Dynamic error code, fault location, and test and troubleshooting user experience correlation/visualization systems and methods

Inventors

Ly, Paul

Assignees

US Department of Navy

Publication Number

US-10860407-B2

Publication Date

2020-12-08

Expiration Date

2036-03-18

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for testing and troubleshooting systems, such as remote systems, have been developed that provide for a test control system configured to perform testing on a system under test. The test control system may include an electronic device operable to display a system fault code failure matrix visualization that may include fault codes and/or fault locations for one or more subsystems of a SUT. The test control system may also include an aggregated subsystem fault locations database that stores previously identified system or subsystem fault locations of the SUT that may lead to a source of an issue causing a particular fault code for the SUT, where the electronic device is operable to access the aggregated subsystem fault locations database to obtain the various previously identified fault locations. The previously identified system or subsystem fault locations may be based on previous testing of a system or subsystem.

Core Innovation

An apparatus and method for testing and troubleshooting systems, particularly remote systems with subsystems such as UAVs or shipboard systems, has been developed. The invention includes a test control system with an electronic device displaying a system fault code failure matrix that maps subsystems to potential fault codes and associated fault locations. This system integrates an aggregated subsystem fault locations database storing previously identified fault locations that have been effective in resolving specific fault codes, allowing the electronic device to access and display this information.

The test control system features control logic with a processor operatively coupled to the display, input/output system, and the fault locations database. It enables technicians to select subsystems and fault codes, view corresponding fault locations for testing, and receive guidance on troubleshooting steps. The system supports dynamic updating of the fault locations database based on new fault locations identified during troubleshooting, facilitating ongoing improvement and knowledge sharing.

The background identifies the problem of providing rapid and accurate system testing or troubleshooting for remote systems, where experienced technicians may not be onsite. Challenges include technician shortages at remote locations, subspecialization among technicians, and inefficiencies arising when less experienced personnel attempt troubleshooting. The invention addresses the need for a system that leverages accumulated troubleshooting knowledge to enable less experienced technicians to effectively troubleshoot faults in complex remote systems and subsystems.

Claims Coverage

The patent includes multiple independent claims describing a method, a test control system, and an electronic device for testing systems under test (SUTs) using fault code failure matrices and aggregated fault location databases.

Method for testing a system using fault code failure matrices and aggregated fault location database

Obtaining potential subsystem fault codes from an aggregated subsystem fault locations database; displaying system fault code failure matrices mapping subsystems to fault codes; receiving user selections of subsystems and fault codes; determining matching fault codes; obtaining at least one subsystem fault location associated with the fault code from the database; providing corresponding fault location indications for testing; and providing multiple user experiences and visualizations (flow chart, block diagram with fault code fault location matrices, detailed views, and search GUI) with interactive GUI elements allowing toggling and reselection to clear faults.

Test control system configured for fault code-based testing and visualization

A system comprising a display, input/output system, an aggregated subsystem fault locations database storing previously identified fault locations associated with fault codes, and a processor configured to display system and subsystem fault code failure matrices, receive fault code indications, determine matches, obtain fault locations, display fault locations for testing, and provide multiple interactive visualizations including flow charts, block diagrams with fault matrices, detail views, and search interfaces, supporting toggling and reselection of fault locations if faults persist.

Electronic device for fault code-based system testing and visualization

An electronic device with a processor and computer-readable medium storing instructions to obtain potential subsystem fault codes from an aggregated fault locations database; display system and subsystem fault code failure matrices; receive user selections of subsystems and fault codes; determine fault code matches; obtain associated fault locations; present fault locations for testing; and provide multiple user experiences with flow chart visualizations, system block diagrams with fault code/fault location matrices, detailed views, and search GUIs allowing toggling and reselection to facilitate troubleshooting.

The claims collectively cover methods, systems, and electronic devices that provide fault code failure matrices integrated with aggregated fault location databases and interactive visualizations to assist in systematic fault testing and troubleshooting of complex systems with subsystems.

Stated Advantages

Enable retention and rapid availability of collective troubleshooting knowledge across multiple remote sites without needing subject matter experts physically at the system location.

Allow technicians to access previously identified fault locations that have resolved particular fault codes, thereby improving troubleshooting efficiency.

Support real-time updates to the aggregated subsystem fault locations database via the internet, ensuring technicians at remote locations have access to the latest fault location data.

Documented Applications

Testing and troubleshooting remote systems such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and shipboard systems with subsystems.

Systems where experienced technicians are not onsite, including ships underway and other remote operational environments.

Situations requiring management and sharing of fault codes, fault locations, and troubleshooting steps for subsystems within complex systems to facilitate efficient fault isolation and repair.

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