WO2021165732A1

WO2021165732A1 - A black box with multiple communication mechanisms and safety

Info

Publication number: WO2021165732A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/060251
Authority: WO
Inventors: Morteza SALIMI KACHOUEI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-02-17
Filing date: 2020-10-31
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-17

Abstract

The present invention is a black box optimized for vehicles (for example, airplanes), which consists of two designs, design A and design B. In design A black box, data is transmitted online to the ground station via high-speed Internet or other methods. If the data transfer rate is low, the design A black box can no longer be used and the design B black box can be used. The components of this design include a black box, central receiver, a number of cameras, microphones, temperature sensors, GPS, vibration sensors, batteries, memory. It has been designed to upgrade the quality and efficiency items related to safety of the black box. All components are connecting to the central receiver with wire or wirelessly.

Description

A black box with multiple communication mechanisms and safety

electricity (H), generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power (H02), electric machines not otherwise provided for (H02N)

Most of the similar examples where the camera is used do not place much emphasis on the camera, and often the camera is considered an optional device, or the benefits of the camera are not fully disclosed. Also, regarding the use of the Internet in similar examples that are based on online communication, their communication speed is low. In all previous examples, the temperature sensor is not mentioned.

Airplane anti-hijack system

United States Patent Application 20030052798

An airplane anti-hijacking system includes components on board an airplane for producing informational signals reflecting conditions on board the airplane. Communications equipment on board the airplane that can be activated by onboard airplane personnel (e.g., during a hijack attempt or other emergency), automatically sends the informational signals to a ground station or other remote station to provide real-time information to the remote station. One embodiment sends audio, video, and sensor information along with the cockpit audio and flight recorder information already being recorded by an onboard black box system, and the communications equipment can be activated by cockpit personnel, predetermined senior flight attendants, and onboard security personnel. Preferably, the communications equipment on board the airplane is adapted to provide two-way communications with the remote station and includes means for enabling personnel at the remote station to activate the communications equipment and to actuate control components on board the airplane that perform various onboard operations (e.g., dumping fuel, taking over flight control and flying the airplane by remote control, etc.).

The above invention introduces an anti-aircraft theft system that provides online control position for the ground station in an emergency, given the conditions of the aircraft in flight. Data transfer can be from different methods of data transfer such as satellite, laser, etc. through a two-way link and online. The difference between this reference and the current design is that in this reference, the camera is used to control the aircraft and it does not mention the identification of technical defects (which cause accidents) with the help of cameras.

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT BLACK BOX SYSTEM

WO2019045242

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an unmanned aircraft black box system, which encrypts and stores flight data of an unmanned aircraft, transmits/receives the same to/from a ground control system and backs up the same in a server in real time, thereby enabling safety management and accident investigation management of the unmanned aircraft. To this end, the present invention comprises: the unmanned aircraft for storing flight data extracted by a sensor unit and image data captured by a camera, and transmitting the flight and image data to a management server; and the management server for receiving and backing up the flight data and the image data transmitted from the unmanned aircraft. Therefore, the present invention: encrypts and stores the flight data of the unmanned aircraft, transmits/receives the flight data to/from the ground control system, and backs up the flight data in the server in real time, thereby enabling safety management and accident investigation management of the unmanned aircraft; encrypts the flight data, thereby enabling integrity and confidentiality for corresponding information to be provided; and is capable of acquiring the flight data and location even when the black box is damaged by crashing of the unmanned aircraft.

The purpose of the above scheme is to provide a black box system for the UAV (drone remotely piloted), which encodes, stores and sends the UAV flight information to the ground control station and simultaneously backs it up on a server. This plan does not mention the identification of technical defects with the help of cameras.

Integrated aircraft early warning system, method for analyzing early warning data, and method for providing early warnings

United States Patent Application 20030065428

Methods and system for recording data from an aircraft and alerting with a wireless network are disclosed. The methods contain receiving signals containing data from a plurality of aircraft, determining normal thresholds for the data, monitoring and analyzing the data, and generating an alert signal if the data is beyond the thresholds with a ground based computer terminal in real time. The system includes a ground computer and other mechanisms for implementing the disclosed method.

In the above plan, methods and a system for recording information of an aircraft and warning (early warning system) by wireless network are introduced. Methods include receiving signals containing data from multiple aircraft. The data is then monitored and analyzed, and an alert is issued by the ground station computer if necessary. In addition to research, the data are used to prevent accidents. The difference between this design and the invention is that the number of cameras is limited to the cockpit and cabin. It also did not use temperature sensors.

Crash prevention recorder (CPR)/video-flight data recorder (V-FDR)/cockpit-cabin voice recorder for light aircraft with an add-on option for large commercial jets

United States Patent Application 20030152145

This invention shows a light airplane with the installed invention comprising: an Electronic Rear-view Mirror Component (100) in the cockpit usable by the pilot or co-pilot from the adjustment of twin mechanical arms, a Video Local Area Network (V-LAN) Component (3000), several Bug-Eye Sensor Components (2000) for the front-video camera (2004), rear video camera (2008), right video camera (2012), and left video camera (2016), and a Crash Prevention Recorder (CPR) Component (4000).

In the above design, several cameras or microphones are installed in different parts of the aircraft (front, rear, left and right), for the control levels, passenger compartment and cockpit, and the recorded videos (and audio) are shown for the pilot or co-pilot., And the data is sent and recorded to the Crash Prevention Recorder. Camera and CPR components include Video Flight Data Recorder and audio recorder. The pilot will be notified if a hijacking occurs in the passenger compartment. The information stored in the CPR section also helps to catch the hijackers. The CPR is located at the tail of the aircraft and detached from the aircraft before the crash, and has the capabilities of pre-crash exit, parachute landing, sink-resistant, and easy to find. This plan does not mention online communication methods.

