Simulator Model Monitoring Using Idle-Period Frequency Sweeps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interactive computer simulations, such as flight simulators, require extended downtime for maintenance and fail to efficiently identify and repair defective models, affecting the accuracy and realism of simulated interactions.
Innovation Solution
A method for continuous monitoring of interactive computer simulation stations through frequency sweeps, which automatically move tangible instruments to measure dynamic behavior, determine maintenance needs, and dynamically update models using frequency response functions, allowing for real-time simulation and remote repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the simulator is taken offline for maintenance, then the model can be inspected and repaired, but the simulator availability and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs frequency sweeps and model diagnostics during idle periods between simulation sessions, allowing continuous monitoring without interrupting operational availability. The model is tested repeatedly over multiple idle periods to accumulate diagnostic data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively identifies model deviations by comparing frequency response functions against baseline data before they affect simulation accuracy. Maintenance is triggered based on accumulated diagnostic evidence rather than waiting for failures to occur.
2Productivity
If the simulator operates continuously, then productivity increases, but model degradation goes undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors model behavior by performing frequency sweeps during idle periods and comparing results against baseline frequency response functions. When deviations exceed thresholds, the system triggers maintenance alerts while the simulator remains operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs diagnostic frequency sweeps and compares model responses without requiring manual intervention. The automated monitoring system detects deviations and schedules maintenance based on accumulated diagnostic data.
3Loss of time
If frequency sweeps are performed during idle periods, then maintenance can be planned without extended downtime, but the diagnostic time may still exceed available idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency sweep diagnostic process is divided into multiple discrete idle periods. Each idle period performs a portion of the required frequency sweeps, and results are accumulated across multiple sessions to complete the full diagnostic assessment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Continuous monitoring of a model in an interactive computer simulation station. The model comprises a plurality of interrelated parameters defining a dynamic behavior of a simulated interactive object in an interactive computer simulation when inputs are provided on tangible instrument(s) of the station. During a diagnostic period of time, a frequency sweep of the model is performed for measuring the dynamic behavior of the simulated interactive object. During the frequency sweep, each of the tangible instrument(s) is automatically mechanically moved following an input function defining an input range variation at a related frequency. The frequency sweep provides an actual frequency response function for the tangible instrument(s) defining the dynamic behavior. The station is determined to require maintenance when the dynamic behavior of the simulated interactive object, measured by the frequency sweep, is outside of a target dynamic behavior range for the simulated interactive object.