Abstract: A system and method for identifying a monitoring point in an electrical and electronic system (EES) in a vehicle. The method includes defining a network model of the EES where potential monitoring point locations in the model are identified as targets, such as nodes. The method then computes a betweenness centrality metric for each target in the model as a summation of a ratio of a total number of shortest paths between each pair of targets and a number of shortest paths that pass through the target whose betweenness centrality metric is being determined. The method identifies which of the betweenness centrality metrics are greater than a threshold that defines a minimum acceptable metric and determines which of those targets meets a predetermined model coverage. The monitoring point is selected as the target that best satisfies the minimum metric and the desired coverage.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for establishing a communication link between an on onboard computer system (OCS) of a mobile platform and a central computer system (CCS) located remotely from the mobile platform. A message containing data to be downloaded from the OCS to the CCS is sent from a first portion of an electronic log book function (ELB1) of the OCS to a second portion of a communications management function (CMF2) of the OCS. The message is configured into a transmittable data file and placed into an outgoing queue of the CMF2. The CMF2 automatically selects at least one desired communication channel from a plurality of available communication channels utilizing a configuration file of the CMF2. The CMF2 establishes a secure link between the OCS and the CCS utilizing the automatically selected communication channel and sends the transmittable data file to the CCS, via the secure established link over the automatically selected channel.

Abstract: A method and system for a directed area search using cognitive swarm vision and cognitive Bayesian reasoning is disclosed. The system comprises a domain knowledge database, a top-down reasoning module, and a bottom-up module. The domain knowledge database is configured to store Bayesian network models comprising visual features and observables associated with various sets of entities. The top-down module is configured to receive a search goal, generate a plan of action using Bayesian network models, and partition the plan into a set of tasks/observables to be located in the imagery. The bottom-up module is configured to select relevant feature/attention models for the observables, and search the visual imagery using a cognitive swarm for the at least one observable. The system further provides for operator feedback and updating of the domain knowledge database to perform better future searches.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention, a method for explaining a recommendation produced by a decision support tool is disclosed. The method comprises submitting a list of observation inputs to the decision support tool and producing a recommendation. The list of inputs is then reordered according to an observation metric. The method further comprises quantifying how each input impacts the probability of the recommendation produced. The inputs may then be ranked by comparing the associated changes in probability of the recommendation produced.

Abstract: Random sampling techniques include techniques for reducing or eliminating errors in the output of capacitive sensor arrays such as touch panels. The channels of the touch panel are periodically sampled to determine the presence of one or more touch events. Each channel is individually sampled in a round robin fashion, referred to as a sampling cycle. During each sampling cycle, all channels are sampled once. Multiple sampling cycles are performed such that each channel is sampled multiple times. Random sampling techniques are used to sample each of the channels. One random sampling technique randomizes a starting channel in each sampling cycle. Another random sampling technique randomizes the selection of all channels in each sampling cycle. Yet another random sampling technique randomizes the sampling cycle delay period between each sampling cycle. Still another random sampling technique randomizes the channel delay period between sampling each channel.

Abstract: A method for computing the power savings in an integrated circuit (IC) design is disclosed. The method computes the difference in power savings between techniques used for clock gating. Based on the computation results, the method outputs a script to control the implementation tool so as to provide for the best implementation clock gating technique in terms of power and area savings.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing computer system configuration data are provided. The method includes staging the configuration data in a staging memory accessible to a first application, selecting a path for a transfer of the configuration data from the staging memory to a target memory, emulating a hardware data loader using a second software application adapted to control a transfer of the configuration data from the staging memory to the target memory, and transferring the configuration data from the staging memory to the target memory using the emulator. The method further effectively expands a memory capacity of a Flight Management Computer by providing swappable memory capacity such that a re-certification to Federal Aviation Administration standards of the Flight Management Computer is not triggered.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a mutually authenticated secure link between a mobile platform system and a remote system is provided. An onboard computer system (OCS) generates a dynamic certificate and digitally signs the dynamic certificate with a static certificate. The dynamic certificate is transmitted to a remote central computer system (CCS). The CCS verifies that the dynamic certificate is from a trusted source and sends a return dynamic certificate electronically signed with the static certificate to the OCS. The OCS verifies the return dynamic certificate is from the CCS, thereby establishing a mutually authenticated secure link between the OCS and the CCS.

Abstract: A method for real-time validation of an electronically signature generated onboard a mobile system. The method includes maintaining a ground mobile user account management (GMUAM) module user database to have up-to-date authorized user account information. The GMUAM is hosted by a stationary central computer system (CCS). The method additionally includes transferring the up-to-date authorized user account information stored on the GMUAM user database to a mobile user account management (MUAM) module user database, thereby updating the MUAM user data base with up-to-date authorized user account information. The MUAM module is included in an onboard computer system (OCS) hosted by the mobile system. The method further includes evoking a signature validator module communicatively connected to the MUAM module to access the MUAM database and verify whether user account information included in an electronic signature initiated by a secure data application (SDA) is authorized user account information.