WO 201112011 introduces an aviation safety device that attaches to the aircraft's black box and is activated after a plane crash over the ocean, sea, etc., when the device is immersed in a certain depth (water). This device has an inflatable bag made of waterproof material such as nylon and the like. When it reaches a certain depth of water, the device automatically activates and inflates the bag, causing the black box to float on the water. The difference between the current plan and this plan is that due to the use of parachutes, the probability of the severity of the accident and possible collisions for the black box is greatly reduced and the black box remains safe. It is also possible to record a large amount of information in this black box. There will be no need to over-strengthen the black box.

FLYHT Aerospace Solutions has developed a product called the Automated Flight Information Reporting System, or AFIRS for short, which uses the Internet infrastructure and a set of 66 iridium satellites to create a direct black box with flight information, flight path, and Sends some other information about the health of the aircraft. According to some other sources, the AFIRS black box, which is installed on some aircraft, provides voice and text data via satellite and Internet-based systems for locating aircraft.

One of the advantages of the current invention over AFIRS is that AFIRS has not made any recommendations regarding the installation of cameras and temperature sensors inside and especially outside the aircraft. AFIRS also does not have the benefits of Plan B.

Aircrafts and other similar vehicles each have a black box that records the date related to the vehicle. If the plane has an accident, the first task of the reconnaissance team is to find the box. The cause of the issues is recorded in the black box. In some cases, the black box cannot be found to detect problems, or the main cause of the accident cannot be identified even after the black box is found. The present invention provides an optimal black box that aims to solve previous problems and quickly and definitively clarify the causes of a plane crash. The invention clarifies type of the involved technical defect or the terrorist factor that caused the accident. This way, recurrence of such factors can be prevented in future cases. The present invention uses several cameras, microphones, GPS and temperature sensors to detect technical defects as well as other external and environmental factors, in order to identify the nature of an accident.

This invention consists of two parts, part A and part B. Design A black box transmits data to the ground station online via high-speed Internet or other communication methods. In cases where high-speed internet is not accessible, the design B black box is used. The design B black box is ejected out of the plane before the accident and lands slowly via a parachute to send all the remaining data to the ground station with a lower transmit rate (for instance, with the help of Iridium satellites or other methods). The design B black box has the ability to stay afloat. The design B black box can communicate with the aircraft either through a wire or wirelessly and record the data up until the last moments of the crash.

The current invention can be used in conjunction with the existing black boxes. This is especially true for aircrafts which are already built, because it can be used cost efficiently and without too much modification to the aircraft.

For each aircraft, ship and similar vehicle, there is a black box that records the relevant data. If there is an accident to the plane, the first task of the reconnaissance teams is to find the black box. In the black box, the reason responsible for the crash is specified in most cases. When a plane crashes, there are many questions about the cause of the crash, and after the crash everyone is looking to find the root of the problem and come up with answers. The plane may crash due to technical problems, weather conditions, terrorist attacks, etc. Due to this, a black box is placed in the plane to find the answers to the questions with the help of the Flight Data Recorder and the Cockpit voice recorder. In some cases, the black box cannot be found to detect the problems, or the main cause of the accident cannot be identified after the black box is found. Also, a recent problem that has risen is that without providing sufficient evidence, it is said that the cause of the crash was a ground-to-air (or air-to-air) missile. Such claims can cause tension between countries and the truth would still remain unknown. Also, according to research, the cause of some air accidents is the mistake of the pilot and flight crew. This invention provides methods that quickly and definitively clarify the causes of a plane crash, this way recurrence of such causes can be prevented in future cases. Another major problem today is the slow pace of data transmitting in some areas. In design B of the current invention, this problem is solved and with the black box getting out of the plane, there is more time to transmit data to the ground station and also the possibility of damage to the black box is reduced, and this is one of the important advantages of the current design which do exist in none of the previous designs. In the current invention, various cameras, microphones, GPS and temperature sensors, etc. have been used. One of the goals of the present design is that the causes of the accident be recorded until the last moment completely in the black box, and to transmit accurate and valuable data online or at the maximum available transmit speed via the Internet or other methods to the ground station.

Solution of problem

Different parts of the device:

The current device, which includes two designs A and B, can consist of several parts. These can include the central receiver, black box, battery, extra (standby) battery, memory, communication devices, camera, microphone, GPS, sensor, and etc.

Design A

Central receiver and black box

A part called the central receiver receives flight data from flight-data acquisition unit (FDAU), cameras, microphones, and temperature sensors. It then transmits this data to the black box. The black box sends data online to the airline's ground station using high-speed Internet (or other methods). The central receiver and the black box in this invention, like the other black boxes, are placed in a relatively protective body, so as not to be damaged by an accident.

Solution 1: For instance, all flight factors, all conversations and system errors, etc. that are recorded by flight data receiver (FDR), etc., as well as cockpit voice and cockpit images are sent to the ground station via internet by the black box with the help of high-speed Internet. FDR receives its inputs from the FDAU. The number of these parameters can reach 2000 parameters. although design A is a more advanced model of a conventional black box, it can work alongside conventional black boxes. In order to function, it is enough to transmit all the FDAU data to the central recipient of this design A black box so it can send the data online to the ground station.

