METHOD FOR PROCESSING IDENTIFICATIONS

Abstract

A method for processing previously detected identifications of apparatuses of an aircraft, wherein each apparatus has at least one communicative component. A reference dataset is used to compare the actual identifications with specified identifications, as a result of which a report signal based on the comparison result indicates whether the detected identifications correspond to the identifications represented by the reference dataset. If there is a positive match, this allows the conclusion that the apparatuses are correctly installed in the aircraft.

Claims

1. A method, comprising the steps of: T1) transmitting a configuration signal from a terminal to a host system, wherein the configuration signal represents at least one principal dataset, wherein each principal dataset represents precisely one related, unique apparatus identification of a respective apparatus of an aircraft and comprises, for this respective apparatus, at least one auxiliary dataset that is uniquely associated with in each case precisely one component of the respective apparatus, wherein each auxiliary dataset comprises a related, unique subscriber identification of the respective component, a non-unique piece-part identification of the respective component and an initial key identification, wherein the host system stores a reference dataset that comprises a multiplicity of apparatus identifications and at least one associated, non-unique reference piece-part identification for each apparatus identification; E1) receiving the configuration signal by means of the host system; S1) the host system storing the at least one principal dataset received by means of the configuration signal; I1) identifying in the reference dataset, by means of the host system, the apparatus identification of each principal dataset received by means of the configuration signal and determining in the reference dataset, by means of the host system, the at least one non-unique reference piece-part identification related to the identified apparatus identification; V1) comparing the at least one piece-part identification comprised by the at least one auxiliary dataset of a respective principal dataset with the at least one reference piece-part identification that was identified for the respective apparatus identification of the respective principal dataset in step, by means of the host system; and N1) generating and sending a report signal by means of the host system, as a result of which the report signal represents a result of the comparing from step V1).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step V1) the host system is used to check whether the piece-part identifications and reference piece-part identifications to be compared with one another match, and the report signal is generated by means of the host system in step N1) in such a way that the result represents a positive match if the check from step V1) shows no differences, and if no positive match, indicates the piece-part identifications and reference piece-part identifications by means of the report signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration signal represents multiple principal datasets.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is a fixed terminal having a paper scanner.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is a mobile terminal.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the mobile terminal has a camera, the method additionally comprising the following steps K1), K2) and K3), which are performed before step T1): K1) directly or indirectly, optically detecting an apparatus identification on an apparatus by means of the terminal; K2) directly or indirectly, optically detecting a subscriber identification, a non-unique piece-part identification and an initial key identification on each component of the apparatus from step K1) by means of the terminal; and K3) generating the principal dataset for each apparatus from the apparatus identification detected in step K1) and the at least one related auxiliary dataset with the non-unique piece-part identification and the initial key identification detected in step K2), by means of the terminal.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the mobile terminal has a near-field reader, the method additionally comprising the following steps K1), K2) and K3), which are performed before step T1): K1) directly or indirectly, electromagnetically detecting an apparatus identification on an apparatus by means of the terminal; and K2) directly or indirectly, electromagnetically detecting a subscriber identification, a non-unique piece-part identification and an initial key identification on each component of the apparatus from step K1) by means of the terminal; K3) generating the principal dataset for each apparatus from the apparatus identification detected in step K1) and the at least one related auxiliary dataset with the non-unique piece-part identification and the initial key identification detected in step K2), by means of the terminal.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein in step T1) at least one principal dataset is transmitted from the terminal to the host system in each of multiple, successive time windows.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the terminal has a first signal interface and the host system has a second signal interface, the first signal interface and the second signal interface being configured to transmit a signal.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the terminal has a display and the first signal interface is configured to receive the report signal, and wherein the method comprises the following steps: R1) receiving the report signal by means of the first signal interface of the terminal; and A1) displaying a message, which optically represents a result of the comparison from step V1), based on the report signal and by means of the display of the terminal.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first interface and the second interface are each formed as a radio interface, the configuration signal being transmitted as a radio configuration signal in step T1), and the report signal being sent as a radio report signal in step N1).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method additionally comprises the following steps H1), Z1) and W1): H1) making a radio signal connection from a third radio signal interface of a component of an apparatus of an aircraft to the second radio signal interface of the host system, wherein a memory unit of the respective component stores the related, unique subscriber identification of the respective component, a non-unique piece-part identification of the respective component and an initial key identification, and wherein the radio signal connection is encrypted by means of the initial key identification; Z1) assigning and transmitting a new key identification from the host system to the component by way of the radio signal connection; and W1) remaking a new radio signal connection, encrypted by means of the new key identification, from the third radio signal interface of the component to the second radio signal interface of the host system.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method additionally comprises the following steps: R1) receiving a reset signal by way of the third radio signal interface of the component or a pushbutton switch of the component, and R2) resetting the new key identification to the initial key identification stored in the memory unit of the component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Further features, advantages and possible uses of the present invention will emerge from the description of the exemplary embodiments that follows and from the figures. Here, all of the features described and/or illustrated in the figures form the subject matter of the invention individually and in any desired combination, even independently of the combination of the features in the individual claims or the back-references thereof Furthermore, in the figures, the same reference signs are used for identical or similar objects.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an advantageous configuration of an aircraft.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a schematic depiction of an advantageous configuration of a design of galley cabinets in an aircraft.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a schematic depiction of advantageous configurations of a terminal, a host system and an apparatus for an aircraft.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a further advantageous configuration of an apparatus.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows an advantageous configuration of a sheet of paper with identifications arranged in tabular fashion.

