METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AID IN MAINTENANCE DECISION-MAKING FOR AN EQUIPMENT SUCH AS AN AIRCRAFT, AND CORRESPONDING METHODS FOR MODEL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

Abstract

A method is proposed to aid in maintenance decisions for a device, such as an aircraft, on which a technical failure is detected and recorded in a flight log, referred to as the "process entry." The method comprises: receiving the process entry; querying a model with the process entry; and providing a user with a result generated by the model, including a list of responses associated with a group of entries selected by the model because they contain entries with a meaning identical or similar, in terms of describing the technical failure, to the meaning of the process entry. Using this list, the user can quickly and efficiently provide a response to the process entry. A method for building the model from data (inputs and responses) collected from the flight logs of a fleet of aircraft is also proposed. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AID IN DECISION-MAKING REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE OF AN AIRCRAFT SUCH AS AN AIRCRAFT, AND CORRESPONDING METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTING A MODEL AND MAINTAINING IT technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the maintenance of devices, in particular but not exclusively aircraft.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for assisting in a maintenance decision concerning a device on which a technical failure is detected and is recorded in a logbook of the device.

[0003] The present invention also relates to an assistance device, as well as a computer program product and a storage medium, enabling the implementation of such a maintenance decision support method.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a method of constructing a model configured for use in the aforementioned maintenance decision support method.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a maintenance method using the aforementioned maintenance decision support method.

[0006] The present invention is not limited to aircraft but also applies to many other devices (vehicles, machines, devices, equipment, etc.) requiring maintenance and for which there is a logbook containing entries (recording the technical failures detected on the device) and corresponding responses (recording the maintenance procedures that made it possible to respond to these failures). STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0007] We now present the prior art in the case of aircraft maintenance. This discussion can easily be transposed to the maintenance of other types of equipment.

[0008] All maintenance operations performed on an aircraft (new parts added, date of inspection, etc.) are recorded in a logbook in an organized and predetermined format. When an entry (also called a "logbook entry" or "complaint") is made in the logbook by the pilots, cabin crew, or mechanics, the next flight is only authorized once a corresponding response is recorded and accepted. by the crew that will perform this next flight. Each entry in an aircraft's logbook relates to a technical failure detected on that aircraft (alarm, anomaly or other event observed by the crew during the flight or on the ground), and the associated response indicates a maintenance procedure (also called "repair procedure" or "troubleshooting procedure") that addressed this technical failure.

[0009] The standard procedure for responding to a logbook entry involves using available aircraft data (e.g., the Post Flight Report, or PFR) and the details of the logbook entry so that a maintenance operator (mechanic) can begin the diagnostic procedure. The diagnostic procedure is guided by the Troubleshooting Manual (TSM) to isolate the cause of the malfunction and link it to an appropriate maintenance (repair) procedure. Maintenance procedures are available in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). Originally in paper format, the TSM and AMM are now electronic documents that the maintenance operator can navigate freely using hyperlinks.Similarly, the logbook, which was originally in paper format, is now presented as an electronic document called an "eLogbook". The paper logbook may also be digitized manually, by transcribing its contents by operators, or digitized automatically (for example, using a scanner and character recognition software).

[0010] The aforementioned standard procedure for responding to a logbook entry is satisfactory, but there is a need for further improvement. Indeed, for the maintenance operator, who often intervenes during the aircraft's turnaround time (TAT), it can be time-consuming and may require several attempts to identify the correct maintenance procedure. In fact, the troubleshooting procedure (based on the TSM manual) and the associated tests (based on the AMM manual) can be very time-consuming. Furthermore, closing the logbook entry (complaint) may require several attempts to identify the correct procedure for correcting the reported anomaly.In other words, in the standard procedure, the mechanic, in order to identify the maintenance action that will resolve the anomaly reported in the logbook entry (complaint logbook), must use the TSM manual which requires him to perform several maintenance actions (described in the AMM manual) before arriving at the final resolution action also described in the AMM manual. Description of the invention

