Aircraft Software Distribution via Electronic Proxy Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current system for managing and distributing aircraft software parts is cumbersome and time-consuming, relying on physical media storage and retrieval, which occupies space and time, and lacks an efficient method for updating or reinstalling software on aircraft.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus that utilizes a network data processing system to retrieve and store aircraft software parts and metadata, sending them to an onboard electronic distribution system via a communications link, with a control process managing the distribution and storage, allowing for efficient updating and installation of software on multiple aircraft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If physical media (diskettes, CDs, DVDs) are used to store and distribute aircraft software parts, then the software parts can be physically distributed to aircraft, but the system becomes cumbersome and time-consuming, occupying both space and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical media storageVSAvoidstorage and retrieval time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical media distribution system with an electronic data transmission system. Instead of using diskettes, CDs, or DVDs that require physical handling, storage, and retrieval, the system transmits software parts and metadata electronically through a communications link between ground-based and airborne systems, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical processes of physical media management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates and transmits electronic copies of software parts and metadata through a network system. Multiple copies can be distributed simultaneously to multiple aircraft without requiring physical media replication, allowing parallel distribution that significantly reduces the time required compared to sequential physical media handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If physical media are stored in filing cabinets or kept on board aircraft, then the software parts are accessible, but significant space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware accessVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical storage infrastructure (filing cabinets, onboard storage compartments) with electronic storage systems accessible through network connections. Software parts and metadata are stored in electronic databases on the ground and can be retrieved and transmitted on demand, eliminating the need for extensive physical storage space while maintaining easy access through electronic retrieval systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground-based system serves multiple functions: it stores software parts, manages metadata, processes distribution requests from multiple aircraft, and transmits data electronically. This multi-functional system replaces multiple separate physical storage locations, consolidating space requirements while improving operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If updates to aircraft software parts are distributed via physical media, then the updates can be delivered, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update deliveryVSAvoidupdate distribution speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the slow mechanical process of physical media distribution with rapid electronic data transmission. Software updates and metadata can be transmitted almost instantaneously through the communications link, significantly increasing the speed of update distribution while maintaining reliable delivery through electronic confirmation and error checking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous software update distribution without the interruptions inherent in physical media handling. The electronic system can maintain continuous data flow, allowing multiple updates to be transmitted in sequence without the breaks required for physical media changes, thereby increasing overall productivity and update distribution speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8930310B2Proxy server for distributing aircraft software parts

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing aircraft software parts. In one advantageous embodiment, a method includes retrieving a set of aircraft software parts and metadata about the set of aircraft software parts from a library in an aircraft network data processing system to form a set of retrieved aircraft software parts. The set of aircraft software parts is stored in a file system. Metadata is stored in a database. The set of aircraft software parts and the metadata is sent to an onboard electronic distribution system, a communications link between an on ground component interface, and the onboard electronic distribution system. Status information about activity on the communications link is maintained.