Abstract: A method and a high latch for a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat has a seatback pivotably coupled to a seat base and the seat base is coupled to a vehicle body having a vehicle wall. The high latch includes a hook carriage including a structural hook, with the hook carriage coupled to the seatback. A striker assembly including a striker arm is configured to selectively engage the structural hook, with the striker assembly coupled to the vehicle body. With the structural hook and striker arm engaged, the seatback will move with the striker assembly from the first position to a second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling information from wireless nodes, including nodes for communication with aircraft, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a sensor configured to sense information corresponding to a characteristic of a wireless node. The wireless node can be one of a plurality of wireless nodes configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wireless nodes can also be linked to a non-wireless network portion. The system can further include a transmitter configured to transmit the information via the network, and a receiver operatively coupled to the transmitter to receive the information via the network. Accordingly, the system can be used to automatically identify and track diagnostic information corresponding to the state of one or more wireless nodes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing mobile platform fault data. The method includes automatically collecting raw fault data regarding at least one fault that occurs onboard the mobile platform utilizing a central maintenance computer (CMC) onboard the mobile platform. The raw fault data is automatically transmitted from the CMC to an onboard computer system (OCS) of the mobile platform and to a central computer system (CCS) located remotely from the mobile platform. The method additionally includes automatically generating at least one electronic mobile platform cabin (MPC) draft fault report from the raw data utilizing a first portion of an electronic logbook function (ELB1) of the OCS. Execution of the ELB1 additionally generates a MPC draft fault report notification message viewable on an OCS display and is automatically downloaded to the CCS.

Abstract: To minimize the voltage drops in an electronic circuit, existing instances are moved and decoupling capacitors are automatically inserted according to an algorithm. A model of the voltage drop on a row of gate elements is presented. The model allows for rapid computations of the effect of a particular move or insertion on voltage drop in the circuit.

Abstract: A system for automatically synchronizing and communicating data between a mobile platform and a remote system, where the remote system has a backoffice repository and a scheduler application controlled by an entity operating said platform, includes: a backoffice interface manager for interfacing with said repository and said application, to communicate scheduling information between said platform and said application; and a computer controlled support system located remote from said platform and in communication with said backoffice interface manager, and further including a common data store system for holding said data and synchronizing the communication of said data between at least one mobile subsystem on said application, to ensure communication of said data between said mobile subsystem and said remote system within a predetermined time of executing an operational procedure with said platform.

Abstract: An automated system collects information related to various factors that affect fuel costs, and determines an optimal amount of fuel to be loaded on an aircraft. Information related to an aircraft's fuel efficiency is collected from the aircraft; price information is collected for the stops made by the aircraft; and flight plan information is collected for each flight. The collected information is used to determine or estimate the fuel requirements of the aircraft and an optimal amount of fuel to load onto the aircraft at a location.

Abstract: An automated system tracks and records factors that affect fuel consumption. Configuration factors such as the actual engine(s) used in the airplane, weight, weight distribution, engine pressure, engine rotation speeds, etc.; environmental factors such as wind speed and direction, temperature, altitude and air pressure, etc.; and flight path factors such as actual route flown, distance flown, take-off/landing requirements for the airports, etc. are tracked and recorded. The resulting data is used to “normalize” the fuel efficiency of each airplane and engine. Normalized data for an airline's fleet of airplanes and engines are used to find optimal airplane/engine combinations for the routes serviced by the airline. The collected data itself can be sent from the aircraft during flight or, a notification message can be sent from the aircraft to the airline computer system to have the collected data downloaded from the airplane at the next landing.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention, a method for explaining a recommendation produced by a decision support tool is disclosed. The method comprises submitting a list of observation inputs to the decision support tool and producing a recommendation. The list of inputs is then reordered according to an observation metric. The method further comprises quantifying how each input impacts the probability of the recommendation produced. The inputs may then be ranked by comparing the associated changes in probability of the recommendation produced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling information from wireless nodes, including nodes for communication with aircraft, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a sensor configured to sense information corresponding to a characteristic of a wireless node. The wireless node can be one of a plurality of wireless nodes configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wireless nodes can also be linked to a non-wireless network portion. The system can further include a transmitter configured to transmit the information via the network, and a receiver operatively coupled to the transmitter to receive the information via the network. Accordingly, the system can be used to automatically identify and track diagnostic information corresponding to the state of one or more wireless nodes.

Abstract: An electronic flight bag is disclosed which includes an electronic logbook module having an electronic logbook database. The electronic logbook module is configured to compile a list of deferred maintenance items including one or more MEL items. The electronic flight bag also includes an onboard performance tool module operatively connected to the electronic logbook module. The onboard performance tool module is configured to access the list of deferred maintenance items compiled by the electronic logbook module and calculate a plurality of performance parameters. The electronic flight bag also includes an electronic document browser module operatively connected to the electronic logbook module and the onboard performance tool module. The electronic document browser module includes an electronic document browser database storing documentation regarding the MEL item(s) included in the list of deferred maintenance items compiled by the electronic logbook module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-network aircraft communications are disclosed. In one embodiment, a communication system includes a communications module executing in an onboard computer in an aircraft. Applications executing on the onboard computer generate messages, which the communications module transmits over one of a plurality of broadcast networks including ACARS and IP based systems. The communications module selects which of the broadcast networks will carry a message according to a configuration file associated with the generating application. Messages may have a priority associated therewith, with low priority messages being stored and transmitted upon availability if a preferred broadcast network is unavailable.