[0011] A method is proposed, implemented by an assistance device comprising electronic circuitry, for assisting in a maintenance decision relating to a device on which a technical failure is detected and recorded in the device's logbook, referred to as the entry to be processed, the method comprising: - receive the entry to be processed (logbook complaint); - query, with the input to be processed, a model configured to provide, when queried with a given input, a result comprising a list of responses associated with a group of inputs selected from a plurality of input groups, each input group being formed from entries included in collected data and having a common meaning in terms of describing technical failures, each input group being associated with a list of responses generated from the responses associated with the entries of said input group, the selected input group comprising entries having an identical or similar meaning, in terms of describing technical failures, to the meaning of the given input, the collected data coming from the logbooks of a fleet of aircraft and comprising entries relating to technical failures detected on the aircraft of the fleet, and associated responses,indicating the maintenance procedures that addressed these technical failures; And - provide a user with the result of querying the model with the input to be processed, the result including the list of responses associated with the group of inputs selected by the model based on the input to be processed.

[0012] Thus, the proposed solution helps a user to easily and quickly choose the most relevant and effective maintenance procedure (action), thereby providing a rapid and efficient response to an entry in the logbook of an aircraft. It uses a model based on data collected from the logbooks of a fleet of aircraft, comprising entries and their associated responses. Indeed, considering that all the aircraft in this fleet are flying or are technically ready to fly, it can be concluded that all the logbook entries for these aircraft have received an effective response accepted by the pilots.When the model is queried with a log entry to be processed, it provides a result comprising a list of responses that are associated with entries having an identical or similar meaning, in terms of describing technical failures, to the meaning of the entry to be processed. In other words, using millions of log entries and... The corresponding answers, the proposed solution makes it possible to effectively guide the user (for example a maintenance operator) by listing answers already provided in the past (for other devices, in response to identical or similar inputs).

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the device is an aircraft.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the list of answers associated with the group The selected entries include references belonging to the group comprising: - references to an aircraft maintenance manual, known as AMM references, for "Aircraft Maintenance Manual" in English; and - references from a master minimum equipment list, known as MMEL references, for "Master Minimum Equipment List" in English.

[0015] Thus, the user can easily understand the list of responses (MMA reference(s) and / or MMEL reference(s)) provided by the execution of the method. It should be noted that the MMEL is a categorized list of onboard systems, instruments, and equipment that may be inoperative for a limited number of flights for a specified aircraft model.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, each of the answers, included in the list of answers associated with the selected input group, is associated with an efficiency information.

[0017] Thus, the user can easily compare the answers contained in the list of answers provided by the execution of the process.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the responses, included in the list of responses associated with the selected input group, are sorted according to the efficiency information to which said responses are associated.

[0019] Thus, the user can more easily choose an answer from the list of answers provided by the execution of the process.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the efficiency information associated with a given response is a function of at least one parameter belonging to the group comprising: - the number of occurrences of the given response in the data collected by the model; and - a period of time during which no new occurrences of the given response appear in the data collected by the model.

[0021] In this way, efficiency information is calculated in a simple and relevant manner.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, the list of responses associated with the selected input group includes: - a first sublist, called the repair list, containing responses that have each prevented a further occurrence of the associated entry for at least a predetermined reference period; and - a second sublist, called the release list, containing responses which each prevented a new occurrence of the associated entry for a period shorter than the predetermined reference period.

[0023] Thus, the amount of information provided to the user is further increased in order to compare the answers contained in the list of answers provided by the execution of the process.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, the result of querying the model with the input to be processed further includes at least one possible operational impact indicator.

[0025] Thus, the amount of information provided to the user is further increased in order to compare the answers contained in the list of answers provided by the execution of the process.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one possible operational impact indicator belongs to the group comprising: - an aircraft delay indicator exceeding a predetermined threshold; - an aircraft flight cancellation indicator; - an aircraft return-to-home indicator; and - an indicator of aircraft destination change.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one possible operational impact indicator has a value that is a function of previously obtained possible operational impact values ​​for at least some of the responses in the response list associated with the selected input group.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises: - receipt of a response selected by the user from the list of responses associated with the selected input group; and - add the selected answer to the data collected and processed by the model, associating the selected answer with the input to be processed.

