The 1st period consisted in specification work, with anticipated start of TRL4 prototype development for the audio headset, tablet and connected headset.
The 2nd period was focused on the achievement of TRL4 (lab test) for the audio headset and tablet, successfully validated by AIRBUS. It was also decided not to develop another application in WP4.
The 3rd period was marked by the achievement of TRL5 (cockpit test) late 2021 for the audio headset and tablet. The strong constraint of robustness to obstacles was overcome, and mobility could be efficiently demonstrated with an intrinsically secured connection.
COVID-19 seriously affected the project. A 6-month extension was approved by the JU to deal with its consequences. The technical challenge however was so high that TRL5 could not be fully achieved for WP3 - connected headset.
Main results are:
Audio headset:
o Successful demonstrator of 2 wireless headsets + 1 access point installed in an A350 cockpit simulator. Objectives in terms of mobility were met.
o Full duplex communication for up to 4 headsets with audio performances equivalent to a wired headset. Audio latency <2ms.
Tablet:
o Successful implementation of the LiFi tablet system towards both TRL4 & TRL5. Successful demonstration during review sessions and tests in A350 cockpit simulator with 2 LiFi enabled tablets + 1 access point. All TRL5 Criteria defined by AIRBUS were passed.
o Full duplex communication of the tablet system while showing significant improvement on system performance wrt resilience against obstacles, with the implementation of multiple transceiver concept.
o Simultaneous operation with the headset system, using the design and implementation on multi-user management.
Connected headset:
o TRL4 & TRL5 specification of a connected headset
o Prototype of aviation headset equipped with IMU, heart rate & presence sensors
o Graphical interface to display & recording of sensors data
o Optical communication protocol that sends physiological data along with audio data, with latency <2ms
o Full simulation model of optical propagation in the cockpit, with several parameters: number of users, mobility, presence of smoke, ambient noise linked to solar radiation
o Evaluation of latency on a IEEE802.11 compliant USRP radio set up with custom designed front end
Other applications:
o 149 ideas downselected to 28.
o Technical and financial evaluation of 5 pre-selected ideas
o Selection of one application by AIRBUS: “optical backbone”
LiFi technology in A/C evaluation:
o Good knowledge of LiFi communication standards through continuous monitoring
o Security assessment of LiFi applications in the cockpit
o Successful cross testing of LiFi headset & tablet in an A350 cockpit simulator
o Impact analysis of the introduction of LiFi technology in the A/C
o Performance and benefits/costs balance comparison of LiFi headset and tablet against other technologies
o LiFi certification recommendations, with drafts for new standards for LiFi-enabled headset and tablet
Management, dissemination and exploitation
o Day-to-day contractual management
o Several dissemination activities with global outreach: 1 PhD thesis, 2 articles, online webinar, participation to trade fairs, etc.
