Test device for military equipment and system with such a test device

Abstract

Test device (20) for military equipment (10), comprising: at least one test component (22) for testing an electronic component (12) of the military equipment (10) and a test controller (24) for operating the at least one test component (22), wherein the test controller (24) - has at least one hardware-neutral communication interface (25) for data communication with an operator device (30), - for data communication with the operating device (30) has a web server (26) connected to at least one communication interface (25) and - for operating at least one test component (22) integrated into the electronic component (12) of the military equipment (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a test device for military equipment, a test system with such a test device and a military equipment system with such a test device.

[0002] Military equipment, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, contains one or more components that must be tested, for example, during the development phase, the manufacturing phase, for calibration, and / or for maintenance. The test equipment used for this purpose typically has at least one test component for testing at least one component of the respective military equipment and a test controller for operating this at least one test component. The test controller is also equipped with a communication interface for data communication with a user's operating device. Particularly in the field of military equipment, highly specialized, typically proprietary, and usually binary communication interfaces are generally used.Consequently, the operator panels and communication links must also be highly specialized to enable data communication with the test equipment via such proprietary communication interfaces for conducting the necessary tests. Depending on the design of the test equipment's communication technology, the operator panels may be tied to specific (especially proprietary) hardware, operating systems, and / or their own communication interfaces, or their hardware, operating systems, and / or communication interfaces may need to be adapted to the respective test equipment. This results in complex obsolescence management for the communication interfaces and the operator panel, as well as very costly adaptation or redevelopment of the operator panels.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2008 054 264 A1 discloses a test setup for a missile. The missile is connected to a service device via an interface device, an umbilical interface, or a telemetry interface. The service device, in turn, is connected to an external computer via a USB or Milbus connection. The service device integrates components intended as hardware components for final acceptance testing during manufacturing. For communication with the missile and the external computer, and for controlling the hardware components integrated into or connectable to the service device, the service device includes a communication and control computer.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2019 104 055 A1 deals with a diagnostic system for motor vehicles, designed for testing vehicle-related online services, such as activating a horn or hazard warning lights via a smartphone app, within the overall system. For this purpose, the diagnostic system is equipped with, among other things, a vehicle interface for communication with a vehicle-specific bus system and an online interface for communication with the internet. A common transmission protocol for the vehicle interface is the ISO transport protocol, while for the online interface, examples include HTTP, HTTPS, and RESTful APIs based on these, using XML, SOAP, and / or JSON, JSONP. To test an online service, a test case must be able to communicate with both the vehicle-specific bus system and the online interface of the vehicle-related online service on the internet.

[0005] German patent DE 103 29 667 A1 deals with a method for controlling test instruments via a network. It proposes using an extensible, self-documenting language, such as XML, to describe data and provide an application programming interface for controlling the test instruments via the network.

[0006] The purpose of the invention is to create a simplified execution of testing processes for military equipment.

[0007] This problem is solved by the doctrine of independent claims. Particularly advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, the test device for military equipment comprises at least one test component for testing an electronic component of the military equipment and a test controller for operating the at least one test component, wherein the test controller has at least one hardware-neutral communication interface for data communication with an operator device. According to the invention, it is proposed that the test controller for data communication with an operator device includes a web server connected to the at least one communication interface. To implement the hardware-neutral communication interface, it is proposed in one embodiment of the invention that the test controller, together with its at least one communication interface, is configured to use a self-describing data format for communication data with an operator device.

[0009] By using a hardware-neutral communication interface, it is possible to use simple operator devices with standard hardware and software, such as a commercial off-the-shelf PC, to execute a test process. In contrast to conventional test setups with special / proprietary communication interfaces, simple / standard / universal operator devices without special hardware and software can be used to interact with the test setup according to the invention. These devices are generally available to users and their hardware and software do not need to be adapted when the test setup is modified. This is possible because simple / standard / universal operator devices typically use self-describing data formats and usually also include a web browser.The testing process is therefore more efficient for the user, requiring less customization and exhibiting fewer obsolescence disadvantages, thanks to a simple operating device. By using hardware-neutral communication interfaces via self-describing data formats and / or web servers, application-specific security requirements such as user authentication, encryption, and tamper protection via digital signatures can also be easily implemented if needed. Furthermore, the use of self-describing data formats and / or web servers is fundamentally possible via any digital transmission channel, allowing the use of simple / standard / universal communication connections between the test device and the operating device. These communication connections can be either wired or wireless (e.g., radio technology).