[0029] Thus, we continue to enrich the data collected and therefore improve the efficiency of the model.

[0030] A computer program product is also proposed, comprising instructions leading to the execution, by a processor, of the maintenance decision support process mentioned above according to any of its embodiments, when said instructions are executed by the processor.

[0031] A storage medium is also proposed, storing such instructions.

[0032] An assistance device is also proposed comprising electronic circuitry configured to implement the maintenance decision support process mentioned above according to any one of its embodiments.

[0033] A computer-implemented method is also proposed for constructing a model configured for use in a process, mentioned above according to any one of its embodiments, for assisting in a maintenance decision relating to a device on which a technical failure is detected and recorded in the device's logbook, referred to as the entry to be processed, the model construction method comprising: - receive data collected in logbooks of a fleet of devices and including entries and associated responses, each entry being related to a given technical failure detected on one of the devices in the fleet of devices, and being associated with a response indicating a maintenance procedure which made it possible to respond to the given technical failure; - to form groups of entries from the entries included in the collected data, the entries of the same group having a common meaning in terms of describing technical failure; - associate with each group of inputs a list of answers generated from the answers associated with the inputs of said group of inputs; and - learn to provide, when the model is queried with a given input to be processed, a result comprising a list of responses associated with a group of inputs selected from the plurality of input groups, the selected input group comprising inputs having an identical or close meaning, in terms of describing technical failure, to the meaning of the given input to be processed.

[0034] Thus, the greater the quantity of data collected and processed, the more effective the constructed model is (i.e., the more relevant is the list of responses provided by the model when executing the aforementioned maintenance decision support process).

[0035] A maintenance procedure is also proposed for an apparatus on which a technical failure is detected and recorded in an apparatus logbook, referred to as an entry to be processed, the maintenance procedure comprising: - execute the maintenance decision support process mentioned above, according to any of its embodiments, the support process receiving the input to be processed and providing a result comprising a list of responses associated with a group of inputs selected according to the input to be processed; - choose an answer from the list of answers; and - perform a maintenance procedure indicated in the chosen answer. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of at least one exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0037] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates the construction of a model (configured to be used in a maintenance decision support algorithm) by an assistance device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0038] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the input analysis sub-block, included in the assistance device of [Fig.1], in one embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the response analysis sub-block, included in the assistance device of [Fig.1], in one embodiment of the invention;

[0040] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an algorithm for constructing a model (configured to be used in a maintenance decision support algorithm), according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0041] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the provision of assistance for a maintenance decision, by the assistance device of [Fig.1], according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0042] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an algorithm for assisting in a maintenance decision (using the aforementioned model), according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0043] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates an example of a human-machine interface implemented by the maintenance device during the execution of the maintenance decision support algorithm of [Fig.6], in one embodiment of the invention;

[0044] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates an example of the hardware architecture of the assistance device of [Fig.1], according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0045] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates an example of an aircraft maintenance algorithm (using the aforementioned helper algorithm).

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

[0047] The detailed description below focuses on describing the proposed solution in the context of aircraft maintenance. As already mentioned above, the proposed solution is not limited to this particular context and also applies to the maintenance of many other devices (vehicles, machines, devices, equipment, etc.) for which there is a logbook containing entries (recording the technical failures detected on the device) and corresponding responses (recording the maintenance procedures that addressed these failures).

[0048] The presentation below is broken down as follows: the construction of a model by an assistance device is presented in relation to Figs. 1 to 4; the use of this model, in a helper algorithm executed by an assistance device, is presented in relation to Figs. 5 to 7; the hardware architecture of this assistance device is presented in relation to [Fig. 8]; and a maintenance algorithm using this helper algorithm is presented in relation to [Fig. 9].

