Avionics IMA Software Decoupling via Configuration Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated modular systems, especially in avionics, changes to application messages require extensive rebuilding and re-testing across multiple software development organizations due to the complexity of coordinating message content and format changes, often leading to project delays and errors.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to decouple software by generating configuration tables that allow core software in each module to gather parameter data from producer messages and create target messages tailored to consuming applications, isolating consuming applications from changes in producer applications or message formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If application messages use a static arrangement with fixed parameter positions, then message format stability is improved, but system adaptability deteriorates when parameter locations need to change
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the message handling functionality into two independent parts: the static message format definition and the dynamic parameter mapping configuration. This allows the message structure to remain stable while the mapping between producer and consumer parameters can be independently configured and changed without affecting the core message format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that sits between the producer application and consumer applications. This mapping layer translates parameter references from consumers to the actual producer message structure, allowing changes in either producer or consumer parameters without direct impact on the other side.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parameter locations in messages are changed to accommodate new requirements, then system adaptability is improved, but the complexity of coordinating changes across multiple applications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping configuration acts as an intermediary that absorbs the complexity of parameter repositioning. When parameters need to be moved or reorganized in the producer message, only the mapping configuration needs to be updated, not the consumer applications. This intermediary layer isolates the complexity from the rest of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the parameter mapping relationship that is separate from the actual message structure. This mapping copy allows parameter locations to be redefined without physically restructuring the message flow, reducing coordination complexity.
3Reliability
If all consuming applications are updated whenever a producer application changes, then data consistency is improved, but the time and resources required for rebuilding and re-testing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the parameter mapping logic from the consumer applications themselves and places it in the core software or configuration layer. This extraction means that when producer applications change, only the mapping configuration needs to be updated, not the consumer applications, dramatically reducing rebuilding and re-testing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping configuration system automatically handles the translation and adaptation when producer changes occur, without requiring manual updates to consumer applications. This self-service mechanism maintains data consistency automatically while minimizing the time and resources needed for system updates.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses standardized message formats with fixed structures, then interoperability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates when custom parameter arrangements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains standardized message formats at the overall structure level for interoperability, while allowing local customization through the mapping configuration for specific parameter arrangements. This local quality approach enables custom parameter mappings without breaking the standardized message framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping configuration provides dynamic adaptability within the standardized message format framework. The system can dynamically adjust parameter mappings to accommodate custom arrangements while maintaining the outer standardized structure, enabling both interoperability and ease of customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to decouple software in an integrated modular system that employs message-based data exchange is provided. The method includes generating at least one configuration table for use by core software in at least one module in the integrated modular system. The at least one module hosts at least one of a consuming application. The method also includes gathering parameter data from producer messages at the core software in the at least one module based on the generated configuration table, and creating target messages at the core software based on the gathered parameter data. The target messages have a format specific to the consuming application.