Avionic Computer Test Bench Using Virtual Software Copy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Avionic computer software testing is inefficient due to performance limitations of older CPU technologies and the need to selectively send internal parameters over a communication bus, requiring multiple tests to visualize all necessary parameters for conformity checks.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a test computer with modern processor technology, executing similar software to the avionic computer, allowing all internal parameters to be sent for visualization, reducing the need for multiple tests and improving test efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If all internal parameters are sent over the communication bus, then complete parameter visualization is achieved, but CPU time consumption increases beyond acceptable limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter visualization completenessVSAvoidCPU time consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the avionic computer's software environment running on modern hardware. This test computer replicates the software behavior and generates identical internal parameters, allowing complete parameter visualization without overloading the actual avionic computer's CPU. The copy serves as a proxy that provides full parameter access while consuming no CPU resources from the tested system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Use of energy by moving object

If a limited subset of internal parameters is sent, then CPU time consumption is reduced, but parameter visualization completeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCPU time consumptionVSAvoidparameter visualization completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of limiting parameter access from the actual avionic computer, the invention creates a virtual replica that generates complete parameter sets. The test computer's software copy produces all internal parameters that would be generated by the real system, providing full visualization capability without imposing CPU load on the avionic computer itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If multiple successive tests are performed with different parameter subsets, then complete parameter visualization is achieved, but test time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter visualization completenessVSAvoidtest time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary setup by creating the virtual test computer with complete parameter access capability before the actual testing begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple successive tests with different parameter configurations, as all parameters are simultaneously available from the start. The virtual machine is prepared in advance to provide full parameter visualization throughout the testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual test computer copy provides all internal parameters simultaneously available, eliminating the need for iterative testing approaches. Operators can visualize any parameter at any time during a single test run, rather than performing multiple tests with different parameter subsets configured in sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If older CPU technology is used in avionic computers, then operational reliability is improved, but processing speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the testing function from the avionic computer itself. The actual avionic computer with its reliable but slow CPU remains unchanged and operates normally, while a separate virtual test computer running on modern hardware handles the parameter generation and visualization tasks. This segmentation allows the tested system to maintain reliability while the testing infrastructure provides high-speed processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual test computer creates a software copy that runs on modern processors, providing high-speed parameter generation without affecting the original avionic computer's hardware. The copy leverages modern CPU capabilities to quickly generate and provide all internal parameters, while the actual avionic computer maintains its proven reliable operation with older CPU technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11994981B2Method and system for testing an avionic computer

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A method for testing an avionic computer having internal parameters of which only a subset of internal parameters is accessible to a test bench. The method includes connecting the avionic computer to the test bench, equipping the test bench with a test computer having software similar to software of the avionic computer, all of the internal parameters of which are accessible to the test bench, executing the software of the avionic computer in interaction with the test bench and executing the software of the test computer at the same time as the software of the avionic computer, and visualizing internal parameters belonging to the subset of internal parameters of the avionic computer and visualizing internal parameters of the test computer, corresponding to internal parameters of the avionic computer not belonging to the subset of internal parameters of the avionic computer, to check the conformity of operation of the software.