Solution 2: Multiple GPS (or other similar satellite navigating systems such as Russian GLONASS, Chinese Bido, etc.) can be placed inside or outside the aircraft in different parts of the aircraft, and the aircraft's location via the Internet and or other methods are sent online to the airline ground station. While an accident, the coordinates of the location of the aircraft during the moments leading up to the crash along with the request for assistance are displayed at the ground station. Thus it’s possible to go to the accident site as soon as possible and rush to rescue people if alive. The location of the aircraft is recorded at short intervals or continuously. In addition to the location of the aircraft, the route and direction of the aircraft are also accurately recorded and sent to the ground station. This capability is such that in case the pilot deviates from the main route (for various reasons) the airline can notice and take necessary measures.

cameras:

Solution 3: Placing several cameras inside and outside the aircraft to capture images and closely monitor the aircraft's technical performance and conditions. This data is first transmitted to the central receiver and then to the black box. The black box sends this data to the ground station online with the help of high speed internet (or other communication methods such as satellite communication, etc.). For instance, a camera is placed in the nose of an airplane for filming from the front. This camera can also be placed behind the glass in the cockpit. Thus, if the plane collides with a mountain or any flying object, it can be detected in the film. Placing the camera in the cockpit helps airlines to have more control over the performance of their pilots and co-pilots, to notify other crews if there are high-risk behaviors, and addressing faulty flight crews. But it’s not limited only to the observation of the pilot and co-pilot, but also the complete coverage of the cockpit, such as windows and spaces with wiring and the cockpit entrance door. This thorough coverage makes it possible for these factors be better observed and recorded in case of any technical or other defects, especially given the cockpit being full of equipment.

Solution 4: Two or more cameras around the fuselage to film all the motors. So if, for instance, the engine encounters a technical defect or firing, it is specified in the film and the airline takes action to eliminate the engine defect. In addition to the cameras, next to each motor, a microphone and vibrometer record the sound and vibration of the motor online. Thus, if the cause of the accident is a technical defect of the engine, such as engine shutdown, severe imbalance or vibration in the engines, it is determined with the help of sound and the amount of vibration.

Solution 5: Several cameras placed on both sides of the fuselage and on the roof of the plane to film the position of the wings parts such as rudder, elevator, aileron vertical and horizontal rudders and flaps. Since wings are a very important factor, it is better to film the front and back of the wings. In this way, if a crack is the cause of the wing fracture, the video shows where the crack is. If the accident has been due to a technical defect, for instance a crack, in wings, it’ll be determined in a camera, thus the aircraft manufacturers think of correcting the defect and make better models after that accident. Also, these cameras can show the vibration status and the amount of wing oscillations well. These cameras can be placed on the wings or the fuselage.

Solution 6: To check the technical condition of the fuselage, several cameras are placed on the wings to film the front as well as the rear of the fuselage. In this way, if the growing of a crack causes the aircraft fuselage to rupture and break, the exact location of the initial crack can be seen in the film. There is also a vertical screen camera that captures the external status of the aircraft as a whole.

Solution 7: Multiple cameras capturing the entire space around the aircraft. In this way, it can be found out whether or not the cause of as accident has been the missile directed to the plane. In addition, considering that the direction of the aircraft flight has been recorded and having the position of the aircraft and with the videos covering around the aircraft, it can be determined exactly from which direction and country missile has been fired at the aircraft. Cameras can also show the weather conditions and the cloud masses in which the aircraft is flying, and in the event of an accident due to weather conditions, these cameras will show that such similar conditions will be dangerous for a specific aircraft model and should avoid such weather conditions or be modified to adapt those atmospheres.

Solution 8: Using the camera in the passenger section, etc. to send images online and use them to detect and prevent terroristic activities. Placing the camera in the passenger compartment may determine the person responsible the accident (terrorist, etc.) from inside the aircraft. Subsequently, by examining the data regarding how the responsible person had passed through the gates, security insufficiencies of the airports will be detected and solved to prevent factors like these. Also, using these cams, the person(s) who has used cold or hot weapons or explosives on the aircraft will be identified, and other off-site involved accomplices may be identified and arrested.

Solution 9: Filming the luggage space of the plane (above the passengers' heads) using several cameras. In the event of a terrorist incident and a bomb blast in this area, the cameras can show which bomb exploded from which box and which passenger was owner of that box, thus identifying the suspect, involved accomplices, and identifying insufficiencies of the airport security systems. Placing cameras in the (external) part of the luggage room is also recommended. If a bomb explosion in the external luggage chamber is the cause of an accident, these cams can show it. Also with large numbers tagged to luggage and their proper coverage by cameras and sending live images it will le to determine the identity of the owner of the luggage and to define the nature of the attack. If there is a suicidal attack, it will be identified, and if the accident has been caused by a package through legal or illegal sending, it can be well related or intercepted.

Solution 10: To check the technical performance of the landing gear and wheels some cameras can be placed inside and outside the landing gear. Filming the wheels and landing gear and how they work when they are locked or extended and while landing can clarify involved cause of accident in cases where causes are related to these parts. The cameras placed in the landing gear area can provide checking possibility of items such as examination of the landing gear status while taking off and landing, checking the reasons for un-extension of the landing gear while landing, checking the reasons for un-lock of the landing gear while takeoff, and checking the causes of tire bursting during landing or takeoff, thus helping to defect causes of accidents and eventually resolving them.

Solution 11: Important point; the camcorder can be placed behind the interior glass (passenger glass) or outside. For instance, for filming engines and wings, cameras can be placed inside the aircraft (behind the glass) or outside.

