Binary File Metadata for Aircraft Diagnostics Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for updating the structure of loadable diagnostics information (LDI) files in aircraft diagnostics systems are time-consuming and expensive due to the need for requalification of the LDI accessor module, which requires updating embedded software for each aircraft, especially when extensive fleets need to be updated.
Innovation Solution
Generating a binary file that includes metadata defining the location of entities within the file, allowing the accessor module to determine and access these locations without prior knowledge of the file structure, thus decoupling LDI file structure information from embedded software, enabling changes to be implemented rapidly and inexpensively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LDI accessor module uses embedded software with hardcoded file structure information to access LDI files, then the system can reliably access entities at predetermined locations, but any changes to the LDI file structure require time-consuming and expensive requalification of the embedded software in each aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file structure information from the embedded software and places it directly into the LDI binary file as metadata. This allows the accessor module to read the structure information directly from the file without relying on hardcoded values, enabling structure changes without software requalification while maintaining reliable access through the metadata-driven approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary layer between the LDI file content and the accessor module. This metadata contains structure information that mediates the access process, allowing the system to adapt to structure changes while maintaining consistent access patterns through the metadata interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If the LDI file structure is changed to improve diagnostics capabilities, then the system can evaluate new aircraft parameters, but the embedded software in each aircraft must be updated and requalified, causing significant delays and expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by embedding all necessary structure information directly into the LDI binary file during file generation. This preliminary inclusion of metadata eliminates the need for subsequent software updates and requalification processes when structure changes are needed, allowing immediate deployment of new diagnostics capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the structure information and embeds it within the LDI binary file itself. This self-contained copy allows any system with a standard accessor module to read and interpret the file structure without requiring proprietary embedded software updates, dramatically reducing deployment time
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive aircraft fleets need to be updated with new LDI file structures, then all aircraft can benefit from improved diagnostics, but the cost and time for updating each aircraft's embedded software becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the structure information from the embedded software and places it in the LDI binary file. This segmentation allows independent updates of the LDI files across the fleet without requiring coordinated software updates, making fleet-wide implementation simple and cost-effective
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal metadata format that can be read by any accessor module implementing the standard interface. This universality allows a single LDI file structure change to be deployed across the entire fleet without aircraft-specific customization or requalification, dramatically reducing implementation costs
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a method for generating a binary file includes receiving information defining an entity that forms a portion of loadable diagnostics information, generating metadata defining a location within a binary file where the entity is to be located, and generating the binary file to include the metadata and the entity stored at the location. Additional embodiments include an aircraft diagnostic system and a method for the diagnostics system to access information within a binary file. The diagnostics system includes data storage and an accessor module. The data storage is configured to store the binary file, which includes metadata and an entity stored at a location within the binary file, where the metadata defines the location of the entity. The accessor module is configured to evaluate the metadata to make a determination of the location, and to access the entity within the binary file based on the determination.