[0037] FIGS. 6-8 each show a schematic flowchart for an advantageous configuration of a method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an aircraft 10. Modern aircraft 10 often have a multiplicity of apparatuses 8, such as, for example, seats or cabinets of a galley 32.

[0039] FIG. 2 reproduces a portion of the fuselage 30 of the aircraft 10 in a schematic cross-sectional representation. FIG. 2 shows multiple cabinets of a galley 32. Several of the cabinets are each provided with an apparatus sticker 34 that reproduces an apparatus identification 6 for the respective cabinet. Cabinets that have an apparatus sticker 34 with a related apparatus identification 6 form examples of an apparatus 8 for the purposes of the invention. These apparatuses 8 can differ from the usual cabinets (without an apparatus identification 6) by virtue of each of the apparatuses 8 having at least one component 12 that is designed to make a communication connection, in particular, a radio connection or a wired communication connection. Such components 12 are also referred to as communication-enabled components 12.

[0040] FIG. 3 schematically depicts an advantageous configuration of the apparatus 8. The outer side of the apparatus 8 has an apparatus sticker 34 on which the apparatus identification 6 is represented firstly by a combination of numbers and letters and secondly by a QR code. The apparatus identification 6 can thus be reproduced by the apparatus sticker 34 in two ways, namely once in a manner encoded by the QR code and once in plain text through the combination of numbers and letters. In principle, it is possible for one of the two manners of reproduction, that is to say either the QR code or the combination of numbers or letters, to be sufficient to associate the apparatus identification 6 with the apparatus 8.

[0041] It can additionally be seen from FIG. 3 that the communication-enabled component 12 forms a part of the apparatus 8. The communication-enabled component 12 can form a modular component of the apparatus 8. However, it is also possible for the communication-enabled component 12 to be a component of the apparatus 8 that is permanently connected to the apparatus 8 or for it to form an integral part of the apparatus 8. An outer side of the communicative component 12 has had a component sticker 36 applied to it. The component sticker 36 is depicted in magnified form to the side of the communication-enabled component 12 in FIG. 3. The magnified depiction of the component sticker 36 shows that the component sticker 36 reproduces multiple identifications 14, 16, 18, which are thereby also associated with the communication-enabled component 12. The component sticker 36 therefore associates a related, unique subscriber identification 14, a non-unique piece-part identification 16 and an initial key identification 18 with the communication-enabled component 12. The subscriber identification 14 may also be referred to as a client ID or as an S/N. The piece-part identification 16 may also be referred to as a client part No. The initial key identification 18 may also be referred to as a join key, pre-shared key, key or certificate.

