Abstract: A system configuration process is implemented to verify that each component implemented in a processing system is compatible and includes the appropriate software version. Electronic modules or components of the system are queried as part of a pre-operation check for their installed software version data. The verification is completed by comparing the software version data to a system configuration definition that is permanently stored in system memory. A user can query the components as components are added, removed or upgraded, to verify that the system's actual configuration corresponds to that of the system configuration definition.

Abstract: A method for detecting and isolating faults in a complex system using a meta-analysis of subsystem built-in-test (BIT) results is disclosed. Subsystem BIT results may be combined with each other and with a representation of the complex system architecture and operational characteristics. A meta-analysis of the BIT results of individual modules, for example, commercial-off-the-shelf modules, may provide a diagnostic capability of a higher scope than individual subsystem BIT.

Abstract: A bus fault detection and isolation system and method is disclosed that can operate non-intrusively to detect and isolate faults in a bus, such as a dual redundant MIL STD 1553 bus. The system and method of the present invention can be configured to operate within a bus controller using existing system commands and variables defined for testing. No additional equipment may be needed to utilize the bus fault detection and isolation system and method, so no additional failure points are introduced and the bus is in an unmodified state while fault detection and isolation takes place. Further, the bus fault detection and isolation system and method of the present invention may use accumulator variables to detect an intermittent fault which may then be isolated later even if the fault condition is no longer present on the bus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Class V Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) that allows remote diagnostic engineers to interact directly with on-site maintenance technicians and a system under test. In addition, the disclosed IETM permits automatic synchronization of files on a maintenance technician's portable electronic display device. The disclosed IETM is also capable of dynamically displaying asset specific information and dynamically displaying technical information in multiple languages.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnostic fault detection and isolation is provided, wherein COTS/MOTS subsystems of a system under test are evaluated in a hierarchical manner providing improved test coverage and a reduction in ambiguity group size. The diagnostic fault detection and isolation method may proceed from automatic built-in-test to disruptive built-in-test and finally to manual tests. At each stage of the testing, results may be evaluated to determine which, if any, components need replacing. The systems and methods of the present invention are suited to testing systems that incorporate COTS/MOTS subsystem components, and for use with an interactive electronic technical manual (IETM).

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced diagnostic fault detection and isolation is provided, wherein COTS/MOTS subsystems of a system under test are evaluated in a hierarchical manner providing improved test coverage and a reduction in ambiguity group size. The enhanced diagnostic fault detection and isolation method may proceed from automatic built-in-test to initiated built-in-test and finally to manual tests. At each stage of the testing, results may be evaluated to determine which, if any, components need replacing. The diagnostic system may report the results of testing in a fault log and/or a look-up table structure. The systems and methods of the present invention are suited to testing systems that incorporate COTS or MOTS subsystem components, and for use with an interactive electronic technical manual (IETM). Further, the diagnostic system is adaptable to a variety of subsystem interface protocols.

Abstract: A graphical mark-up language authoring system using drag and drop placement of symbols representing mark-up language elements on a computer screen drawing and connecting the blocks by lines representing data and control flow to create a mark-up language sequence design. The symbols are instances of a mark-up language element that include the properties and attributes of that element. The system also includes a mark-up language view of the elements and their attributes and properties. The system permits effective authoring of mark-up language sequences by users not expert in mark-up language sequence design.