[0010] The test components and the test controller of the test fixture can, in principle, be separate elements. In the case of an electrical test component, it can also be integrated with the test controller. If the test fixture has several test components, preferably a common test controller with a common communication interface can be used, or alternatively, several test controllers (optionally coupled to each other or to a central controller) and / or several communication interfaces can be used.

[0011] Within the scope of the invention, depending on the embodiment, the test device can be coupled to the military equipment to be tested as a separate component, mechanically and / or electrically, or be continuously integrated into the military equipment to be tested.

[0012] The test device according to the invention is, in principle, applicable to any military equipment. The military equipment to be tested can be, for example, an unmanned aerial vehicle (e.g., guided missile) (unarmed or armed), a missile launcher on a carrier (e.g., carrier vehicle, carrier aircraft), a weapon system (e.g., of a missile or aircraft), field equipment, and the like. The test device according to the invention is, in principle, applicable at any location (e.g., laboratory, production facility, field) and at any time (e.g., development phase, manufacturing phase, calibration phase, maintenance procedure). In this context, testing should optionally include, in addition to checking functionality, adjustment (e.g., calibration or modification), repair, and / or correction.

[0013] The self-describing data format used by the test controller according to one embodiment of the invention for the communication data is preferably a text format, such as JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) or XML (Extensible Markup Language). Both formats are characterized by being readable by both humans and machines. JSON is a standardized data format for encoding structured information in machine-readable text form. JSON-encoded data can be processed natively by web browsers using JavaScript, for example, and is also natively supported by many programming languages ​​such as Java and Python. For many other programming languages, libraries exist for the automatic conversion of JSON-encoded data into data structures of the respective programming language.This allows the retrieval and evaluation of test data to be largely decoupled from the operating system software and the hardware on the operator panel. A further advantage of JSON encoding is that all data is represented in readable text, which can greatly simplify troubleshooting by the user on the operator panel.

[0014] Preferably, the test controller, along with its at least one communication interface, can also be configured to receive operating commands from an operator device in the form of HTTP requests. HTTP requests allow for machine-readable encoding of operating commands in text form and also enable the integration of authentication mechanisms if required for the specific application. HTTP requests can be generated natively by all web browsers, for example, using web forms or JavaScript, and are also natively supported by many programming languages ​​such as Java and Python. This allows the commanding of test processes on an electronic component to be largely decoupled from the operating system software and the hardware on the operator device side.Another advantage of HTTP requests is that all data is transmitted in readable text, which can greatly simplify troubleshooting, for example, by using network analysis software.

[0015] Preferably, the test controller, together with its at least one communication interface, can also be configured to perform data recording from the at least one test component using HTTP streams, which in particular enables real-time data recording. A further advantage of HTTP streams is that they can not only be stored but also processed online by software as needed, for example, to display a real-time viewfinder image of a missile's seeker head (military equipment) to the user.

[0016] Preferably, the test controller, together with its at least one communication interface, can also be configured to receive reprogramming instructions from an operator device and to reprogram the test controller accordingly. If the military equipment under test contains an electronic component (e.g., an on-board computer for controlling the operation of the military equipment), the test controller, together with its at least one communication interface, can additionally or alternatively be configured to receive reprogramming instructions from an operator device and to reprogram the electronic component accordingly. The use of hardware-neutral communication interfaces also enables hardware-neutral reprogramming of the test controller and / or the electronic component.

[0017] Since the military equipment to be tested contains an electronic component (e.g., an on-board computer for controlling the operation of the military equipment), the test control for operating the at least one test component is integrated into this electronic component of the military equipment according to the invention. The integrated test control can, for example, be implemented by one of several processors of the electronic component. In this embodiment, the entire test device can preferably be integrated into the military equipment. For example, the integrated test device can include a virtual test component for testing the electronic component, which is also integrated into the electronic component by a processor.The integrated test controller / test component is preferably decoupled, both in terms of hardware and software, from the rest of the electronic components of the military equipment to ensure the reliable operation of the electronic component and, consequently, the military equipment as a whole. Integrating the test fixture, or at least its test controller, into the electronic component can eliminate or at least reduce the need for dedicated test fixtures, thereby significantly reducing the costs and time required for the testing process.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, a test system for testing military equipment comprises one or more test devices of the invention described above for testing the military equipment and an operating device for controlling the test controllers of the one or more test devices and processing the test data of the one or more test devices, wherein the operating device comprises an operating control for operating the operating device with at least one communication interface for communicating with the one or more test devices and a user interface.

