Handheld Video Testing Apparatus for Aircraft Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing video processing systems in aircraft require the system to be powered up and often necessitate removal from its position for troubleshooting, which can be cumbersome and require multiple personnel, especially when determining if the system is malfunctioning.
Innovation Solution
A handheld video testing apparatus that generates digital test images, couples with the video processing system, and facilitates their display on screens, allowing for verification of functionality without the need for the system to be installed or powered up, using a processor to provide test images and simulate camera functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the video processing system is tested by powering up the aircraft and using the system in its installed position, then the system can be tested in its operational context, but the testing process becomes complex and requires multiple personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing function from the installed video processing system by using a portable testing device that can independently generate test images and interface with the video processing system without requiring the full aircraft video system to be powered up or installed. This separates the testing apparatus from the tested system, simplifying the testing process while maintaining reliability assessment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable testing device acts as an intermediary between the tester and the video processing system. It generates digital test images, transmits them to the video processing system, and captures the output images for analysis, thereby mediating the testing process and eliminating the need for direct integration with the aircraft's full video system.
2Measurement precision
If the video processing system is tested by removing it from its position for troubleshooting, then the system can be isolated and tested independently, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and requires educated guesswork
Solution Approach 1:
The portable testing device enables preliminary testing of the video processing system before removal from its installed position. Test images can be generated and transmitted to the system while still installed in the aircraft, allowing troubleshooting to begin in advance and eliminating the need for time-consuming removal and reinstallation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device creates digital copies of test images that can be transmitted to and processed by the video processing system. These digital copies serve as substitutes for physical test equipment, allowing the system to be tested independently without requiring physical removal from its installed position, thereby reducing troubleshooting time while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If traditional testing methods are used, then the video processing system can be tested in its operational environment, but multiple personnel are required and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The portable testing device is designed as a universal testing apparatus that can interface with the video processing system regardless of its installed or removed state. It performs multiple functions including generating test images, transmitting data, capturing output images, and analyzing system performance, thereby consolidating the work that would otherwise require multiple specialized personnel into a single multi-functional device operated by one person.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing an aircraft video system using a handheld video testing apparatus is described. The aircraft video system includes a video processing system and at least one display. The method includes generating a digital test image utilizing the video testing apparatus, receiving the digital test image at the video processing system, forwarding the digital test image to at least one of the displays through operation of the video processing system, and verifying the digital test image is correctly produced by the displays to which the digital test image was forwarded.