[0049] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the construction of a model 109 by an assistance device 103, according to one embodiment of the invention. As detailed later, this model is configured for use in a maintenance decision support algorithm for an aircraft on which a technical failure is detected and recorded in an aircraft logbook.

[0050] The assistance device 103 (also called LADS, for "Logbook Answer Decision Support") receives data 102 collected from the flight logs of a fleet of aircraft 101. The collected data 102 includes entries and associated responses. Each entry relates to a given technical failure detected on one of the aircraft in the fleet 101 and is associated with a response indicating a maintenance procedure that addressed the given technical failure.

[0051] The assistance device 103 comprises two main functional blocks: a model construction block 104 (which will now be described in more detail) and a model use block 108 (which is described below in relation to Figs. 5 to 7).

[0052] The model construction block 104 comprises the following functional sub-blocks: an input analysis sub-block 105, a response analysis sub-block 106, and a fusion sub-block 107 of inputs and responses (after their analysis by sub-blocks 105 and 106 respectively), providing the model 109 to the model use block 108.

[0053] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a model construction algorithm according to one embodiment of the invention. This algorithm is executed by the assistance device 103 of Figure 1, and more specifically by the model construction block 104.

[0054] In a step 401, the assistance device receives the collected data 102, including inputs and responses.

[0055] In step 402, the assistance device forms input groups from the inputs included in the collected data. The criterion for forming the input groups is that the inputs in the same group have a common meaning in terms of describing a technical failure.

[0056] In a step 403, the assistance device associates with each group of inputs a list of responses generated from the responses associated with the inputs of that group of inputs.

[0057] In step 404, the assistance device learns to provide a result when the model is queried with a given input to be processed. This result comprises a list of responses associated with a group of inputs selected from among the plurality of input groups. The selected input group is the one comprising inputs having a meaning identical or similar, in terms of describing a technical failure, to the meaning of the given input to be processed.

[0058] Figure 2 schematically illustrates input analysis subblock 105, comprising in the assistance device 103 of [Fig. 1] (and more specifically in the model construction block 104), in one embodiment of the invention. The input analysis sub-block 105 itself comprises functional sub-blocks referenced 201 to 208 and described below.

[0059] Subblock 201 (also called "Receiving entries") receives the entries ("logbook entries" in English) included in the collected data 102.

[0060] Subblock 202 (also called "Cleaning") performs a cleaning of the received inputs. This cleaning includes a normalization of the entries in the flight logs of the aircraft in fleet 101, for example by using a standard natural language processing (or NLP) process which makes it possible in particular to correct typos, acronyms and produce clear text.

[0061] Subblock 203 (also called "Substitution") standardizes the vocabulary used in the entries, according to the specifics of a certain aircraft type (e.g., FA350). For example, if the aircraft element "spoiler" is designated by different terms in the different entries (e.g., "splr" and "splrs"), only one term is retained. For example, if the term "splr" is retained, all instances of "splrs" are replaced by "splr".

[0062] Sub-block 204 (also called "Additional Cleaning") performs further cleaning of the inputs to remove (filter) those whose associated responses are deemed ultimately inconclusive. In one embodiment, the execution of sub-block 204 utilizes the judgment and / or knowledge of the aircraft manufacturer (e.g., members of the engineering department and / or customer support department).

[0063] Subblock 205 (also called "Deletion") performs a deletion of irrelevant data in the labeling of the entries.

[0064] Subblock 206 (also called "Additional Substitution") performs a search for synonymous terms in the entries, to retain only one of these synonymous terms in the relevant entries.

[0065] Subblock 207 (also called "N-Gram Group Formation") forms groups (clusters) of n-grams (sets of successive words) contained in the inputs. To do this, the word sequence and the distances between words are studied, and when a similarity is detected in a word sequence and frequency, a new group of n-grams is formed or an n-gram is added to an existing group of n-grams.

