Avionics Host System for Partitioned Application Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing avionics software applications requires access to target system hardware for testing and simulation, which is a limited and costly resource due to multiple developers needing access, and the assembly of real target hardware for testing purposes is expensive.

Innovation Solution

An avionics application host system that allows partitioned applications to be executed and tested without porting them, providing a simulated environment for developers to debug, modify, and test applications before target system hardware is available, using a desktop simulator tool with a control module, model module, configuration module, and communication module to simulate the entire control system of an aerial vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple developers access real target system hardware for testing and simulation, then software development and testing can be performed, but the cost and resource limitations increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware development and testing capabilityVSAvoidcost and resource requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the target avionics system that replicates its hardware architecture, operating system, and application execution environment. This virtual system allows multiple developers to simultaneously access and test software applications without needing physical access to the expensive real target hardware, thereby maintaining productivity while eliminating resource constraints and costs associated with multiple hardware accesses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual system serves multiple functions: it acts as a development environment, a testing platform, a simulation tool, and a certification aid all in one. This multi-functional virtual environment replaces the need for separate physical hardware resources for each development activity, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining full software development and testing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If real target hardware is assembled for testing purposes, then accurate simulation and testing can be performed, but the cost increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a precise virtual copy of the target avionics system that replicates its hardware architecture, operating system, and application execution environment. This virtual system allows multiple developers to simultaneously access and test software applications without needing physical access to the expensive real target hardware, thereby maintaining productivity while eliminating resource constraints and costs associated with multiple hardware accesses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the physical mechanical hardware system with a software-based virtual system. The virtual system emulates the behavior, timing, and communication protocols of the real hardware through software models, eliminating the need to physically assemble and maintain expensive target hardware while maintaining sufficient accuracy for software development and testing purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If target system hardware is made available for testing, then software can be tested and integrated, but access becomes a limited resource

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware testing and integrationVSAvoidaccess availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual system acts as an intermediary between the developers and the real target hardware. It provides all necessary testing and simulation capabilities without requiring direct access to the physical hardware, thereby eliminating the resource limitation while maintaining ease of operation for software development activities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2591419B1Simulating and testing avionics

Publication Date: 2018.10.31 SAAB AB

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an avionics application host system and method for simulating and/or testing a number of partitioned applications (Al- A4) arranged to be periodically executed on a target system, wherein the target system is a distributed avionics control system of an aerial vehicle (1). The host system comprises a number of functional modules. The number of functional modules comprises: an application module (146) arranged to import said number of partitioned applications (A1-A4) in un-modified form, a configuration module (145) arranged to configure the operations of the host system at least one communication module (142) arranged to provide communication between the partitioned applications, a control module (140) arranged to provide coordinated execution time to the functional modules, a service module (150) associated to each imported partitioned application (A1- A4) arranged to provide services to the imported partitioned applications (A1- A4) so as to enable execution of the imported partitioned applications (A1-A4) and to preserve the temporal order of events related to communication and execution.