Test Harness Checks for Safety-Critical Apps on Uncontrolled Hosts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Safety critical applications (SCAs) installed on uncontrolled data processing devices (UDPDs) lack assurance of proper operation due to dynamic and unverified environments, where user-driven hardware and software changes can compromise functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implement a test harness module comprising various checks (installation, functional, host integrity, coexistence, interoperability, power management, and environment checks) to ensure the SCA operates properly on UDPDs, controlling its operation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a safety critical application is installed on an uncontrolled data processing device that permits user-driven hardware and software changes, then the device provides flexibility and adaptability, but the proper operation of the application cannot be assured
Solution Approach 1:
The test harness executes a set of checks before allowing the safety critical application to operate freely on the uncontrolled data processing device. These preliminary checks verify installation correctness, functional integrity, host system integrity, coexistence with other applications, interoperability, power management capabilities, and environmental conditions. By performing these verification actions in advance, the system ensures reliable operation before the flexible environment can potentially compromise functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The test harness continuously monitors the operating environment and provides feedback about changes that may affect application reliability. When environmental changes are detected, the harness can alert users, prevent operation, or re-execute checks to verify continued proper functioning. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain reliability awareness while operating in a flexible, change-permitting environment.
2Reliability
If the entire safety critical system undergoes verification and validation processes, then a certain level of confidence in proper operation is provided, but the system becomes controlled and cannot undergo new software and/or hardware changes
Solution Approach 1:
The verification process is segmented into two distinct phases: initial verification and validation of the safety critical application itself, and ongoing environmental checks performed by the test harness. The application undergoes thorough verification before deployment, maintaining confidence in its core functionality. Simultaneously, the test harness independently monitors the operating environment for changes, separating the verified application logic from the dynamic environment, allowing changes while maintaining confidence through continuous monitoring.
3Reliability
If a test harness module is implemented to check various aspects of operation, then confidence in proper operation is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test harness is designed as a universal verification framework that can check multiple aspects of application operation through a single integrated module. Rather than implementing separate verification systems for each check type, the harness provides multi-functional capability to verify installation, functionality, host integrity, coexistence, interoperability, power management, and environmental conditions through one unified structure, reducing overall complexity compared to multiple separate verification systems.
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AI summary
Methods and articles of manufacture for hosting a safety critical application on an uncontrolled data processing device are provided. Various combinations of installation, functional, host integrity, coexistence, interoperability, power management, and environment checks are performed at various times to determine if the safety critical application operates properly on the device. The operation of the SCA on the UDPD may be controlled accordingly.