Tips on cameras:

Cameras can be digital. Apart from having wires to charge them, cameras can also have batteries. Camcorders can shoot day and night. It also possible to use thermal cameras with ability to shoot in fog, dense clouds, and adverse weather conditions such as fog, smoke, dust. If the cameras are not thermal and are infrared instead, infrared floodlights may be installed outside to make the cameras work better at night. Cameras can be wireless and transmit data wirelessly to a central receiver.

Solution 12: All or some of the cameras have a high frame rate capability in terms of necessity.

Solution 13: A microphone can be placed next to each camera or, if necessary, next to some cameras.

Temperature sensors to determine the starting point of a fire or explosion:

Solution 14: As another option in identifying terrorist threats or even technical defects that cause fire or explosion, it’s possible to place temperature sensors under the passenger seat, next to each baggage with its specified number, or in various points of the planes that could catch fire due to technical reasons. If a fire or explosion starts from a certain point, the temperature sensor can define the this starting point whether it’s related to a passenger seat or baggage location or a point of the aircraft, thus makes it possible to identify the person or baggage number, or the point on the aircraft that causes the fire.

While accepting passenger or non-passenger baggage, this temperature sensor may be attached to each baggage, capable of transmitting the related temperature to a central receiver momentarily. This is the most complete method for loading cargoes.

Another method is to place the baggage of each person (in the external load section) on a specific shelf where a specific temperature sensor had already been installed. Regarding baggage of passengers over their head, a sensor can also be placed on each shelf, in which case the owner of each baggage can be detected with the help of other cameras.

Solution 15: Temperature sensors can respond in shorter times. Recently, temperature sensors have been planned that have as short response intervals as microseconds. Such temperature sensors can also be used in the current design.

Battery and standby battery

The power supply of the devises related to the current design can be provided by electricity (with the help of wire) or by battery, or both. It is better to use both at the same time because in case of power outage, devices can send data with the help of batteries.

Standby battery:

In addition to normal electricity or primary batteries, all components, including the central receiver, cameras, microphones, temperature sensors and GPS, ad etc., can have a standby (secondary) battery for emergencies when the primary system has a problem. The advantage of this option is that in case of failure of the wired power source and the primary battery, all cameras, microphones, temperature sensors and GPS, and etc. can still continue to send data with the help of the standby battery. The main battery and standby device, as well as the battery of other components are rechargeable.

Connection between components and central receiver

Solution 16: Cameras, microphones, GPS, temperature sensors and all other relevant components can be connected with-wire or wirelessly to the central receiver. It is better to have wireless communication and at the same time have wired communication between the components and the central receiver. If the components are connected wirelessly, in the event of an accident where the wires are cut it is possible for all the components to be still in contact with the central receiver and data and images can be transmitted to the central receiver. Wired connection also makes it possible for data, to still be transmitted to the central receiver by wire when there is a fault in the wireless system. In addition to cameras, all flight data-acquisition units (FDAU) and GPS-related data can be connected to the central receiver simultaneously wirelessly.

Solution 17: As an option, a secondary central receiver can be installed as a standby in another part of the aircraft. The advantage of this is that even if the primary central receiver is damaged, the secondary central receiver will still do the job. The location of the central receiver and the black box can be at the rear of the aircraft with the least risk of damage. Solid state memory can be used to store data in the receiver and in the black box.

Solution 18: Regarding the installation of cameras on the fuselage, we can point out the similarities between installing the aircraft lights and the camera on the fuselage. These similarities are in terms of: a) the need for both of to wire for providing power and b) the glass material used for of both them. Due to the practicality of installing the light on the outer fuselage, it is possible to install the camera on the outer fuselage. Unlike airplane lights, cameras do not have the problem of wires for power supply or data transmission. We know from the installation of the aircraft lights that speed and wind flow will not be a problem for the cameras.

In some cases, a glass cap protects the aircraft light. Similar to an aircraft light cap, a glass cap can be installed to protect the cameras.

Solution 19: Fully Portable device. Significant changes in wiring, etc. may not be desirable for currently in use aircrafts, so a portable and wireless model is offered that can be easily installed. An airline may not tend to make major changes to the aircraft wiring system and electrical parts, in which case the company can purchase and use the portable design without risk and at a low cost, with minimal changes to the aircraft wiring. In short, the most important feature of a portable design is that the central receiver communicates with components (such as the FDAU, cameras, etc.) wirelessly. Microphones and cameras are installed in the interior and exterior parts of the aircraft depending on the priorities of the airline. But according to the proposal, it is better to cover the entire interior and exterior parts of the aircraft. As using the wireless communication method does not require much modification in current aircraft, wireless communication between components is easily usable in the portable design. Portable black box according to the current design can be easily used alongside existing common black boxes.

Design A communication method (design A black box connection and ground station):

Today, some airlines around the world offer high-speed and relatively cheap internet to passengers, and passengers on the plane can even watch football matches live. With the advancement of technology, the high-speed Internet are offered by airlines on flights day by day increasingly such that high-speed Internet will be available in all airlines on worldwide in the near future. The best communication method of the current design is high speed and relatively cheap internet that is offered in the flights. High-speed Internet is often achieved by installing an antenna on an aircraft. Note that the Internet source can be any source such as ground-based source, cellular, satellite source, etc. What matters is not the method of providing the Internet, but the availability of the Internet in many airlines, and the more important point is the availability, ubiquity and cheapness of the capability of sending and receiving data via the Internet compared to other methods. In short, the current design emphasizes the use of high-speed and relatively cheap Internet, which is becoming more and more widespread. In the absence of high-speed Internet, other communication methods such as Iridium satellites (slower satellite Internet), data transmission via satellite telephone, Internet Protocol (IP) format, other types of satellite communications, satellite communications Radio frequency (RF) network, global satellite communication broadband bandwidth, on-board sky phone lines or ground-based wireless systems, lasers, etc. can also be used.

