Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Input/output data processing – Peripheral adapting
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-06
2004-04-06
Gaffin, Jeffrey (Department: 2182)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Input/output data processing
Peripheral adapting
C710S008000, C710S011000, C710S072000, C073S17800T, C455S345000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06718409
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a computer system for converting a data stream from one protocol to another protocol. More particularly, this invention relates to a computer system for converting a data stream from the ARINC binary data bus standard 429 to the National Marine Electronics Association standard 0183.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The P-3 domed aircraft has a moving map display in the aircraft for use by the U.S. Customs agency in its surveillance programs which generally involve monitoring drug trafficking. The moving map display uses a computer installed on board the P-3 for displaying a moving map. The computer and its moving map software called “falcon view” require navigation data to be provided to the computer in the National Marine Electronics Association standard 0183 (NMEA-0183). The P-3 aircraft's inertial navigation unit, however, provides navigation data in the ARINC-429 format.
Accordingly, there is a need to convert the navigation data provided by the P-3 aircraft's inertial navigation unit from the ARINC-429 format to the NMEA-0183 format to allow the data to be used by the moving map display'computer. In addition, there is a need to provide a means for converting the navigation data which is small in size because of space limitations on board the P-3 aircraft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes some of the difficulties encountered in the past including those mentioned in that it comprises a highly efficient and effective computer based protocol converter for use on board aircraft with space limitations which converts navigation data from one format to another format for use by the aircraft's moving map display computer. The navigation data is supplied by an on board aircraft inertial navigation unit to the protocol converter in the ARINC-429 protocol which converts the data to the NMEA-0183 protocol. The converted navigation data is then supplied to a moving map display on board the aircraft.
An interface board which is compatible with the ARINC-429 protocol receives ARINC navigation data from the aircraft navigational unit and stores the data prior to its transfer to a PC/AT compatible digital computer. The computer reads the data stored on the interface board including status bits which indicates the validity of the data. A computer software program within the computer converts the ARINC-429 navigational data to NMEA-0183 protocol data. The NMEA-0183 protocol data is transmitted through an RS-232 serial port to the moving map display.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4821217 (1989-04-01), Jackson et al.
patent: 5377109 (1994-12-01), Baker et al.
patent: 6072571 (2000-06-01), Houlberg
patent: 6499027 (2002-12-01), Weinberger
patent: 0 807 888 (1997-11-01), None
patent: WO 99/24909 (1999-05-01), None
-John D. Cremin, “Generating Low Cost Serial Waveforms for GPS Applications”, Saint Louis University.*
-“ARINC 429 to NMEA 0183 Protocol Converter” ©2003. http://www.yed.com/A429toNMEA.htm□□http://www.hotektech.com/yedconverters.htm.
Casiano Angel L
Gaffin Jeffrey
Kalmbaugh David S.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
LandOfFree
National marine electronics association protocol converter does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with National marine electronics association protocol converter, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and National marine electronics association protocol converter will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3260970