Remote Programmable Reference for Flexible Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional calibration systems, such as geolocation calibration systems, are inflexible, costly, and require unique solutions for each system platform, necessitating specialized hardware and expertise, with limited versatility and reconfigurability, and often requiring manual setup and long deployment times.

Innovation Solution

A remote programmable reference system that generates and transmits customizable reference signals over a network, allowing for software programmable waveforms, integral RF power generation, self-calibration, and modular expandability, enabling calibration of multiple system platforms with different configurations and environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional calibration systems use fixed reference sources tailored for particular system platforms, then each system platform can be calibrated accurately, but the system complexity and cost increase due to needing unique solutions for each platform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal reference source that can serve multiple system platforms through software configuration rather than hardware customization. The reference source is designed to be platform-agnostic, using programmable parameters and waveforms to adapt to different calibration needs, thereby reducing the need for unique hardware solutions for each platform while maintaining calibration accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional calibration systems design unique reference sources for each system platform, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but deployment time and lead time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple sets of parameters and waveforms in advance for different system platforms. When calibration is needed, the appropriate pre-configured set is selected and deployed rapidly without requiring time-consuming custom design and setup, thus reducing deployment time while maintaining accuracy through pre-validated configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reference source transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Software programmable parameters and waveforms allow the reference source to adapt its characteristics in real-time to match different system platform requirements, enabling rapid reconfiguration between different calibration scenarios without physical changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional calibration systems use dedicated hardware for each system platform, then calibration reliability is ensured, but versatility and reconfigurability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration reliabilityVSAvoidsystem versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hardware-based configuration with software-based control. Instead of using different physical hardware components for each system platform, the system uses programmable parameters, waveforms, and software settings to achieve the same calibration functions, thereby increasing versatility while maintaining reliability through software-managed consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If conventional calibration systems require manual setup and specialized expertise, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidoperational ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated calibration capabilities where the reference source can autonomously provide the necessary signals and parameters for calibration without requiring extensive manual intervention. The system self-configures based on pre-stored parameter sets, reducing the need for specialized operator expertise while maintaining calibration accuracy through automated processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8331888B2Remote programmable reference

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Remote programmable reference systems and methods are described. A remote programmable reference system maintains a set of parameters from which a reference signal can be generated to transmit the reference signal to a system platform. In an embodiment, a parameters update can be received from which a modified reference signal can be generated to transmit the modified reference signal. In another embodiment, the remote programmable reference system maintains multiple sets of parameters from which respective reference signals can be generated for any one or more system platforms having different system configurations. The system platforms can interface with the remote programmable reference system through a system interface via a communication network.