Dynamic error code, fault location, and test and troubleshooting user experience correlation/visualization systems and methods
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9983919-B2
Publication Date
2018-05-29
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 have been developed for testing and troubleshooting systems, including remote systems, by providing a test control system configured to perform testing on a system under test (SUT). The test control system includes an electronic device operable to display a system fault code failure matrix visualization that comprises fault codes and/or fault locations for one or more subsystems of the SUT. The system further includes an aggregated subsystem fault locations database that stores previously identified system or subsystem fault locations of the SUT leading to the source of an issue causing particular fault codes. These fault locations are based on previous testing results of a system or subsystem.
The invention addresses challenges associated with rapid and accurate system testing or troubleshooting for remote systems, such as UAVs or shipboard systems. A primary problem is that experienced technicians with specialized knowledge often are not onsite at remote locations to perform necessary diagnostics. Subsystems may require distinct expertise, and onsite technicians with less experience may not be as efficient or capable of troubleshooting issues effectively. This results in prolonged system downtimes due to the shortage of experienced technicians and the complexity of subsystems involved.
The disclosed apparatus and methods enable a technician at a remote location to access aggregated data of previously identified subsystem fault locations correlated to fault codes through a network-accessible database. The system provides multiple visualizations on an electronic device, allowing users to navigate from a system fault code failure matrix to specific subsystem fault code failure matrices and the associated fault locations for testing. The system supports iterative testing, uploading new fault locations discovered by technicians, and ordering fault locations by probabilities of success, improving troubleshooting efficiency without requiring subject matter experts to be physically onsite.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims presenting inventive features related to a fault diagnostic system and a process for diagnosing system faults using visualized fault code-fault location correlations and iterative troubleshooting steps.
Fault diagnostic system with multi-level user experience visualizations
A fault diagnostic system comprising a test system to perform testing on an SUT that produces fault codes, and a diagnostic system with a display, processor, and storage medium. The storage stores machine-readable instructions that generate four distinct user experience visualizations on the display: (1) a flow chart comprising troubleshooting steps, (2) a system block diagram with multiple subsystems and associated fault code fault location matrices (FCFLM) displayed around the periphery, each matrix linking fault codes to previously identified fault locations, (3) a detailed view of an FCFLM showing fault codes and fault locations, and (4) a search GUI allowing user input of a fault code which toggles to the detailed FCFLM view. The first visualization can toggle between visualizations two to four and presents GUI elements to select/deselect fault locations associated with a fault code, permitting reselection if a previous selection does not resolve the fault.
Diagnostic process integrating testing and multi-level user experience visualizations
A process comprising operation of a test system on an SUT to generate fault codes upon system failure and operation of a diagnostic system comprising a display and storage with machine-readable instructions that cause generation of four user experience visualizations matching those in the system claim. The process includes operating the test and diagnostic systems to identify faults based on fault code and fault location correlations displayed via the FCFLM visualizations and confirming that corrective action clears the fault by rerunning the test system until the fault code no longer appears.
Process for updating diagnostic system database with new fault locations following unsuccessful troubleshooting
Following exhaustive troubleshooting attempts at all fault code and fault location combinations presented in the multi-level visualizations where the fault code persists, performing additional troubleshooting using external diagnostic resources, identifying a cause of the fault code, performing corrective action to clear the fault, and adding a new fault code and fault location correlation to the diagnostic system's database based on the new troubleshooting information.
The claims cover an integrated fault diagnostic system and method that utilize hierarchical visualizations correlating fault codes with fault locations, enable user interaction to manage troubleshooting flows, and support dynamic updating of fault location databases from field technicians to improve accuracy and efficiency in diagnosing and correcting faults in complex systems.
Stated Advantages
Allows rapid availability and retention of collected troubleshooting knowledge across multiple remote sites without requiring subject matter experts to be physically present.
Provides real-time updates to an aggregated fault location database via a network such as the Internet, ensuring that technicians have access to the latest troubleshooting information.
Enables technicians with minimal skill sets to perform effective troubleshooting by using fault code-failure location matrices and user interfaces that facilitate fault diagnosis and repair.
Supports the ordering of fault locations by probabilities of success based on historical test and troubleshooting activities, improving the efficiency of fault isolation and correction.
Documented Applications
Testing and troubleshooting remote systems such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems and shipboard systems including their subsystems.
Providing fault code and fault location correlations to technicians operating in remote or field locations, such as onboard ships underway, where experienced technicians may not be physically present.
Use in systems that include subsystems like sensor subsystems and actuator subsystems for UAVs, and remote control subsystems or data link subsystems for ships.
Integration with test equipment including automatic test equipment (ATE) or built-in-test (BIT) systems to facilitate diagnostics and fault isolation.
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