Object-Specific Virtual Networks for Interactive Technical Manuals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interactive electronic technical manuals (IETMs) face inefficiencies in navigating large volumes of information, lack secure access control, and require users to switch between systems for tasks, leading to resource waste and security challenges.
Innovation Solution
A virtual network within an IETM system allows credentialed access, enabling users to join specific networks associated with objects, facilitating seamless task performance and secure interaction with technical documentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If users navigate through large volumes of technical documentation in conventional IETMs, then they can access comprehensive information, but the navigation process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual network into multiple sub-networks organized by object classes (e.g., aircraft, vehicles, equipment). Each sub-network contains documentation for specific objects, allowing users to navigate through hierarchical structures rather than searching through monolithic documentation. This segmentation reduces the time to locate information by providing organized access paths through the large volume of technical documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual network as an intermediary layer between the user and the technical documentation. This virtual network acts as a mediator that organizes, indexes, and presents documentation in a structured manner. The intermediary virtual network handles the complexity of navigation and retrieval, allowing users to access comprehensive information without directly confronting the overwhelming volume of raw documentation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional IETMs provide basic interactive functionality, then users can view technical data, but they lack secure access control and advanced interaction capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a virtual network that provides multiple functions within a single system: it enables secure access control, organizes documentation, facilitates user authentication, and enables advanced search and navigation capabilities. This multi-functional approach maintains ease of operation for basic viewing while adding secure access control and advanced interaction capabilities through the unified virtual network infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If users access technical documentation without virtual networks, then access is straightforward, but users must switch between systems for different tasks, wasting resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate systems into a unified virtual network environment. Documentation access, search functionality, navigation tools, and interaction capabilities are combined into a single integrated platform. This merging eliminates the need for users to switch between different systems for different tasks, thereby maintaining access simplicity while dramatically improving task completion efficiency and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products for providing a virtual network within an interactive electronic technical manual system (IETM) configured to provide electronic and credentialed access via an IETM viewer to technical documentation for an item. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising: receiving data from a graphical code as a result of a user scanning the code; and responsive to receiving the data: identifying virtual networks supported within the IETM that are available for the user to join and are associated with a specific object of the item; providing an identifier for each of the virtual networks; receiving selection of an identifier for a particular virtual network; and responsive to receiving the selection, joining the user to the virtual network so that content that is specific to the object associated with the virtual network is available to the user via the IETM.