[0042] The apparatus identification 6 is unique to each apparatus 8. The apparatus identification 6 can therefore be used to uniquely identify the apparatus 8. For each communication-enabled component 12 of an apparatus 8, there is provision for a respective related, unique subscriber identification 14. The subscriber identification 14 can therefore be used to uniquely identify the respective component 12. Each component 12 additionally has the associated piece-part identification 16. The piece-part identification 16 can provide information about the type, the category, the group or other, general technical features of the respective component 12. Since the piece-part identification 16 is not unique, the piece-part identification 16 cannot be used to uniquely identify the component 12. Preferably only the subscriber identification 14 is suitable for this. The piece-part identification 16 is, however, suitable for establishing what technical features the respective component 12 has and/or what technical specifications the respective component 12 meets. In particular, the piece-part identification 16 can be used to determine the nature and/or the type of the respective component 12. The piece-part identification 16 can specify a communicative moisture sensor, for example. Multiple cabinets in the galley 32 of the aircraft 10 may be designed to have a communicative moisture sensor, as a result of which these cabinets each form an apparatus 8 that comprises a communication-enabled component 12, namely the communicative moisture sensor. The communicative moisture sensor is not the only example of a communication-enabled component 12 in the galley 32, however. As such, other electrical appliances may also be arranged in a cabinet of the galley 32 and additionally designed to make a communication connection. As such, a further cabinet can, for example, form an apparatus 8 if this cabinet has, as a communication-enabled component 12, a coffee machine that is likewise designed to make a communication connection. Each of the components 12 of the multiple apparatuses 8 may be designed to make a communication connection to the same communication unit of the aircraft 10. This communication unit can, for example, be the host system 4 if the host system is part of the aircraft 10. Otherwise, a different communication unit of the aircraft 10 may be designed to make the communication connection to the communication-enabled components 12.

[0043] The planning stage for producing an aircraft 10 often involves stipulating the location at which apparatuses 8 with related components 12 need to be installed. For an advantageous configuration of the method of the invention, there is provision for the installation of the apparatuses to involve a mobile terminal 2 being used that is designed to directly or indirectly optically detect the apparatus identification 6, the subscriber identification 14, the piece-part identification 16 and the initial key identification 18. FIG. 3 depicts the mobile terminal 2 by way of illustration as a specially configured mobile phone that has a camera 20 and a display 26. The display 26 may be formed by a screen, for example. The camera 20 and the display 26 may be arranged on opposite outer sides of the mobile terminal 2. Additionally, the mobile terminal 2 can have a first signal interface 22 that is used to make a signal connection 38, in particular a radio signal connection 38, to a second signal interface 24 of the host system 4. When apparatuses 8 are installed in the galley 32 of the aircraft 10, for example, the mobile terminal 2 can be used to photograph the apparatuses 8 in succession by means of the camera 20 of the mobile terminal 2 and in this manner to optically detect the aforementioned identifications 6, 14, 16, 18. From these identifications, the mobile terminal 2 forms at least one principal dataset, which the mobile terminal 2 conveys to the host system 4 in the form of a configuration signal by way of the signal connection 38.

[0044] Preferably precisely one related principal dataset is generated for each apparatus 8. The mobile terminal 2 may be appropriately configured for this purpose. Each principal dataset is formed in such a way that each principal dataset represents precisely one related, unique apparatus identification 6 of the respective apparatus 8 of the aircraft 10 and, for this respective apparatus 8, comprises at least one auxiliary dataset that is uniquely associated with in each case precisely one component 12 of the respective apparatus 8. The principal dataset thus comprises the related apparatus identification 6 unique to the apparatus 8 and, for each communication-enabled component 12 of this apparatus 8, a respective related auxiliary dataset. If an apparatus 8 has two communication-enabled components 12, for example, then the principal dataset will have the apparatus identification 6 unique to the apparatus 8 and two auxiliary datasets, each auxiliary dataset being uniquely and precisely associated with only one of the two communication-enabled components 12. Each auxiliary dataset comprises a related, unique subscriber identification 14 of the respective component 12, a non-unique piece-part identification 16 of the respective component 12 and an initial key identification 18. The initial key identifications 18 are likewise not unique to the respective component 12. Rather, the initial key identifications 18 for the multiple components 12 may be the same. Although the non-unique piece-part identifications 16 may be the same, they do not have to be. If the apparatus 8 has two different types of communicative sensors as communication-enabled components 12, for example, then the piece-part identifications 16 will likewise differ in this case.