[0066] Subblock 208 (also called "Entry Group Formation") forms input groups (clusters) based on the n-gram groups (clusters) formed by subblock 207. Each input group contains entries with a common meaning in terms of describing a technical failure. Subblock 208 uses, for example, artificial intelligence (AI).

[0067] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the response analysis sub-block 106, included in the assistance device 103 of Figure 1 (and more specifically in the model construction block 104), in one embodiment of the invention. The response analysis sub-block 106 itself comprises functional sub-blocks referenced 301 to 305 and described below.

[0068] Subblock 301 (also called "Response Reception") receives the responses ("logbook responses") included in the collected data 102.

[0069] Subblock 302 (also called "Identification References") identifies AMM and MMEL references contained in the responses received and retains only those responses containing an AMM or MMEL reference. AMM references (for "Aircraft Maintenance Manual") are references mentioned in the aircraft maintenance manual. MMEL references (for "Master Minimum Equipment List") are references mentioned in a master minimum equipment list.

[0070] Subblock 303 (also called "Substitution") performs a homogenization of the vocabulary used in the responses, according to the specificities of a certain type of aircraft (for example the A350).

[0071] Sub-block 304 (also called "Additional Cleaning") performs further cleaning of the responses, in order to remove those deemed ultimately inconclusive. In one embodiment, the execution of sub-block 304 uses (as with sub-block 204) the judgment and / or knowledge of the aircraft manufacturer (for example, members of the engineering department and / or the customer support department).

[0072] Subblock 305 (also called "Deletion") removes irrelevant data from the response labels, retaining only standardized labels for AMM references (e.g., the first six digits) or MMEL references. For example, when a maintenance operator describes their repair procedure, they might include information that is irrelevant to the actual repair (e.g., "I inserted pins and then removed them": it is understood that the operator will remove them, so there is no need to state this). This information, which is not related to the repair itself, is deleted, leaving only the information pertaining to essential maintenance actions.

[0073] Thus, referring to the description in [Fig. 1], sub-block 107 (for merging inputs and responses) receives, on the one hand, the input clusters provided by sub-block 105 for input analysis and, on the other hand, the processed responses (comprising only AMM or MMEL references) provided by sub-block 106 for response analysis. From all these received elements, sub-block 107 generates model 109 and provides it to block 108 for model use. In the model, as already mentioned above, each input group is associated with a list of responses generated from the responses associated with the inputs in that input group. Furthermore, the model is configured to learn to provide a result when it is queried with a given input to be processed. This result comprises a list of responses associated with an input group selected from among the plurality of input groups.The selected group of entries is the one comprising entries having an identical or similar meaning, in terms of describing technical failures, to the meaning of the given entry to be processed.

[0074] Figure 5 schematically illustrates the provision of maintenance decision support by the assistance device 103 of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention using the aforementioned model 109. In summary, a user 500 queries the assistance device 103 with an input to be processed 501, and in return, the assistance device 103, and more specifically block 108, uses the model 109 to provide a result 502 (a list of responses associated with a selected group of inputs) to the user. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the response 503 selected by the user is provided, along with the input to be processed 501, to the model building block 104, in order to enrich the model.

[0075] Many types of users can benefit from the proposed solution, including but not limited to: - a maintenance operator; - a member of the aircraft crew; - a member of a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO); - a member of an approved maintenance organization (or AMO for "Approved Maintenance Organization" in English): - a member of a customer service department of an aircraft manufacturer; - a member of an aircraft manufacturer's engineering department; - a member of a control service and updating of a manual aircraft troubleshooting (or TSM for "TroubleShooting Manual" in English); - a member of an aircraft maintenance control center (or MCC for "Maintenance Control Center" in English); - a member of an electronic logbook provider; - etc.

[0076] More specifically, [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates a maintenance decision support algorithm (using the aforementioned model), according to one embodiment of the invention. This algorithm is executed by the support device 103 of [Fig. 1].

[0077] In a step 601, the assistance device receives the input to be processed 501, via a human-machine interface.