All recorded data will be sent online to the ground station.

According to US 2003 / 0065428A1, global satellite communication technology via broadband bandwidth has been developed since 9/11. Broadband bandwidth allows communication between aircraft and ground via global satellite communications, and it’s not dependent on connection to the low-bandwidth two-way radio frequency (RF) network which planes are using today.

Design B

In the absence of high-speed Internet or presence of other slow-speed communication methods, all black box information may not be transmitted to the ground station by the time of the accident, in which case the design B black box can compensate this problem. In short, regarding design B black box, the black box separates from the plane right a moment before the accident to send all the recorded data to the ground station in a slower way (for instance, with the help of iridium satellites or other methods). Also, the design B black box is able to float on the water, and with the help of two GPSs, one in the black box and the other in the plane, as well as two ELT units in the black box, it transmits the last coordinates of the plane and the black box location in the form of radio waves and asks for help to find the rescuers. Note that one GPS is on the plane and the other is in the black box, but both ELTs are in the black box. One of the ELTs transmits data involving the last coordinates of the aircraft and the other data involving the coordinates of the black box.

Regarding design B black box, in the event of an emergency or accident to the aircraft, the black box is thrown out just before the plane crashes and lands slowly with the help of a parachute. However, the black box is still connected to the receiver. The center is in communication with the aircraft and is receiving and recording data related to the condition of the aircraft until the last moment before the crash. In other words, the black box leaves the plane, but the central receiver is still inside the plane and sends camera information, etc. to the black box.

The black box of design B is in fact a black box of plan A which could not send all the information of the black box to the ground station due to the low data-transmission speed. All the items mentioned in design A, such as cameras, temperature sensors, etc., are also used in design B. For instance, recorded data from cameras and etc., are stored in the black box design B.

One of the big problems in the previous designs is the low data-transmission speed in some of them. In the current design, however, this problem has been solved and with the design B black box thrown out of the plane, there is more time to transmit data to the ground station. And this is one of the important advantages of the current design, which does not exist in any of the previous designs. In other words, although the speed of data-transmission is low, the data will be transmitted in any case. Nonetheless the low speed of data transmission in the current design is compensated by the black box ability to be thrown out right before the accident and having more time to transmit data.

The following are important features of design B black box.

Solution 20: The black box is thrown out of the plane before the crash so it can be saved from the damages caused by the blast and fire of the accident and can transmit data to the ground station.

Solution 21: The black box can be landed with the help of a parachute so it can be saved from the damages caused by falling from a height.

Solution 22: The black box after leaving the aircraft is still able to receive data from the central receiver until the last moments of the plane crash, which includes data from the FDAU, cameras, etc., and can provide valuable information from the last moments and can help to detect the cause of the crash.

After the black box leaves the aircraft, the black box can still receive data from the central receiver in two methods:

Solution 22-a) According to Figure 2, there is a wireless connection between the central receiver (aircraft) and the black box, and the data is transmitted through this wireless connection from the central receiver (installed at the end of the falling plane) to the now-landing black box with a parachute.

Solution 22-b) According to Figure 3, there is a wired connection between the central receiver (aircraft) and the black box, and data is transmitted through this wired connection from the central receiver (installed at the end of the falling plane) to the now-landing black box with a parachute.

Currently, some anti-tank missiles and torpedoes are connected to the operator (launcher) for several kilometers after launching from the launcher with the help of a wired connection. Wired directing anti-tank missiles have a range of about 4 km. The wires are as thin as human hair and gather at the end of the rocket (wrapped around a spool). Different materials such as various as copper cable to optical fiber are used for making these wires. The wire is very strong and very difficult to cut with a sharp knife. Wired torpedoes have wires up to about 30 km long. In this weapon, the wire is about 1 mm or less in diameter. A flexible cover coats the wire and the wire is inside this cover, so it prevents the wire from being worn and scratched. In the present design B black box, systems similar to these wired connections can be used in such a way that the wire is wrapped around a spool and the wire unroll from the spool when the black box is thrown out of the plane. The spool can be placed inside the black box or the plane or in both parts.

Recording valuable data in the design B black box until the last moment before the plane crash is its unique feature. For instance, the cameras send the images to the black box until the last moment before the crash, including technical problems and so on.

Each of these two types of wireless communication or wired communication can be used to communicate between the black box and the aircraft's central receiver, and both types of communication can be used simultaneously. But it is better to use wireless communication between the central receiver and the detachable black box, in which case the images of healthy cameras will be available from the plane until the last moment.

The advantage of wireless communication over wired communication is that if the wires are destroyed by explosion or impact, data can still be transmitted. The advantage of wired communication over wireless communication is that it is more reliable. Therefore, using both can provide a higher reliability for data transmission.

Solution 23: The black box has the ability to stay afloat and because it does not sink, it is easier to find it on the water. This can be done with the help of inflatable tires such as inflatable boats. US 9,371,137 B2 introduces such a feature, a feature can also be used in the current design.

In the event of an accident over the ocean, most common black boxes go deep into the water and are very difficult to be found. One of the advantages of design B black box is that the black box stays afloat and does not sink, so it is easier to be found. Also, sonar detectors are not required to find it.