[0045] The transmission of each principal dataset from the mobile terminal 2 to the host system 4 by the configuration signal conveys the information about the installed apparatus 8 and the related, communication-enabled components 12 to the host system 4.

[0046] Before the actual production of the aircraft 10, it is often stipulated which apparatuses 8 are supposed to be used for the aircraft 10, and which communication-enabled components 12 the respective apparatuses 8 are supposed to have. The apparatus identifications 6 may already be predetermined for the apparatuses 8. For the communication-enabled components 12 of a respective apparatus 8, there is additionally preferably provision for a piece-part identification 16 and a so-called reference piece-part identification to be predetermined for each of these related communication-enabled components 12. Against this background, the host system 4 stores a reference dataset that comprises a multiplicity of apparatus identifications 6 and at least one related, non-unique reference piece-part identification for each apparatus identification 6. Each of the reference piece-part identifications can be understood as a specified value for the actual piece-part identification 16 of a component 12 that is installed and/or integrated in the apparatus 8 with the respective apparatus identification 6.

[0047] If both the apparatus identification 6 of the apparatus 8 and the identifications 14, 16, 18 associated with each communication-enabled component 12 are detected when an apparatus 8 is installed, the host system 4 is provided with a combination of identifications of the actually installed apparatus 8 by way of the applicable principal dataset, which identifications the host system 4 can compare with the identifications from the reference dataset.

[0048] The method according to the invention, as depicted by way of illustration and schematically in the flowchart in FIG. 6, thus initially comprises step T1), according to which a configuration signal is transmitted from the terminal 2 to the host system 4, wherein the configuration signal represents at least one principal dataset. In step E1), this configuration signal is received by means of the host system 4. In step S1), the at least one principal dataset received by means of the configuration signal is stored by the host system 4.

[0049] After a principal dataset has been received and stored by the host system 4, step I1) involves the host system being used to identify in the reference dataset the apparatus identification 6 of a respective principal dataset that has been transmitted by means of the configuration signal and to read the at least one related, non-unique reference piece-part identification 16 from the reference dataset. The host system 4 thus initially identifies the apparatus identification 6 of the principal dataset in the multiplicity of apparatus identifications 6 of the reference dataset. If the correct apparatus identification 6 has been identified in the reference dataset, the at least one, related reference piece-part identification 6 is read from the reference dataset by means of the host system and thus determined for the actual apparatus identification 6 of the respective apparatus 8. If the apparatus 8 having an apparatus identification 6 has multiple communication-enabled components 12, then the apparatus identification 6 may also have multiple associated reference identifications that can be determined in step I1) accordingly. The apparatus identification 6 from the principal dataset therefore allows at least one reference piece-part identification to be determined for the related apparatus in step I1).

[0050] In step V1), the host system 4 is used to compare the at least one piece-part identification 16 comprised by the at least one auxiliary dataset of the principal dataset with the at least one reference piece-part identification that was identified for the respective apparatus identification 6 of the principal dataset in step I1). The result of the comparison may be, for example, a positive match between the at least one reference piece-part identification and the actual piece-part identification 16. If there are differences, then a non-match may be the result of the comparison.