[0078] In a step 602, the assistance device queries the model with the input to be processed, so that the model selects a group of inputs (that which includes inputs having an identical or close meaning, in terms of the description of technical failure, to the meaning of the input to be processed) and provides a result including the list of responses associated with this selected group of inputs.

[0079] In a step 603, the assistance device provides the result to the user, via the aforementioned human-machine interface.

[0080] In a step 604, the assistance device receives the response 503 selected by the user from the list of responses associated with the selected input group.

[0081] In a step 605, the assistance device adds the selected answer 503 to the data collected and processed by the model, associating the selected answer 503 with the input to be processed 501.

[0082] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an example of a human-machine interface 700 implemented by the maintenance device 103 during the execution of the maintenance decision support algorithm of Fig. 6, in one embodiment of the invention.

[0083] The human-machine interface 700 is in this example an interface displayed on a display screen and comprising an input field 701 and three result fields 702, 703 and 704.

[0084] Input field 701 allows user 500 to enter an input to be processed. In the illustrated example, the input to be processed that was entered is "air eng bleed leak fault", indicating a leak in the aircraft engine's pneumatic system.

[0085] The first result field 702 displays the list of responses associated with the input group selected by the model. In the example shown, the list is presented as a table comprising: - a first column 702a entitled "Eff." and containing efficiency information expressed as a percentage; - a second column 702b entitled "Ref. AMM / MMEL" and containing a response in the form of an AMM reference or an MMEL reference; - a third column 702c entitled "Action type" and containing a response type; and - a fourth column 702d entitled “Details” and containing additional information relating to the response in question.

[0086] Each line of this table therefore details one answer from the list. For example, the first answer in the list is the AMM reference "36-11-00-7", which is associated with an efficacy information of 36% and an action type of "Check / Test".

[0087] In the illustrated example, corresponding to a particular embodiment, the answers in the list are sorted according to the efficiency information 702a with which these answers are associated. Thus, the four answers are associated with efficiency information of 36%, 10%, 7% and 6% respectively.

[0088] In one embodiment, the efficiency information 702a associated with a given response 702b is a function of at least one of the following two parameters: a number of occurrences of the given response in the data collected by the model; and a period of time during which no new occurrences of the given response appear in the data collected by the model.

[0089] In one variant (not shown), the list of answers associated with the selected input group includes: - a first sublist, called the repair list, containing responses that have each prevented a further occurrence of the associated entry for at least a predetermined reference period; and - a second sublist, called the release list, containing responses which each prevented a new occurrence of the associated entry for a period shorter than the predetermined reference period.

[0090] The second result field 703 allows one or more possible operational impact indicators to be displayed. In the illustrated example, corresponding to a particular embodiment, the following four indicators are displayed: - an indicator 703a (also called "Delay+15'") of aircraft delay exceeding a predetermined threshold (e.g. 15 min); - an aircraft flight cancellation indicator 703b (also called "Cancel"); - a 703c indicator (also known as "IFTB", for "In-Flight Return" in English) for the aircraft's return to the departure point; and - an aircraft destination change indicator 703d (also called "Diversion").

[0091] In one embodiment, each of the possible operational impact indicators (703a to 703d) has a value that is a function of possible operational impact values ​​previously obtained for at least some of the responses in the response list associated with the selected input group.

[0092] Thus, if the user is a maintenance operator, the human-machine interface 700 provides a list of possible responses (maintenance procedures) to the problem defined by the logbook entry, with each possible response including its effectiveness information (702a) and its operational impact (703a to 703d). The user therefore has support in deciding which response to adopt. Once the response (maintenance procedure) has been chosen and the repair actions carried out, the user can enter them in the aircraft logbook, which is then transmitted to the support device 103 for processing.

