a network. Input device <NUM> may include, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch sensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, a biometric input device, and/or an audio input device. A single component such as a touch screen may function as both an output device of media output component <NUM> and input device <NUM>.

User computer device <NUM> may also include a communication interface <NUM>, communicatively coupled to a remote device such as master control unit <NUM> or device <NUM>. Communication interface <NUM> may include, for example, a wired or wireless network adapter and/or a wireless data transceiver for use with a mobile telecommunications network.

Stored in memory area <NUM> are, for example, computer-readable instructions for providing a user interface to user <NUM> via media output component <NUM> and, optionally, receiving and processing input from input device <NUM>. The user interface may include, among other possibilities, a web browser and/or a client application. Web browsers enable users, such as user <NUM>, to display and interact with media and other information typically embedded on a web page or a website from master control unit <NUM> or device <NUM>. A client application allows user <NUM> to interact with, for example, master control unit <NUM> or device <NUM>. For example, instructions may be stored by a cloud service and the output of the execution of the instructions sent to the media output component <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example configuration of a server system shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Server computer device <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, first interface device <NUM>, second interface device <NUM> (both shown in <FIG>), master control unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), slave unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), slave unit <NUM>, and master unit <NUM> (both shown in <FIG>). Server computer device <NUM> also includes a processor <NUM> for executing instructions. Instructions may be stored in a memory area <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration).

Processor <NUM> is operatively coupled to a communication interface <NUM>, such that server computer device <NUM> is capable of communicating with a remote device such as another server computer device <NUM>, slave unit <NUM>, network router <NUM>, or device <NUM> (both shown in <FIG>). For example, communication interface <NUM> may receive weather information from computer devices connected to the master control unit <NUM> via the Internet.

Processor <NUM> may also be operatively coupled to a storage device <NUM>. Storage device <NUM> is any computer-operated hardware suitable for storing and/or retrieving data, such as, but not limited to, data associated with a database. In some examples, storage device <NUM> is integrated in server computer device <NUM>. For example, server computer device <NUM> may include one or more hard disk drives as storage device <NUM>. In other examples, storage device <NUM> is external to server computer device <NUM> and may be accessed by a plurality of server computer devices <NUM>. For example, storage device <NUM> may include a storage area network (SAN), a network attached storage (NAS) system, and/or multiple storage units such as hard disks and/or solid state disks in a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) configuration.

In some examples, processor <NUM> is operatively coupled to storage device <NUM> via a storage interface <NUM>. Storage interface <NUM> is any component capable of providing processor <NUM> with access to storage device <NUM>. Storage interface <NUM> may include, for example, an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) adapter, a Serial ATA (SATA) adapter, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) adapter, a RAID controller, a SAN adapter, a network adapter, and/or any component providing processor <NUM> with access to storage device <NUM>.

Processor <NUM> executes computer-executable instructions for implementing aspects of the disclosure. In some examples, processor <NUM> is transformed into a special purpose microprocessor by executing computer-executable instructions or by otherwise being programmed. For example, processor <NUM> is programmed with the instructions such as are illustrated below.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a process <NUM> for communicating using the power and digital communication transmission systems <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In the example, process <NUM> is performed by master control unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

In the example, master control unit <NUM> detects <NUM>, via the BPL connection <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), a connection to a slave unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In some examples, the master control unit <NUM> analyzes the voltage, current, and phase of the BPL connection <NUM> to determine if the connection is within parameters. The master control unit <NUM> may determine whether or not to transmit the plurality of data based on the analysis. Furthermore, the master control unit <NUM> may determine whether or not to receive the data over the BPL connection <NUM> if the master control unit <NUM> determines that the connection is not within parameters. This ensures that the BPL connection <NUM> is properly connected prior to transmitting a plurality of data to ensure both the security of the connection and the integrity of the data being received by the master control unit <NUM>.

In the example, the master control unit <NUM> receives <NUM>, via the BPL connection <NUM>, a plurality of data from the slave unit <NUM>. In the example, the plurality of data includes data from a plurality of systems that have transmitted their respective data to the slave unit <NUM>.

In the example, the master control unit <NUM> determines <NUM> a destination for the plurality of data. In some examples, the destination is one or more computer systems associated with the airline, the airport, and/or an operations back office.

In the example, the master control unit <NUM> compares <NUM> two or more transmission methods for transmitting the plurality of data to the destination. In some embodiments, the two or more transmission methods may include a first wireless transmission method, such as the first wireless connection <NUM> using Wi-Fi card <NUM> (both shown in <FIG>) and a second wireless transmission method, such as the second wireless connection <NUM> using cell modem card <NUM> (both shown in <FIG>). In these embodiments, the master control unit <NUM> determines a first signal strength of the first wireless transmission method and a second signal strength of the second wireless transmission method. The master control unit <NUM> compares the first signal strength and the second signal strength to determine which wireless transmission method to use. In the exemplary embodiment, the master control unit <NUM> transmits <NUM> the plurality of data to the destination via the determined wireless transmission method based on the comparison. In some further examples, master control unit <NUM> also considers the reliability of the first and second wireless connections <NUM> and <NUM> in determining which wireless connection to use. In other examples, the first wireless connection <NUM> and the second wireless connection <NUM> may use one or more of <NUM>, AeroMACS, WiMAX, Whitespace, and Bluetooth.

