Network Frame Synchronization for Flight Control Computers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer systems, such as flight control computers and vehicle management systems, face challenges in synchronizing frames due to different power-on times and clock drifts, leading to reduced processing time and throughput, and require additional hard-wired discrete conductors for synchronization, which suspends nominal processing and prolongs synchronization time.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for synchronizing frames by transmitting synchronization signals over a network, determining elapsed times, and adjusting frame durations based on these times, while using separate discrete communication links for state indicator signals to verify computer functionality, thereby reducing the need for additional circuitry and improving processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hard-wired discrete conductors are used for synchronization, then computers can be synchronized, but nominal useful computer processing is suspended and synchronization time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the synchronization function with the existing data communication network, eliminating the need for separate hard-wired discrete conductors. Synchronization messages are transmitted through the same network infrastructure used for data communication, allowing both data processing and synchronization to occur simultaneously without mutual interference or suspension of processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication network is made multi-functional by using it for both data transmission and synchronization purposes. The same network infrastructure serves dual roles: carrying operational data between computers and transmitting synchronization messages, thereby eliminating dedicated synchronization hardware and avoiding processing suspensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If hard-wired discrete conductors are used for synchronization, then computers can be synchronized, but additional circuitry is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the synchronization function into the existing data communication network, eliminating the need for separate hard-wired discrete conductors and associated circuitry. This reduces device complexity by reusing existing network infrastructure for both data and synchronization purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If synchronization is performed at the end of each frame using discrete conductors, then computers remain synchronized, but computation opportunity is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe synchronizationVSAvoidcomputation throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous data processing and communication without periodic suspensions for synchronization. By transmitting synchronization messages through the data network during normal operations, the system maintains continuous useful action rather than pausing computation at the end of each frame for synchronization updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Synchronization messages are transmitted in advance or concurrently with data communication rather than after frame completion. This preliminary action ensures computers remain synchronized without requiring post-frame synchronization pauses, maximizing computation opportunity throughout the entire frame duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If separate discrete communication links are used for state indicator signals, then computer functionality can be verified, but additional circuitry is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality verificationVSAvoidcommunication link complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines state indicator signal transmission with the existing data communication network. Instead of requiring separate discrete communication links for functionality verification, the system uses the same network infrastructure to carry both operational data and state indicator messages, reducing circuitry complexity while maintaining verification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9794335B2Computer system synchronization

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method may comprise communicating by a first computer with a second computer over a network during a first frame having a first frame duration; transmitting a first synchronization signal from the first computer to the second computer; receiving by the first computer during the first frame a second synchronization signal from the second computer; determining by the first computer a first elapsed time between a time when the first synchronization signal was transmitted by the first computer and a time when the second synchronization signal was received by the first computer; and determining by the first computer a duration for a second frame based at least in part on the first elapsed time.