Distributed Avionics Configuration via Meta-Data Abstraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current avionics control systems face challenges in configuration complexity, adaptability, and determinism, particularly in distributed systems, which can lead to increased costs and reduced reliability due to the need for manual configuration and extensive testing.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program that facilitate configuration by using meta-data components to abstract system configuration, allowing for independent work by developers and integrators, and automatically generating communication schedules and configuration data to ensure deterministic connectivity and reduce testing needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration and iterative testing procedures are used to configure an avionics control system, then verification and validation can be performed, but the configuration complexity and time consumption increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing configuration verification and validation automatically during the configuration generation process itself, rather than through separate iterative testing phases. The configuration generator validates configuration data against the application model and generates executable configuration code in a single pass, eliminating the need for repeated manual testing cycles while ensuring reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engineering teams independently develop hardware and software components, then parallel development and adaptability improve, but configuration errors and integration issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration generator that acts as a mediator between independently developed hardware and software components. This generator automatically reconciles interfaces and data flows between components from different engineering teams, ensuring configuration accuracy through automated validation against a unified application model, while preserving the benefits of independent parallel development.
3Reliability
If extensive manual testing and validation procedures are performed, then system reliability is ensured, but development time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with an automated configuration generation system that performs validation programmatically. The system automatically generates executable configuration code from an application model, validates it against consistency rules, and produces ready-to-deploy artifacts without requiring manual testing intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving development productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If configuration data and parameters are manually entered and iteratively adjusted, then system requirements can be met, but the time and resources required for configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by generating executable configuration code automatically from an application model through systematic transformation rules. Instead of manually entering and iteratively adjusting configuration parameters, the system copies and transforms the application model into validated configuration artifacts in a single automated process, achieving high precision while eliminating time-consuming manual configuration activities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for configuring synchronous table-driven operations of a distributed avionics control system comprising a plurality of processing nodes (S1-S4) interconnected in a network (2). The method comprises the steps of providing a global timing meta-data component (X4), a plurality of application meta-data components (X51-X52), and a node assignment meta-data component (X 2). The method also comprises the steps of detecting data communication paths, detecting communication requirements, generating a system schedule meta-data component, generating a system configuration data and providing the system configuration to the distributed avionics control system.