Display Processing Computer Integrating Avionics Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Certain aircraft designs cannot fully utilize the advantages of Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) due to constraints such as weight, space availability, power consumption, and cost, making it difficult to install dedicated IMA units.

Innovation Solution

A display processing computer system is developed with separated I/O interfaces and processors to integrate display and non-display functions, allowing for selective activation of functions based on operating conditions, forming a single line-replaceable unit that can provide IMA processing and I/O capabilities without the need for dedicated IMA units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated IMA units are installed to provide integrated modular avionics capabilities, then avionics integration and versatility are improved, but weight, space availability, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavionics integration capabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines display processing functions and non-display avionics functions into a single integrated display system. The display processing computer includes both a display processor and an avionics processor that share common hardware resources (I/O interfaces, memory, power supply), eliminating the need for separate dedicated IMA units and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display processing computer is designed as a multi-functional platform that can simultaneously perform display processing tasks and execute various avionics applications. The avionics processor can selectively activate different non-display functions based on operating conditions, providing versatile IMA capabilities without requiring specialized dedicated hardware for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated IMA units are installed to provide integrated modular avionics capabilities, then avionics integration and versatility are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavionics integration capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated IMA units are installed to provide integrated modular avionics capabilities, then avionics integration and versatility are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavionics integration capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The avionics processor is configured to selectively activate non-display functions based on operating conditions rather than continuously running all functions. This on-demand activation reduces power consumption by enabling only the necessary avionics capabilities required at any given time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Device complexity

If display and non-display functions are integrated in a single processor, then device complexity is reduced, but functional separation and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidfunctional separation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display processing computer is segmented into two distinct processors: a display processor dedicated to display processing tasks and an avionics processor dedicated to non-display avionics functions. While physically integrated in a single system, the processors are functionally separated with dedicated I/O interfaces, maintaining clear functional boundaries and improving reliability through isolation of critical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10144529B1Display system with integrated avionics platform

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for providing Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) processing and input/output (I/O) capabilities to existing electronic systems onboard aircraft are disclosed. More specifically, a display processing computer may include a first set of I/O interfaces and a second set of I/O interfaces. The display processing computer may further include at least one first processor in communication with the first set of I/O interfaces and at least one second processor in communication with the second set of I/O interfaces. The at least one first processor may be configured to process data received at the first set of I/O interfaces and provide commands to control a display. The at least one second processor may be configured to provide a set of non-display functions, and further configured to selectively activate a subset of the set of non-display functions based on at least one operating condition of the display processing computer.