[0019] This test system offers the same advantages as explained above in connection with the test device of the invention. The operating device is, for example, a simple / standard / universal computer device (optionally also mobile, e.g., a laptop). Standard operating devices generally use self-describing data formats and usually also have a web browser, so data communication with the test control configured according to the invention is easily achievable.

[0020] In this context, processing test data includes, for example, evaluation and presentation. Controlling the test controllers includes, for example, starting the test process and selecting a test process from several possible options. The user interface of the operating device may have, for example, a touchscreen display or a display and a separate input element.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the invention, a military equipment system comprises military equipment with a testable electronic component, one or more test devices of the invention described above for testing the military equipment, and an operating device for controlling the test controllers of the one or more test devices and processing the test data of the one or more test devices, wherein the operating device comprises an operating control for operating the operating device with at least one communication interface for communicating with the one or more test devices and a user interface.

[0022] This military equipment system offers the same advantages as explained above in connection with the test apparatus of the invention. Regarding the operating device, please refer to the additional explanations above in connection with the test system.

[0023] In the test system or military equipment system, at least one communication interface of the operator device can be connected to the communication interfaces of one or more test devices either via a wired connection (e.g., USB, Ethernet, etc.) or wirelessly (e.g., via radio technology such as WLAN or Bluetooth). However, due to security requirements associated with military equipment, wired connections are preferred, also in combination with the web server.

[0024] In the test system or military equipment system, the user interface of the operating device may preferably have a graphical web user interface (e.g. using Web GUI), which enables a very user-friendly display of test data and input of test instructions.

[0025] The above features and advantages of the invention, as well as others, will become clearer from the following description of preferred, non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing. This drawing shows, mostly schematically: Fig. 1. An exemplary structure of a military equipment system not falling within the scope of the invention; and Fig. 2. A structure of a military equipment system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates by way of example a first possible embodiment of the invention defined in the claims.

[0026] The military equipment 10 to be tested is, for example, an unmanned aerial vehicle which in this case contains an on-board computer for operational control (electronic component within the meaning of the invention) 12 and at least one other (for example) mechanical component 14, both of which can / should be tested.

[0027] The test device 20 for testing components 12 and 14 of the military equipment 10 is, in this example, a separate component that can be attached to the military equipment 10. The test device 20 contains at least one test component 22 for testing components 12 and 14 of the military equipment 10. Depending on the type and number of components 12 and 14 to be tested, the at least one test component 22 of the test device 20 can have a common test component for two or more components to be tested and / or at least one individual test component for a single component to be tested.

[0028] The at least one test component 22 of the test device 20 is operated by a test controller 24. The test device 20 can have a single test controller 24 for all test components 22. The test controller 24 is configured to control the at least one test component 22, i.e., for example, to start the test procedure, to select the respective test procedure in the case of several components 12, 14 to be tested, to select a respective test procedure in the case of several possible test procedures (e.g., functional test, calibration, modification of component 12, 14), to select a respective test procedure in the case of variable test procedures, and to receive test signals / test data acquired by the at least one test component 22.

[0029] The test device 20 is controlled / operated by a user via a computer (operating device within the meaning of the invention) 30. For this purpose, the operating device 30 communicates with the test controller 24 of the test device 20 to transmit corresponding control signals and test data. The operating device 30 typically includes an operating controller 32, which is connected to at least one communication interface 33, and a user interface 34. The user interface 34 has, for example, a display with touchscreen functionality or a display and an input element.

[0030] To enable the user to use a standard / universal operator panel 30 for a test process, regardless of the specific configuration of the test device 20 and the military equipment 10, the test controller 24 of the test device 20 has a hardware-neutral communication interface 25, which can be configured for either a wired or wireless communication connection 27 with a corresponding communication interface 33 of the operator panel 30. The hardware-neutral communication interface 25 of the test controller 24 is implemented by configuring the test controller 24 and the communication interface 25 to use a self-describing data format for the data to be communicated with the operator panel 30. JSON can preferably be used as the self-describing data format.Optionally, the test controller 24 can additionally or alternatively include a web server 26 connected to the communication interface 25, which also provides a hardware-neutral communication interface 25. Data communication using a self-describing data format and / or a web server 26 is generally possible without problems for normal / universal operator panels 30, since the operator panels 32 can usually also use self-describing data formats and also include a web browser.

