Aircraft Flight Information System Configuration File Customization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight instrumentation systems require recertification by the FAA for any changes or additions to software, which is time-consuming and costly, limiting the ability of users to customize or update functionalities without going through extensive certification processes.
Innovation Solution
A configuration file is used to define customized outputs and capabilities for flight information systems, allowing users to revise or add functionalities without needing FAA recertification, by utilizing previously certified functions and parameters, enabling new capabilities without altering the underlying software or hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new software functionality is added to flight instrumentation systems, then the system capabilities are improved, but FAA recertification time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct layers: a certified core software layer that maintains FAA approval, and a configurable parameter layer that allows customization without recertification. This segmentation enables independent modification of parameters without affecting the certified portions of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a configuration file system where users can modify system behavior by changing parameters and settings rather than altering the underlying certified software code. These parameter changes enable new functionalities while keeping the certified software structure intact, avoiding the need for FAA recertification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new software functionality is added to flight instrumentation systems, then the system capabilities are improved, but recertification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates certified core functionality from customizable parameters, allowing modifications to be made in the parameter layer without triggering expensive recertification processes for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration file system allows users to create and modify parameter settings without altering the certified software codebase, effectively copying the certified system's structure while enabling customization through parameter files rather than code changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the software is made more customizable, then user flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system is segmented into structured parameter files with defined formats and validation rules, organizing complexity into manageable, standardized components rather than allowing unstructured software modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration file system serves multiple functions: it enables customization, maintains system validation, preserves certified status, and provides a standardized interface for modifications, reducing overall system complexity by consolidating these functions into a unified parameter management approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating data outputs as instructed by a configuration file on a computer system for an aircraft includes processing, as instructed by one or more parameters of the configuration file, data from a first data source. In some embodiments, the first data source comprises either a sensor associated with the aircraft or an addressable memory. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters comprise instructions for using one or more certified functions. The method also includes outputting the processed data to at least one of the addressable memory, a display, and an external device.