Solution 24: A new way to keep a black box afloat. An interesting thing that is suggested in the design B black box is to make a part of the black box empty so that the black box becomes less dense than water, thus be able not to sink. In other words, due to the design and lower density of the black box than water, the black box stays afloat even without inflatable tires. In this case, the buoyancy force is greater than the weight of the black box and the black box stays afloat. For this, the dimensions of the black box will be considered slightly larger.

Solution 25: The black box has the ability to transmit data via high-speed or low-speed Internet or satellite Internet such as Iridium and other communication methods such as satellite communications, etc. to the ground station.

Solution 26: In the event of an accident to the aircraft and in the presence of low speed internet or other means of communication, the location of the black box and the last coordinates of the aircraft designated by GPS will be sent with a request for SOS which is of the first priority in sending information.

The black box is located in a cylindrical channel. This cylindrical channel has a door that opens in the event of an accident. After opening the channel door, the black box is thrown out by the force of a spring or the force of an engine. This cylindrical channel is shown in Figure 4, which can be located at

points

1, 2 or 3. For a better view, Figure 5 zooms in on these points, and the cylindrical channels are shown as dotted lines. Arrows show the exit path of the black box through the cylindrical channel. Also, this exit channel can be also made upwards, so the downward channel shown here is just an example.

Solution 27: The black box can have laser lights that light up the sky so can be seen by rescue teams and be found easier, especially at night.

Solution 28: Two or more detachable black boxes can be used as needed. In this case, the probability of recording data and easiness in finding the black box increases. Furthermore, in this way if one of them is damaged, the other black box will remain saved.

Solution 29: The detachable black box can have a secondary parachute so that if the first parachute does not work, the second parachute can prevent damage to the descending black box.

Solution 30: The black box can have a glossy color (or night vision colors) so could be found easily. The black box can be orange or red to make it easier to be found.

Solution 31: All aforementioned points about the portable system in design A can also be applied to design B. In short, the central receiver communicates with components (such as cameras, etc.) wirelessly in the portable model. All components of the current invention, including the central receiver and the black box, have a battery and can also have a stand-by battery. You can also use the usual black boxes along with design B black box, so the current design can be used as a secondary black box.

Solution 32: Ability to automatically connect to a network such as the local Internet. One thing that is introduced for the first time in the design B black box is that it has the ability to automatically connect to other networks such as the local Internet established after the accident, for example, by rescuer groups.

After a plane crash lifesaver with the help of helicopters boats or even rescue planes set up a local wireless network in the area of the accident (where there is a black box) in which case there is no need to find the black box as all information can be downloaded wirelessly from the black box.

This is because reaching the survivors of the accident is more important than reaching the black box, and it becomes even more important when approaching the location of the black box. One of the features that can be transmitted to the rescue forces very quickly, is the exact coordinates determined by the aircraft GPS. Hence they can arrive at the accident location to help the survivors.

Time of detachment of the black box from the aircraft:

Solution 33: In the following we introduce some solutions in which the black box can be detached from the aircraft manually or automatically. The purpose of detachment of design B black box is that it can be thrown out of the plane just before the final crash. Also it should land with a parachute to reduce the risk of the black box being damaged so the black box can transmit recorded data to the ground station. Regarding the black box detachment at the time of the accident, pilot can order the black box to be detached manually if he is aware of the forthcoming accident. In the event of a major technical defect in which the aircraft is likely to crash, for instance failing of all engines, the black box will be automatically detached from the aircraft. As another instance, if the aircraft reaches an altitude of 500 meters, the altimeter detects the altitude and the black box will automatically be detached from the aircraft, as the parachute may not be able to operate at this altitude. If the plane splits into two or more pieces, the black box will automatically be detached from the plane. Also, if the linear accelerometers, especially the angular ones, change a lot and it becomes impossible to control the aircraft again, the black box will be automatically detached from the aircraft. If a shock or impact happen, a G-Switch can also be active and it can lead the black box to be detached from the aircraft automatically.

Solution 34: Temporary pre-accident internet disconnection. Temporary interruption of high-speed internet before the accident may cause incomplete data transmission to the ground server until the moment of the accident. However, high-speed Internet or any other type of communication methods may be provided after the black box detaches from the plan. In this case, the black box alone has the ability to automatically connect to the Internet (or other means of communication, if available), to transmit information via Internet to the ground station.

Design B communication method (design B black box communication and ground station):

According to Figure 6, in the event of an accident, the design B black box will be detached from the plane to have the chance of transmitting the black box data to the ground station with more time using methods such as Iridium satellites, etc.

For the design B black box, in addition to iridium satellites, all available methods such as data transmission via cellular, ground source, satellite telephone, Internet Protocol (IP) format, other types of satellite communications, satellite communications Radio frequency (RF) network, global satellite communication broadband bandwidth, on-board sky phone lines or ground-based wireless systems, lasers, etc. can also be used.

Solution 35: Transmitting data involving the location of the accident and requesting for help. In the event of an accident to the aircraft, the black box stays afloat and with the help of two GPSs (one in the black box and the other in the plane) the location of the black box and the last location of the aircraft can be determined, then these two designated locations together are transmitted continuously by two ELT (Electronic Location Transmitter) units in the black box in the form of radio waves so that the rescue forces can locate the black box and the plane. Note that in the event of an accident to an aircraft, two ELT units become active and transmit radio waves whether or not there be the possibility of transmitting data via the Internet or other methods from the black box.

