Aircraft Device State Determination via Graph Sub-Graph Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the state of a device in an aircraft are inefficient and prone to errors, as they rely on manual updates and incomplete lists of updates, which can lead to obsolete device versions and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using a directed graph and sub-graph analysis, where each edge represents an update, to accurately determine the device's state by processing information from databases and displaying the current version, with indegree and outdegree comparison to correct errors and omissions in update lists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual update tracking methods are used, then implementation is simple, but accuracy and reliability of device state determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tracking methods with an automated computer-based system that queries databases and processes update information automatically. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated computational processes resolves the contradiction by achieving both ease of implementation (through automation) and high reliability (through systematic data processing).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation (graph) of the device update history that mirrors the actual update sequence. This graphical model allows the system to accurately determine device state without manually tracking each update, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of implementation through automated graph processing.
2Measurement precision
If complete and accurate update lists are maintained, then device state determination accuracy improves, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graph structure as an intermediary between the raw update data and the device state determination process. This graph serves as a mediator that organizes update information in a structured format, making it easier to manage while preserving accuracy in device state determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms update list data into a graphical representation with nodes and edges, changing the parameters of data organization from linear lists to network structures. This parameter change simplifies data management by enabling efficient querying and processing while maintaining complete and accurate tracking of device updates.
3Productivity
If automated determination methods are implemented, then productivity and reliability improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device state determination process into distinct automated components: database querying, graph construction, and state analysis. This segmentation enables high productivity through automated processing while managing system complexity by breaking down the overall system into manageable, modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual device state determination with an automated computer-based system that uses databases and graph processing. This substitution dramatically improves productivity by eliminating manual intervention while the modular architecture of the automated system keeps complexity manageable through structured data processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for determining the state of a device in an aircraft, this state being specified by a current version of the device as implemented in the aircraft. The method according to the invention comprises: transmitting a request to a database and receiving in response a list of updates previously performed on the device, each update specifying an earlier version and a later version; and from a directed graph, such that each edge corresponds to an update of a set of updates associated with devices of the type of the device of interest, determining a sub-graph corresponding to the list.