Abstract: According to one embodiment, an airborne communication network includes a node configured on an aircraft having one or more communication devices that communicate using a native communication protocol. The node includes an information conversion system that receives information formatted according to the native communication protocol from the communication devices, encapsulates the information in packets according to a common communication protocol, and stores the packets in a mass storage device. The packets may then be published for receipt by other nodes configured on other aircraft. The information conversion system may also subscribe to packets stored in the nodes of other aircraft.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an airborne communication network includes a node configured on an aircraft having one or more communication devices that communicate using a native communication protocol. The node includes an information conversion system that receives information formatted according to the native communication protocol from the communication devices, encapsulates the information in packets according to a common communication protocol, and stores the packets in a mass storage device. The packets may then be published for receipt by other nodes configured on other aircraft. The information conversion system may also subscribe to packets stored in the nodes of other aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method to provide extensibility to an existing vehicular control network. To provide such extensibility, an information layer network incorporating a protocol such as an Ethernet protocol in which additional peripheral devices may be easily coupled thereto or additional software applications providing enhanced functionality. Interfacing of the information layer to the vehicular control network is accomplished via an Information layer interface mechanism that translates signals from those compliant to the vehicular control network to those compliant with the information layer. Additionally, means are disclosed to provide for momentary control over one or more peripheral devices that are coupled to the vehicular control network via peripheral devices that are coupled to the information layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft computing and display device that includes a general purpose processor, a touch screen display and a housing. The processor executes logical instructions in the form of computer software. The touch screen display forms an interactive human-machine interface by displaying video graphics and accepting user input with a pressure sensitive surface. The housing retains the processor and the touch screen and is physically configured to replace a legacy device mounted in a cockpit instrument panel of the aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft computing and display device that includes a general purpose processor, a touch screen display and a housing. The processor executes logical instructions in the form of computer software. The touch screen display forms an interactive human-machine interface by displaying video graphics and accepting user input with a pressure sensitive surface. The housing retains the processor and the touch screen and is physically configured to replace a legacy device mounted in a cockpit instrument panel of the aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a programmable computing and display device for upgrading a cockpit instrument panel of an aircraft. The programmable computing and display device includes a plurality of processing units; a network backbone that establishes a network among the processing units for the exchange of network data traffic; at least one display to display video graphics to a cockpit crew member; and a modular assembly that retains the processing units, the network backbone and the display.