Simulation Interface Architecture for Certified Peripheral Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operational training systems face high certification efforts for simulation networks due to the need for compatibility and secure communication between diverse simulators, making it difficult to integrate new or modified peripheral simulators without re-certification.

Innovation Solution

A system with an interface and functional element that allows seamless communication between simulation applications and peripheral simulators using class-specific and simulator-specific signals, enabling easy integration and certification for a class of peripheral simulators, and supporting various data formats and protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If diverse simulators are integrated into a simulation network, then training versatility and participant capacity are improved, but certification effort and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into distinct functional components: a first interface for the simulation application, a second interface for the peripheral simulator, and a functional element between them. This segmentation allows each component to be independently certified and managed, reducing overall system certification complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A functional element acts as an intermediary between the first interface and the second interface. This intermediary performs signal conversion and format translation, enabling diverse simulators to communicate through a standardized interface without requiring complex direct integration between each simulator pair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new or modified peripheral simulators are integrated into the simulation network, then training capability is improved, but re-certification effort is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulator interchangeabilityVSAvoidre-certification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is designed with universal communication capabilities that work across different simulator types. The functional element handles signal conversion for various data formats, allowing new or modified simulators to be integrated without requiring re-certification of the entire system, as long as they adhere to the standardized interface protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If secure communication protocols are implemented across the simulation network, then communication security is improved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidintegration difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional element serves as a secure intermediary that handles communication protocol enforcement and signal conversion. By centralizing security functions in this intermediary component, the patent achieves secure communication without requiring each simulator to independently implement complex security protocols, thus reducing integration difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4109273B1Interface and method for communication between a simulation application and a peripheral simulator
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 THALES MANAGEMENT & SERVICES DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4109273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4109273B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Interface (106), system and method for communication between a simulation application (104-1, ..., 104-n) and a peripheral simulator (102) from a class of simulators, wherein the interface (106) has a first interface (116) to the simulation application (104-1, ..., 104-n) and a second interface (118) to the peripheral simulator (102), wherein between the first interface (116) and the second interface (118) a class-specific functional element (122) is arranged which includes an implementation of a simulation function specific to the peripheral simulator (102).