[0093] Figure 8 schematically illustrates an example of the hardware architecture of the assistance device 103 of Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the invention. The assistance device 103 comprises, connected by a communication bus 810: a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 802; a ROM (Read Only Memory) 803, for example, Flash memory; a data storage device, such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a storage media reader, such as an SD (Secure Digital) card reader 804; at least one communication interface 805 enabling the assistance device 103 in particular to receive the data 102 collected in aircraft fleet logbooks 101 (see [Fig.1]) and to interact with the user 500 (see [Fig.5]).

[0094] The processor 801 is capable of executing instructions loaded into RAM 802 from ROM 803, external memory (not shown), storage media such as an SD card, or a communication network (not shown). When the support device 103 is powered on, the processor 801 is capable of reading instructions from RAM 802 and executing them. These instructions form a computer program causing the implementation, by the 801 processor, of the behaviors, steps and algorithm described here (see above the description of Figs. 1 to 7), in particular the implementation of the two main functional blocks 104 (model construction block) and 108 (model usage block).

[0095] All or part of the behaviors, steps, and algorithm described herein can thus be implemented in software form by executing a set of instructions by a programmable machine, such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a microcontroller, or be implemented in hardware form by a dedicated machine or component (chip) or a dedicated set of components (chipset), such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Generally, the assistance device 103 comprises electronic circuitry arranged and configured to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described herein, in particular the implementation of the two main functional blocks 104 and 108.

[0096] In one embodiment, block 104 for model construction and block 108 for model use are contained within two separate computing devices (each having, in one embodiment, the hardware architecture detailed in [Fig. 8]). In this embodiment, the computing device implementing block 108 for model use can have much less computing power than the computing device implementing block 104 for model construction. This is because building the model requires much more computing power than using the model. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the computing device implementing block 104 for model construction can cooperate (i.e., provide the constructed model) with a plurality of computing devices, each implementing block 108 for model use.

[0097] The solution offers numerous advantages, both for airlines and for aircraft manufacturers.

[0098] For example, for airlines: - the ability to directly identify, from each entry in the logbook, the potential operational impacts; and - the ability to directly identify, from each log entry, the relevant maintenance procedure reference: a repair procedure defined by an AMM reference (e.g., up to 6 digits) or an MMEL procedure to address the log entry and thus release the aircraft without using the long and theoretically constructed list of TSM tasks (thus, during turnaround time (TAT), any member of an AMO or CAMO, any mechanic, or any member (from an MCC, can immediately obtain a relevant AMM or MMEL reference to apply and thus save a lot of time).

[0099] For example, for aircraft manufacturers: - the ability to verify and improve the TSM based on in-service and effective feedback; - the ability to offer a service to airlines; and - the possibility of offering providers of electronic logbooks (eLogbook) a way to allow entry in natural language of the logbook entry.

[0100] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an example of an aircraft maintenance algorithm (using the aforementioned helper algorithm). It is assumed that a technical failure has been detected on the aircraft and is recorded in the aircraft logbook, referred to as the entry to be processed.

[0101] In step 901, the assistance device 103 executes the maintenance decision support algorithm, in one of the embodiments described above (see the description of Figs. 5 to 7). As a reminder, this support algorithm receives the input to be processed and provides a user with a result comprising a list of responses associated with a group of inputs selected according to the input to be processed.

[0102] In a step 902, the user chooses an answer from the list of answers.

[0103] In a step 903, the maintenance procedure indicated in the selected response is executed, either by the user or automatically or semi-automatically.

Claims

1.

2.

