Simulator Anomaly Source Identification System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex simulators with multiple interacting components pose challenges in identifying the source of anomalies, as it can be time-consuming for technicians to determine the cause due to their complexity and non-linear behavior.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a communication unit, memory with a database of events associated with anomalies, and a processing unit that receives and compares actual states of operation to identify the source of anomalies by matching them with predefined lists of events, facilitating quicker diagnosis and alerting for potential issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If technicians manually determine the source of anomalies in complex simulators, then they can identify the problem, but it takes several hours or even several days due to the complexity of the simulator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanomaly source identification accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The simulator system automatically monitors its own components and autonomously identifies anomaly sources by comparing actual operational data against the database of abnormal states and event lists, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention in the diagnosis process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of technician inspection and analysis with an automated computer-based system that uses processors to retrieve data, compare states, and identify anomaly sources through electronic data processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the simulator is designed as a complex system with many interacting components to represent real conditions, then it provides realistic training, but it becomes difficult to determine the source of anomalies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining realismVSAvoidanomaly source detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex simulator system into individual monitorable components, each with defined operational states. The database organizes abnormal states and event lists by specific components, allowing the system to isolate and identify which particular component is causing the anomaly despite the overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic system that includes a processor and database acting as a mediator between the complex simulator components and the anomaly detection process. This intermediary automatically correlates events across components to identify the root cause without requiring direct manual analysis of the complex interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10908983B2Method and system for preventing an anomaly in a simulator

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 CAE INC

AI summary

There is described an apparatus for preventing a problem in a simulator comprising a plurality of components, comprising: a communication unit for at least one of transmitting data and receiving data; a memory having stored thereon a database containing a plurality of lists of events each associated with a respective source of anomaly; a processing unit configured for: receiving an actual state of operation for at least some of the plurality of components; determining that a given one of the plurality of lists of event has partially occurred using the actual state of operation; and outputting an alert indicative of the respective source of anomaly associated with the given one of the plurality of lists of event via the communication unit.