Avionics Data Random Access via Segmented Timeline Pointers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional avionics data recording and playback systems, such as those using ARINC 429 interface cards, do not allow for random access to data, making it difficult to review aircraft data in real time or at a later point.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that store data from multiple channels in separate files with timeline pointers, enabling random access playback by allowing users to navigate a graphical user interface timeline to select specific points in time for data retrieval, independent of the data file formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ARINC 429 interface cards are used for data recording, then data can be recorded from multiple avionics channels, but random access playback is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data storage system into separate data files for each avionics channel, with each file containing data from a specific channel. Timeline pointers are stored separately to reference positions in these segmented data files, enabling independent access to any channel's data at any time point without requiring access to the entire data set.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces timeline pointers as an intermediary layer between the user interface and the actual avionics data files. These pointers store timestamp and file position information, acting as a index that enables random access to data without requiring the system to search through entire data files or maintain complex inter-channel synchronization.
2Ease of operation
If data from multiple channels is stored in a single file, then storage is simplified, but random access to specific channels and time points becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments avionics data from different channels into separate data files, allowing independent access to each channel's data. This segmentation enables random access to specific channels without requiring parsing or filtering of mixed-channel data, while timeline pointers provide efficient reference to specific time points within each channel's data file.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by organizing data files and timeline pointers according to their specific channel characteristics and time-based requirements. Each channel's data file can be optimized for its specific data format and access patterns, while timeline pointers provide channel-specific time reference information, allowing efficient access to relevant data without processing unrelated channel data.
3Ease of operation
If timeline pointers are stored for each data file, then random access playback is enabled, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements timeline pointers at selective intervals rather than for every possible data point, providing sufficient temporal resolution for real-time review and analysis without requiring excessive storage space. The pointer density is optimized to enable practical random access functionality while maintaining reasonable storage efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A random access recording method and system for recording and playing back of avionics data, includes: storing data received from a plurality of data channels in respective data files. The method and system also includes storing timeline pointers that signify when the data from the respective plurality of data files was stored. The method and system further includes determining a particular position of a timeline icon provided on a graphical user interface (GUI) display, the timeline icon signifying a point in time that a user desires to review avionics data stored. The method and system still further includes playing back data stored based on the particular position of the timeline icon with respect to corresponding values of the timeline pointers stored.