3. Demands A method, implemented by an assistance device (103) comprising electronic circuitry, for assisting in a maintenance decision relating to a device on which a technical failure is detected and recorded in a device logbook, referred to as an entry to be processed (501), the method comprising: - receive (601) the input to be processed; - query (602), with the input to be processed, a model configured to provide, when queried with a given input, a result comprising a list of responses associated with a group of inputs selected from a plurality of input groups, each input group being formed from entries included in collected data and having a common meaning in terms of describing technical failures, each input group being associated with a list of responses generated from the responses associated with the entries of said input group, the selected input group comprising entries having an identical or similar meaning, in terms of describing technical failures, to the meaning of the given entry, the collected data coming from flight logs of a fleet of aircraft and comprising entries relating to technical failures detected on the aircraft of the fleet, and associated responses,indicating the maintenance procedures that addressed said technical failures; and, - provide (603) to a user (500) the result (502) of querying the model with the input to be processed, the result including the list of responses associated with the group of inputs selected by the model based on the input to be processed. A method according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is an aircraft. A method according to claim 2, wherein the list of responses associated with the selected input group includes (702b) references belonging to the group comprising: - references to an aircraft maintenance manual, known as AMM references, for "Aircraft Maintenance Manual" in English; and - references to a master minimum equipment list, known as MMEL references, for "Master Minimum Equipment List" in English.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the responses, included in the list of responses associated with the selected input group, is associated with efficiency information (702a).

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the responses (702b), included in the list of responses associated with the selected input group, are sorted according to the efficiency information (702a) to which said responses are associated.

6. A method according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the efficiency information (702a) associated with a given response is a function of at least one parameter belonging to the group comprising: - a number of occurrences of the given response in the data collected by the model; and - a period of time during which no new occurrences of the given response appear in the data collected by the model.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the response list (702b) associated with the selected input group comprises: - a first sublist, called the repair list, containing responses which each prevented a new occurrence of the associated input for at least a predetermined reference duration; and - a second sublist, called the release list, containing responses which each prevented a new occurrence of the associated input for only a duration less than the predetermined reference duration.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the result (502) of querying the model with the input to be dealt with (501), further includes at least one possible operational impact indicator (703).

9. A method according to claims 2 and 8, wherein said at least one possible operational impact indicator belongs to the group comprising: - an indicator (703a) of aircraft delay exceeding a predetermined threshold; - an indicator (703b) of aircraft flight cancellation; - an indicator (703c) of aircraft return to point of departure; and - an indicator (703d) of aircraft change of destination.

10. A method according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein said at least one possible operational impact indicator (703) has a value that is a function of previously obtained possible operational impact values ​​for at least some of the responses (702b) in the response list associated with the selected input group.

11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: - receiving (604) a response (503) selected by the user from the list of responses associated with the selected input group; and - adding (605) the selected response (503) to the data collected and processed by the model, associating the selected response (503) with the input to be processed (501).

12. Product computer program, comprising instructions causing a processor (801) to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, when said instructions are executed by the processor.

13. Storage medium (803), storing a computer program comprising instructions causing a processor (801) to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, when said instructions are read and executed by the processor.

14. Assistance device (103), comprising electronic circuitry configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A method, implemented by computer (103), for constructing a model configured for use in a method, according to any one of claims 1 to 11, for assisting in a maintenance decision relating to a device on which a technical failure is detected and is the subject of an entry in a logbook of the device, referred to as the entry to be processed (501), the method of constructing the model comprising: - receiving (401) data (102) collected in logbooks of a fleet of devices (101) and comprising entries and associated responses, each entry being related to a given technical failure detected on one of the devices in the fleet of devices, and being associated with a response indicating a maintenance procedure which has made it possible to respond to the given technical failure;- to form (402) input groups from the inputs included in the collected data, the inputs in the same group having a common meaning in terms of describing a technical failure; - to associate (403) with each input group a list of responses generated from the responses associated with the inputs in said input group; and - to learn to provide (404), when the model is queried with a given input to be processed (501), a result (502) comprising a list of responses associated with an input group selected from the plurality of input groups, the selected input group comprising inputs having an identical or close meaning, in terms of describing a technical failure, to the meaning of the given input to be processed.

16. A maintenance method for an apparatus on which a technical failure is detected and recorded in an apparatus logbook, referred to as the entry to be processed, the maintenance method comprising: - executing (901) the maintenance decision support method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the support method receiving the entry to be processed and providing a result comprising a list of answers associated with a group of inputs selected according to the input to be processed; choose (902) an answer from the list of answers; and perform (903) a maintenance procedure indicated in the chosen answer.

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