[0051] In step N1), the host system 4 is therefore used to generate and send a report signal that represents the result of the comparison from step V1). The report signal can be transmitted from the host system 4 to the mobile terminal 2 by way of the signal connection 38, for example, as a result of which the display 26 of the mobile terminal 2 is used to output a message that optically represents the result of the comparison. The user of the mobile terminal 2 is therefore provided with information about whether the respective previously installed apparatus 8 comprises the correct components 12. If there is a positive match, the user of the mobile terminal 2 can advance to the next apparatus 8. If there is no match, but rather differences, the user can arrange for the communication-enabled components 12 to be exchanged, as a result of which the incorrect communication-enabled component 12 is replaced with a correct communication-enabled component 12.

[0052] It has already been mentioned above that the mobile terminal 2 may be designed to optically detect the identifications 6, 14, 16, 18. FIG. 7 reproduces a further advantageous configuration of the method by means of a schematic flowchart. The method comprises the steps that have already been explained in connection with FIG. 6. In addition, the method comprises steps K1), K2) and K3). As FIG. 7 shows, there is preferably provision for steps K1), K2) and K3) to be performed in succession. However, it is also possible for steps K1) and K2) to be performed simultaneously or at least at overlapping times. Step K3) is preferably performed when the two steps K1) and K2) have ended. Additionally, there is preferably provision for steps K1), K2) and K3) to be performed before step T1).

[0053] According to step K1), an apparatus identification 6 on the apparatus 8 is, directly or indirectly, optically detected by means of the terminal 2. This can be accomplished by using the camera 20. Additionally, this step K1) is advantageous in particular when the apparatus identification 6 is optically represented on an apparatus sticker 34, the apparatus sticker 34 being stuck to an outer side of the apparatus 8.

[0054] According to step K2), a subscriber identification 14, a non-unique piece-part identification 16 and an initial key identification 18 on each component 12 of the apparatus 8 from step K1) are, directly or indirectly, optically detected by means of the terminal 2. This can likewise be accomplished by using the camera 20 of the mobile terminal 2. The identifications 14, 16, 18 may be optically represented on a component sticker 36 together, the component sticker 36 being stuck to an outer side of the respective communicative component 12. Each communication-enabled component 12 can have a corresponding component sticker 36 on the outer side. At least the subscriber identifications 14 on the component stickers 36 differ between the communication-enabled components 12. Step K2) can therefore be performed individually for each communication-enabled component 12 of a respective apparatus 8.

[0055] According to step K3), the principal dataset is generated for the respective apparatus 8 from the related apparatus identification 6 detected in step K1) and the at least one related auxiliary dataset having the identifications 14, 16, 18 respectively detected in step K2), by means of the mobile terminal 2. If the apparatus 8 comprises for example two mobile components 12, then the principal dataset generated in step K3) comprises not only the apparatus identification 6 of the apparatus 8 but also two auxiliary datasets, each component 12 having precisely one of the two auxiliary datasets uniquely associated with it. The auxiliary datasets can likewise be generated by the mobile terminal 2, specifically from the identifications 14, 16, 18 of the component stickers 36 of the respective component 12. When the principal dataset has been generated in step K3), step T1) can then take place, namely transmitting a configuration signal from the mobile terminal 2 to the host system 4, wherein the configuration signal represents the principal dataset.

[0056] FIG. 8 depicts a further, advantageous configuration of the method by means of a schematic flowchart. This configuration of the method comprises the steps that have been explained in connection with FIG. 7, which means that reference is made to the explanations pertaining to FIG. 7 in an analogous manner FIG. 8 shows that, following step N1), two further steps R1) and A1) are performed. According to step R1), which can be performed following step N1), the report signal is received from the host system 4 by means of the signal interface 22 of the terminal 2. As a result, the mobile terminal 2 is provided with the information concerning whether the comparison from step V1) results in a match between the at least one reference piece-part identification and the actual piece-part identification 16 or whether the result of the comparison from step V1) is differences between the at least one reference piece-part identification and the actual piece-part identification 16. According to step A1), which can be performed following step R1), a message is displayed on the display 26 of the terminal 2, wherein the message optically represents the result of the comparison from step V1). The user of the terminal 2 is thus provided, by way of the message displayed on the display 26, with the information about whether the apparatus 8 and the at least one related, communication-enabled component 12 are correctly installed.