The ELT is, in fact, an example of a battery-powered emergency locator that operates radio transmitters and is used in emergencies to find ships, aircraft and people. In emergencies such as shipwrecks, plane crashes, etc., the transmitter is activated and sends a continuous radio signal, which is used by searching teams to quickly find the crash site. In the ELT, a half-second data burst is transmitted every 50 seconds, and then it’ll be silent for 50 seconds. ELTs can often transmit signals for at least 24 hours.

The ELT can be activated manually by the pilot or automatically activated by the G-switch. The ELT has an Impact monitor that is activated by g-forces. Impact monitor is a type of shock detector that detects physical shock, or impact (collision).

According to Figure 7, the waves emitted by ELT can be received by COSPAS-SARSAT international rescue satellite services and ground rescue teams. These satellites cover the entire earth over a period of time. Note that in the present invention there are two GPSs, one in the plane and the other in the black box, but the two ELT units are in the black box.

The location of the plane and the black box can be found with the help of two GPSs. It can be transmitted by the black box using any other means of communication such as the Internet, satellite phone, iridium and RF satellites. The speed of the Internet in transmitting the accident site and asking for help is higher than ELT.

Solution 36: For another impossible case, if it is not possible to transmit data at low speeds or even ELT-related communications, the black box will remain afloat. All the necessary data about the accident will be stored in the design B black box, and due to not colliding with the help of a parachute and also being able to float on the water, the black box will be more likely to stay safe and be found by rescue groups.

General points about both designs A and B.

Solution 37: All data, including video data, can be compressed before being transmitted to the ground station. Also, all information, including video information, can be encoded before being transmitted to the ground station.

Solution 38: Depending on the angle of coverage of the cameras, one camera can be used for several purposes simultaneously.

Solution 39: Automatic switch between black boxes of designs A and B. The black box can automatically switch between designs A and B. In case of availability of high-speed internet, the black box is used according to plan A and the information is transmitted online to the ground station. For this purpose, it is easy and it suffices to check the speed of data transmit and the amount of remained data (not sent). If the speed of data transmission internet speed is low, for instance, and all the data before the accident is not transmitted to the ground station, the black box is used according to design B and the black box is taken out of the plane and landed with the help of a parachute on the water. It will remain afloat and at the same time will transmit information to the ground station. In other words, if all the data has been transmitted online to the ground station, there is no longer a need for the black box to be detached from the plane or using a parachute. (However, in the event of an accident as a higher safety factor, the black box can also be detached from the aircraft.)

Solution 40: Making data transmission smart. Another option that can be added to the current design is to send data with higher priority, such as information related to the accident, to the ground station as soon as possible. This is especially important when the data transmission speed is not high and it is not possible to transmit all the data online to the ground station. Therefore, this is truer to the design B black box, however, this can also be considered in design A

With the help of image processing technology, infrared technology and thermal cameras, data such as camera images are automatically analyzed, especially in the event of an accident. Camera images or the cameras that have the most changes first, are of first priority to transmit data, then the images of the rest of the cameras are sent. The same goes for temperature sensors. Sensors from which fires and explosions start point have been recorded are of first priority. Also, other data such as voices and FDAU data is analyzed and unusual data and accident factors are transmitted firstly.

Solution 41: Using common black boxes along with the current black box design:

The current black box can be used alongside the previous black boxes, and the current black box will act as a secondary black box. In other words, the black box is a supplement to the previous black boxes.

The following is an example of one of the functions of this invention:

Practical example: Suppose a crack is created in the wing or fuselage or the wing connects to the fuselage and causes serious damage to the aircraft and the aircraft crashes over the ocean. The cameras have filmed this technical problem well. Based on the speed of the Internet or other communication methods, the following two modes are possible:

Mode 1. In case of high speed internet, video and flight information will be transmitted to the ground station online with the help of high speed internet.

The black box uses GPS to send the latest location of the plane to the ground station via the Internet and other methods, and announces the occurrence of the accident and asks the rescue forces to help the survivors.

Mode 2. If the speed of data transmission is low (for example, the speed of the Internet or the speed of satellite communication, etc. is low), as soon as a technical problem occurs and the balance of the aircraft is lost, the black box detaches from the aircraft and will land with the help of a parachute. Even when it detaches from the aircraft, the black box is still receiving aircraft data from the central receiver until the last minute (via wireless or wired communication). The black box floating on the water then transmits all the data to the ground station at low speed (for example, using iridium satellites). In this case, the location of the black box and the last location of the aircraft determined by GPS is transmitted to the ground station with the help of the Internet and other methods, and after announcing the accident, it asks the rescue forces to help the survivors. This data will be of the first priorities to be transmitted.

In this case, the black box floating on the water transmits data and asks for help to find the survivors with the help of two GPSs, one in the black box itself and the other in the plane, as well as two ELT units in the black box, the last location of the plane and the location of the black box in the form of waves.

Therefore, in all cases, the rescue forces will rush to the aid of the survivors and the data will be transmitted to the ground station and the experts will be aware of the technical defect and it will be corrected in future aircrafts

Advantage effects of invention

Advantages of Plan A:

Use of high speed and relatively cheap internet
In the absence of the Internet, the use of other communication methods such as satellite communication
Send all information to the ground station online
Ability to use next to the previous black box
Identify saboteurs and terrorists online
Providing the possibility of tracking and identifying people related to the saboteur outside the aircraft
Providing the possibility of tracking the owner of the cargo or the sender of the cargo containing explosives
Using cameras to observe technical defects and fix them, including:
- Technical defects or engine fire
- Excessive vibration and vibration in the engine

Damage or failure as a result of a foreign object or bird hitting the engine, wings and fuselage

Excessive vibrations and vibrations in the wings that cause cracks, fractures and accidents

Unfavorable weather conditions, snow or hail that cause an accident to the aircraft or one of the components such as the engine
Creation and growth of cracks and fissures in the body and wings, or in any of the engine, body and wing connections

9. Several combined and different features of this invention include the use of cameras, microphones and temperature sensors in different parts inside and outside the aircraft (such as passenger compartment, internal and external cargo compartment, wings and fuselage, etc.), use of GPS Also, sending black box information to the ground station online via the Internet provides an optimal and unique black box that these combined features did not exist in previous examples together.