In some examples, the master control unit <NUM> compares the first signal strength and the second signal strength to a corresponding predetermined threshold. If at least one of the first and second signal strength exceed the corresponding threshold, then the master control unit <NUM> determines which wireless transmission method to use. If neither the first nor the second signal strength exceed their corresponding threshold, the master control unit <NUM> stores the plurality of data in a removable storage device, such as removable memory <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

If, after beginning to transmit <NUM> the plurality of data over the wireless network, the master control unit <NUM> determines that the wireless connection has stopped or been interrupted, the master control unit <NUM> stores the plurality of data in the removable memory <NUM>. In some examples, the master control unit <NUM> attempts to reconnect to the wireless network or to connect to the other wireless network.

In some examples, the slave unit <NUM> receives the plurality of data from a plurality of computer systems. In some further examples, the plurality of computer systems and the slave unit <NUM> are aboard a vehicle, such as aircraft <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In some further examples, the slave unit <NUM> determines that the aircraft <NUM> is in flight. When the slave unit <NUM> receives the plurality of data from the plurality of computer systems, the slave unit <NUM> stores the plurality of data in removable memory <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). When the slave unit <NUM> determines that that the aircraft <NUM> is on the ground, the slave unit <NUM> scans to detect if there is a connection to the master control unit <NUM>. In response to detecting the connection, the slave unit transmits, via the BPL connection <NUM>, the plurality of data from the removable memory <NUM> to the master control unit <NUM>.

Although described with respect to an aircraft broadband power line application, example sof the disclosure are also applicable to other vehicles such as ships, barges, and boats moored at a dock or pier and also wheeled vehicles parked in a service area.

The above-described methods and systems for transmitting power and digital communication to provide high speed Internet service support directly to the aircraft while at the gate are cost-effective, secure and highly reliable. The methods and systems include integration and use of BPL or X10 similar technology into the aircraft and airport infrastructure to support broadband Internet and data services to the aircraft with minimal infrastructure impacts and cost. The integration of BPL, X10, or similar technology into the airport and aircraft permit using the existing aircraft gate umbilical to provide the aircraft with high-speed and high reliability Internet and data services from the airport gate. Accordingly, the methods and systems facilitate transmitting power and digital communication in a secure, cost-effective, and reliable manner.

The computer-implemented methods discussed herein may include additional, less, or alternate actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein. The methods may be implemented via one or more local or remote processors, transceivers, servers, and/or sensors (such as processors, transceivers, servers, and/or sensors mounted on vehicles or mobile devices, or associated with smart infrastructure or remote servers), and/or via computer-executable instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable media or medium. Additionally, the computer systems discussed herein may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein. The computer systems discussed herein may include or be implemented via computer-executable instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable media or medium.

As used herein, the term "non-transitory computer-readable media" is intended to be representative of any tangible computer-based device implemented in any method or technology for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as, computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and sub-modules, or other data in any device. Therefore, the methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Moreover, as used herein, the term "non-transitory computer-readable media" includes all tangible, computer-readable media, including, without limitation, non-transitory computer storage devices, including, without limitation, volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media such as a firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and any other digital source such as a network or the Internet, as well as yet to be developed digital means, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal.

As described above, the described examples enable secure vehicle broadband communication with a data network. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to using broadband over powerline (BPL) communications to enable aircraft information exchange to occur at increased speeds and where conventional data exchange services may not be available. More specifically, a master control unit on the ground and a slave unit on the aircraft set-up a two-way communication channel over one or more powerlines and ensure the security and the integrity of the data being transferred over the powerline. The master control unit also ensures that the data is transmitted to its intended destination via the most efficient wireless network.

The above-described methods and systems for BPL communication are cost-effective, secure, and highly reliable. The methods and systems include detecting, via a BPL connection, a connection to a slave unit, receiving, via the BPL connection, a plurality of data from the slave unit, determining a destination for the plurality of data, comparing two or more transmission methods for transmitting the plurality of data to the destination, and transmitting the plurality of data to the destination via one of the two or more transmission methods based on the comparison. Accordingly, the methods and systems facilitate improving the use and efficiency of BPL communication by improving the BPL communication systems ability to communicate with outside systems that are incompatible with the 115Vac, <NUM>, three-phase power system.

The methods and system described herein may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset. As disclosed above, at least one technical problem with prior systems is that there is a need for systems for a cost-effective and reliable manner for BPL communications. The system and methods described herein address that technical problem. The technical effect of the systems and processes described herein is achieved by performing at least one of the following steps: (a) detecting, via a BPL connection, a connection to a slave unit; (b) receiving, via the BPL connection, a plurality of data from the slave unit; (c) determining a destination for the plurality of data; (d) comparing two or more transmission methods for transmitting the plurality of data to the destination; and (e) transmitting the plurality of data to the destination via one of the two or more transmission methods based on the comparison. The resulting technical effect is communicating between BPL systems and other computer systems based on wireless communication bridges.

Claim 1:
A broadband over powerline, BPL, slave unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a processor (<NUM>);
a local memory device in communication with the processor;
a removable storage device in communication with the processor; and
a powerline transceiver (<NUM>) in communication with the processor,
wherein the processor is configured to transmit and receive data over a power line via the powerline transceiver, wherein the processor is in communication with a plurality of systems, and wherein the processor is further configured to:
receive a plurality of data from the plurality of systems;
determine whether or not the powerline transceiver is connected to a BPL master control unit (<NUM>);
transmit, via the powerline transceiver, the plurality of data to the BPL master control unit if the powerline transceiver is connected to the BPL master control unit; and
store, in the removable storage device, the plurality of data if the powerline transceiver is not connected to the BPL master control unit.