[0057] The mobile terminal 2 can be used in such a way that each principal dataset is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 to the host system 4 by way of the configuration signal as soon as the principal dataset has been generated. However, it is also possible for the mobile terminal 2 to be used to generate a multiplicity of principal datasets after the identifications 6, 14, 16, 18 on multiple apparatuses 8 and related, communication-enabled components 12 have been detected. It is therefore possible for precisely one unique related principal dataset to have been generated for each apparatus 8 by the mobile terminal 2. These multiple principal datasets can be transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 to the host system 4 by way of the configuration signal together.

[0058] Generation of the principal dataset and detection of the identifications 6, 14, 16, 18 of the apparatus 8 and of the components 12 do not necessarily require a mobile terminal 2, however. This will be explained by way of illustration with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0059] FIG. 4 schematically depicts an apparatus 8 that has precisely one communication-enabled component 12. The outer side of the apparatus 8 has had two identical apparatus stickers 34 applied to it, each of which represents the same apparatus identification 6 in plain text or by means of a QR code. The outer side of the component 12 has additionally had two identical component stickers 36 attached to it, each of which represents the same subscriber identification 14, the same non-unique piece-part identification 16 and the same initial key identification 18 in plain text or by means of a QR code. One of the apparatus stickers 34 can be removed and stuck to a sheet of paper 40 that is schematically depicted in FIG. 5, for example. This sheet of paper 40 may have been divided in tabular fashion. The apparatus sticker 34 may be arranged in a left-hand column. The sheet 40 has provision for two rows, as a result of which a further apparatus sticker 34 of another apparatus 8 (not depicted) has been stuck in the second row. The apparatus sticker 34 of the apparatus 8 from FIG. 4 has been stuck in the first row. One of the component stickers 36 of the component 12 of the apparatus 8, which has previously been removed from the component 12, has been stuck to the right of the apparatus sticker 34 in the same row. By sticking the apparatus stickers 34 and the component stickers 36 in this way, an association can be made between the apparatus identification 6 and the identifications 14, 16, 18 of the respective component 12 of the apparatus 8 to which the apparatus identification 6 relates. If the apparatus 8 has multiple components 12, then multiple component stickers 36 of the different components 12 can be stuck in the same row, each component sticker 36 providing identifications 14, 16, 18 for an auxiliary dataset associated with the respective component 12. The sheet 40 depicted in FIG. 5 can be scanned in by a fixed terminal 2 having a related scanner. The fixed terminal 2 may be designed to generate a principal dataset for each apparatus 8, as a result of which each principal dataset has an apparatus identification 6 determined by the respective apparatus sticker 34, and comprises, for each component 12, a related auxiliary dataset reproduced by the identifications 14, 16, 18 on the component sticker 36 that is arranged in the same row as the apparatus sticker 34 having the apparatus identification 6 for the respective principal dataset. By scanning the sheet 40 that is depicted on page 5, for example, it is possible for multiple principal datasets to be generated and transmitted to the host system 4 by way of a signal connection 38 by means of a configuration signal that is generated by the fixed terminal 2.

[0060] It will additionally be pointed out that “having” is not exclusive of other elements or steps and “a” or “an” is not exclusive of a multiplicity. Furthermore, it will be pointed out that features that have been described with reference to one of the exemplary embodiments above can also be used in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as a limitation.

[0061] While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0062] 2 terminal [0063] 4 host system [0064] 6 apparatus identification [0065] 8 apparatus [0066] 10 aircraft [0067] 12 component [0068] 14 subscriber identification [0069] 16 piece-part identification [0070] 18 initial key identification [0071] 20 camera [0072] 22 first signal interface [0073] 24 second signal interface [0074] 26 display [0075] 30 fuselage [0076] 32 galley [0077] 34 apparatus sticker [0078] 36 component sticker [0079] 38 signal connection [0080] 40 sheet