Benefits of Plan B:

Record information until the last moment of a plane crash
Fix the problem of low speed of information exchange in some places with the help of the black box out of the plane and then transfer information with more time
Unlike previous black boxes that go deep into the water after an accident and are very difficult to find, the black box of Plan B stays afloat and does not sink and is easier to find.
Unlike previous black boxes, sonar detectors are not required.
Getting out of the black box before falling and crashing and landing with an umbrella reduces the severity of possible collisions and accidents for the black box and the black box stays safe.
Unlike the previous black boxes, the black box does not need to be very resistant to impact and fire, and having a relative resistance is sufficient because in principle, no severe collisions will occur. Because the black box gets out of the plane before the accident and lands with the help of an umbrella.
It is possible for the rescue forces to reach the crash site sooner and help the survivors.
Several combined features: detachment of the black box from the plane before the crash and landing with a parachute, use of the camera inside and outside the plane, communication between the black box and the plane until the last moment of the crash, sending black box information to the ground station after Accident is one of the important advantages of the current design, which did not exist together in any of the previous designs, and the combination of all the features of the black box in Plan B provides an optimal and unique black box.
Ability to use next to the previous black box

: Several suggested locations for installing cameras are shown. These locations vary depending on the model and size of the aircraft.

: Wireless communication between the central receiver (aircraft) and the black box

: Wired connection between the central receiver (aircraft) and the black box

: The location of the cylindrical channel in which the black box is located

: To exit the black box out of the cylindrical channel

: The connection between the black box of plan B and the ground station

: Send the location of the accident and request help by ELT

: Camera 1 captures video from the front of the aircraft and can be located outside the aircraft or inside the cockpit.

Cameras

2 and 3 cover the engines and wings.

Cameras

4 and 5 are located below the aircraft, and the wings cover the entire fuselage from below and the sides of the engines.

Cameras

4 and 5 can be used for filming, and two cameras are installed on the landing gear itself.

Cameras

6 and 7 film the control levels on the wings as well as the wings themselves.

Camera 8 is located at the top of the aircraft's vertical rudder and covers the entire fuselage, aircraft wings and outer space from above.

Cameras 9 and 10 film from the sides of the fuselage.

Cameras

11 and 12 record horizontal rudders and control levels on the horizontal rudder.

Camera 13 is filming from the back of the plane.

: Wireless communication between the plane and the black box until the last moment of the plane crash

: Wired connection between the plane and the black box until the last moment of the plane crash

: The location of the cylindrical channel in which the black box is located

: To exit the black box out of the cylindrical channel

: The connection between the black box of plan B and the ground station

: Send the location of the accident and request help by ELT

Examples

As mentioned in the solution section, multiple cameras, microphones, GPS and temperature sensors, etc. are installed in different parts. The causes of the accident are fully recorded in the black box until the last minute, and accurate and valuable information including video, audio, temperature sensors and FDAU information is provided online or at the maximum available transfer speed via the Internet or other methods to the station. Ground to move. If the data transfer rate is low, there is more time to transfer data to the ground station by removing the black box according to Scheme B from the aircraft. The black box, according to Scheme B, lands with an umbrella after leaving the aircraft and is connected to the central receiver wirelessly or wired, receiving the information and sending it to the ground station.

This invention can be used in all air vehicles such as airplanes, helicopters, etc., as well as for other vehicles such as ships, etc. (both manned and unmanned).

Claims

The above invention introduces an optimized black box for vehicles (e.g. airplanes) with a black box, a central receiver, a number of cameras, a microphone, a temperature sensor, GPS, a vibration sensor, a battery, and a memory. It is planned to upgrade the quality and efficiency items related to safety of the black box. The invention consists of two designs, A and B. In the design A black box, the information is sent online to the ground station with the help of high-speed internet or other methods. If the data transfer rate is low, the design A black box can no longer be used and the design B black box can be used.
According to Claim 1, all data recorded by FDAU, cameras, microphones, GPSs, temperature sensors, etc. are transmitted to the central receiver, then to the black box, and finally to the ground station.
According to Claim 1, several cameras, microphones, and temperature sensors are located in different parts of the aircraft to accurately monitor the aircraft's technical performance and the internal conditions and space around the aircraft. Data recorded by cameras and temperature sensors is used to investigate the causes of an accidents, to fix technical defects, and to identify security threats.
According to Claim 1, cameras, microphones, GPS, temperature sensors, FDAU and all other relevant components can be connected to the central receiver by wire or wirelessly.
According to Claim 1, design B black box has the characteristics of being able to detach from the plane before the crash, landing the black box with a parachute, communicating between the black box and the aircraft until the last moment of the crash (wirelessly or with wire), The black box floats on the water and also transmits the black box recorded data to the ground station after the accident (via the Internet or other methods).
According to Claim 5, the black box can float on water by creating an empty space in the black box.
According to Claim 5, design B black box can be detached manually by the pilot or automatically from the aircraft.