Configurable Simulator Cards for Distributed Simulation Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight simulators are inflexible and require multiple dedicated cards for specific functionalities, making them costly and inconvenient to maintain, as each card can only perform a single function and must be replaced if faulty, disrupting simulations.
Innovation Solution
A configurable modular card system that can execute multiple simulation functionalities, with a processor, memory, and configurable input/output and power supply units, allowing reconfiguration of cards to replace faulty ones and adapt to different simulation needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated cards are used for specific functionalities, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal card architecture where each card can dynamically perform multiple different functionalities through software configuration rather than being dedicated to a single function. The card includes a processor, memory, and configurable input/output units that can be programmed to handle various simulation tasks, replacing the need for multiple specialized cards while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The card system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the functionality of each card can be changed during operation through software updates and reconfiguration of input/output units. This allows the system to adapt to different simulation requirements and recover from faults by redistributing functions across available cards, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring fixed dedicated assignments
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated cards are used for specific functionalities, then functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By designing cards with universal functionality through programmable processors and configurable input/output units, the system can achieve diverse simulator functionalities using standardized card hardware. This universality simplifies manufacturing and maintenance compared to producing multiple specialized card types, as fewer unique hardware designs need to be manufactured and stocked
Solution Approach 2:
The card system changes its functional parameters through software configuration rather than physical redesign. The processor can execute different simulation codes, and the input/output units can be reconfigured for different data exchanges, allowing the same hardware to adapt to various simulator requirements without requiring different physical card designs for each functionality
3Reliability
If dedicated cards are used, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic function redistribution where if a card fails, its functionalities are automatically or manually reassigned to other cards through software reconfiguration. This dynamic adaptability allows the simulator to continue operating with reduced functionality rather than stopping completely, minimizing downtime and maintaining simulation continuity
Solution Approach 2:
When a card becomes faulty, the system can discard its specific function assignment and recover by redistributing that function to a different card. The faulty card can be replaced or repaired without affecting overall system operation, as the functionality has already been migrated to another card, thereby reducing maintenance downtime
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a simulator for performing a distributed simulation. The simulator comprises a simulation controller and a plurality of configurable modular cards. The simulation controller determines configuration and reconfiguration parameters of the cards, and exchanges configuration and reconfiguration messages with the cards. Each card comprises a configurable input/output unit comprising a plurality of configurable inputs and outputs, and a power supply comprising a plurality of configurable power supply circuits. The input/output unit exchanges configuration and reconfiguration messages with the simulation controller. Each card comprises a processor for configuring the plurality of inputs and outputs of the configurable input/output unit and the plurality of power circuits of the power supply, for reconfiguring the plurality of inputs and outputs of the configurable input/output unit and the plurality of power circuits of the power supply, and for executing a simulation code to implement a functionality of the simulator.