[0031] The user can send, for example, operating commands to execute desired test operations in the form of HTTP requests, reprogramming instructions to reprogram the test controller 24, and reprogramming instructions to reprogram the electronic component 12 of the military equipment 10 to the test controller 24 of the test device 20 via the operating device 30. Furthermore, data recording of the test data acquired by the at least one test component 22 can be performed in real time using HTTP streams. For user-friendly operation, the user interface 34 of the operating device 30 preferably has a graphical user interface using a web GUI, so that the acquired and received test data can be presented very clearly to the user and the user can enter the instructions for the desired test operations very conveniently.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention defined in the claims. Identical or corresponding elements are designated with the same reference numerals as in Figure 2. Fig. 1 marked.

[0033] The military equipment 10 to be tested is, for example, an unmanned aerial vehicle which in this embodiment contains an on-board computer for operational control (electronic component within the meaning of the invention) 12 and at least one other (for example) mechanical component 14, both of which can / should be tested.

[0034] Unlike Fig. 1 is the test device 20 for testing the components 12, 14 of the military equipment 10 in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 is integrated into the military equipment 10. Since the military equipment 10 contains an electronic component 12, the test controller 24 is integrated into the electronic component 12, preferably implemented by one or more processors of the electronic component 12. The test controller 24 integrated into the processor(s) of the electronic component 12 can then also form a virtual test component for testing the electronic component 12. For testing the other component 14, a corresponding test component 22 of the test device 20 is installed in the military equipment 10 and connected to the test controller 24.

[0035] The operating device 30 and the data communication between the operating device 30 and the test controller 24 integrated in the electronic component 12 correspond to those of the example according to Fig. 1, so that reference is made only to the above explanations in this regard.

[0036] In other embodiments not shown and not covered by the invention, the test device 20 can also be integrated into the military equipment 10 without the test control 24 of the test device 20 being integrated into the electronic component 12 of the military equipment.

[0037] In other embodiments of the invention, several test devices 20 can also be provided for the several components 12, 14 of the military equipment 10 to be tested. These can either all be attachable to / integrated into the military equipment or be partly attachable and partly integrated. Reference number list 10 Military equipment 12 Electronic components 14 other components 20 Test device 22 Test components 24 Test control 25 Communication interface 26 Web servers 27 Communication link 30 Control unit 32 Operating Control 33 Communication interface 34 User interface

Claims

Test device (20) for military equipment (10), comprising: at least one test component (22) for testing an electronic component (12) of the military equipment (10) and a test controller (24) for operating the at least one test component (22), wherein the test controller (24) has at least one hardware-neutral communication interface (25) for data communication with an operator device (30), has a web server (26) connected to the at least one communication interface (25) for data communication with the operator device (30), and is integrated into the electronic component (12) of the military equipment (10) for operating the at least one test component (22). Test device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the test controller (24) together with its at least one communication interface (25) is configured to use a self-describing data format for the communication data of the data communication with an operator device (30), wherein the self-describing data format for the communication data is preferably a text format. Test device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the test controller (24) together with its at least one communication interface (25) is configured to receive operating commands in the form of HTTP requests from an operator device (30). Test device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the test controller (24) together with its at least one communication interface (25) is configured to perform data recording from the at least one test component (22) using HTTP streams. Test device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the test controller (24) together with its at least one communication interface (25) is configured to receive reprogramming instructions from an operating device (30) and to reprogram the test controller (24) accordingly. Test device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the test controller (24) together with its at least one communication interface (25) is configured to receive reprogramming instructions from an operating device (30) and to reprogram the electronic component (12) of the military equipment (10) to be tested accordingly. Test system for testing military equipment (10), comprising: one or more test devices (20) for testing the military equipment (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6; and an operating device (30) for controlling the test controls (24) of the one or more test devices (20) and processing the test data of the one or more test devices, wherein the operating device (30) comprises an operating control (32) for operating the operating device (30) with at least one communication interface (33) for communicating with the one or more test devices (20) and a user interface (34). Military equipment system comprising: a military equipment (10) with a testable electronic component (12); one or more test devices (20) for testing the military equipment (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and an operating device (30) for controlling the test controllers (24) of the one or more test devices (20) and processing the test data of the one or more test devices, wherein the operating device (30) comprises an operating control (32) for operating the operating device (30) with at least one communication interface (33) for communicating with the one or more test devices (20) and a user interface (34). System according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one communication interface (33) of the operating device (30) can be connected to the communication interfaces (25) of the one or more test devices (20) using a cable connection or wirelessly. System according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the user interface (34) of the operating device (30) has a graphical web user interface.

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