Patent Publication Number: US-2021188462-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for assisting with functional testing of aircraft systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This International PCT Patent Application relies for priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/570,961 filed on Oct. 11, 2017, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to aircraft, and more particularly to functional testing of aircraft systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE ART 
     Before a flight of an aircraft, part of a flight crew&#39;s workload includes the execution of tests on some aircraft systems prior to takeoff. The flight crew&#39;s execution of the pre-flight tests can be guided by a checklist and can require the flight crew to interface with controls and display devices scattered throughout the flight deck. The task of conducting the pre-flight tests is important to the safe operation of the aircraft but can be time consuming, contribute to pilot workload and can be prone to errors such as an unintended omission of a pre-flight test. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus for assisting with functional testing of systems of an aircraft. The apparatus comprises: 
     a display device; 
     one or more data processors operatively coupled to the display device; and 
     non-transitory machine-readable memory operatively coupled to the one or more data processors, storing instructions executable by the one or more data processors and configured to cause the one or more data processors to: 
     generate an output for causing the display device to display a plurality of test objects respectively associated with a plurality of functional tests of respective systems of the aircraft; 
     using data indicative of a condition of the aircraft, select one or more selected functional tests from the plurality of functional tests based on the condition of the aircraft; and 
     generate an output for causing the display device to identify one or more identified test objects from the plurality of test objects, the one or more identified test objects being respectively associated with the one or more selected functional tests. 
     The non-transitory machine-readable memory may contain data indicative of a predefined testing order for the selected functional tests. The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing the display device to display the identified test objects according to the predetermined testing order. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for initiating a plurality of the selected functional tests according to the predetermined testing order. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing the display device to display a condition object indicating the condition of the aircraft. The condition object may be responsive to user input indicative of the condition of the aircraft. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing the display device to display an execution object configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing an execution of two or more of the selected functional tests in parallel. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing the display device to display status information associated with one or more of the plurality of test objects. 
     Identifying the one or more identified test objects may comprise visually distinguishing the one or more identified test objects from any non-identified test objects. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing the display device to display an enclosure that surrounds all of the identified test objects. 
     One or more of the plurality of test objects may be responsive to respective user input. The instructions may be configured to, in response to the respective user input, cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for initiating the respective one or more of the plurality of functional tests associated with the one or more of the plurality of test objects responsive to respective user input. 
     The plurality of functional tests may be pre-flight functional tests and the data indicative of the condition of the aircraft may be indicative of any of the following: whether a next flight of the aircraft is a first flight of a day; whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a change in flight crew; and whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a cold and dark start of the aircraft. 
     Embodiments can include combinations of the above features. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure describes a computer-implemented method for assisting with functional testing of systems of an aircraft. The method comprises: 
     receiving data indicative of a condition of the aircraft; 
     causing a display device to display a plurality of test objects respectively associated with a plurality of functional tests of respective systems of the aircraft; 
     using the data indicative of the condition of the aircraft, selecting one or more selected functional tests from the plurality of functional tests based on the condition of the aircraft; and 
     causing the display device to identify one or more identified test objects from the plurality of test objects, the one or more identified test objects being respectively associated with the one or more selected functional tests. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display the identified test objects according to a predetermined testing order. 
     The method may comprise initiating a plurality of the selected functional tests according to the predetermined testing order. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display a condition object indicating the condition of the aircraft. 
     The condition object may be responsive to user input indicative of the condition of the aircraft. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display an execution object configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The method may comprise causing an execution of two or more of the selected functional tests in parallel. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display status information associated with one or more of the plurality of test objects. 
     Identifying the one or more identified test objects may comprise visually distinguishing the one or more identified test objects from any non-identified test objects. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display an enclosure that surrounds all of the identified test objects. 
     One or more of the test objects may be responsive to respective user input. The method may comprise, in response to the respective user input, initiating respective one or more of the plurality of functional tests associated with the one or more of the plurality of test objects responsive to respective user input. 
     The plurality of functional tests may be pre-flight functional tests. The data indicative of the condition of the aircraft may be indicative of any of the following: whether a next flight of the aircraft is a first flight of a day; whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a change in flight crew; and whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a cold and dark start of the aircraft. 
     Embodiments can include combinations of the above features. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure describes a computer program product for assisting with functional testing of systems of an aircraft, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium containing program code. The program code is readable/executable by a computer, processor or logic circuit to perform a method comprising: 
     causing a display device to display a plurality of test objects respectively associated with a plurality of functional tests of respective systems of the aircraft; and 
     using data indicative of the condition of the aircraft, selecting one or more selected functional tests from the plurality of functional tests based on the condition of the aircraft; and 
     causing the display device to identify one or more identified test objects from the plurality of test objects, the one or more identified test objects being respectively associated with the one or more selected functional tests. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display the identified test objects according to a predetermined testing order. 
     The method may comprise initiating a plurality of the selected functional tests according to the predetermined testing order. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display a condition object indicating the condition of the aircraft. 
     The condition object may be responsive to user input indicative of the condition of the aircraft. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display an execution object configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The method may comprise causing an execution of two or more of the selected functional tests in parallel. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display status information associated with one or more of the plurality of test objects. 
     Identifying the one or more identified test objects may comprise visually distinguishing the one or more identified test objects from any non-identified test objects. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display an enclosure that surrounds all of the identified test objects. 
     One or more of the plurality of test objects may be responsive to respective user input. The method may comprise, in response to the respective user input, initiating respective one or more of the plurality of functional tests associated with the one or more of the plurality of test objects responsive to respective user input. 
     The plurality of functional tests may be pre-flight functional tests. The data indicative of the condition of the aircraft may be indicative of any of the following: whether a next flight of the aircraft is a first flight of a day; whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a change in flight crew; and whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a cold and dark start of the aircraft. 
     Embodiments can include combinations of the above features. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure describes a display device for assisting with functional testing of systems of an aircraft. The display device comprises: 
     a display area; 
     a plurality of test objects displayed in the display area, the plurality of test objects being respectively associated with a plurality of functional tests of respective systems of the aircraft; and 
     a visual indication identifying one or more identified test objects from the plurality of test objects, the one or more identified test objects being respectively associated with one or more selected functional tests selected from the plurality of functional tests based on a condition of the aircraft. 
     The identified test objects may be displayed according to a predetermined testing order. 
     The display device may comprise a condition object displayed in the display area where the condition object indicates the condition of the aircraft. The condition object may be responsive to user input indicative of the condition of the aircraft. 
     The display device may comprise an execution object displayed in the display area. The execution object may be responsive to user input and configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The display device may comprise status information displayed in the display area. The status information may be associated with one or more of the plurality of test objects. 
     The one or more identified test objects may be visually distinguished from any non-identified test objects. 
     The display device may comprise an enclosure displayed in the display area where the enclosure surrounds all of the identified test objects. 
     Embodiments can include combinations of the above features. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus for assisting with functional testing of systems of an aircraft. The apparatus comprises: 
     one or more data processors; and 
     non-transitory machine-readable memory operatively coupled to the one or more data processors, storing instructions executable by the one or more data processors and configured to cause the one or more data processors to: 
     select, based on data indicative of a condition of the aircraft, two or more selected functional tests of respective two or more systems of the aircraft; and 
     generate an output for initiating the two or more selected functional tests. 
     The non-transitory machine-readable memory may contain data indicative of a predefined testing order for the selected functional tests. The initiation of the two or more selected functional tests may be in accordance with the predetermined testing order. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing a display device to display an execution object configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing a display device to display a condition object indicating the condition of the aircraft. The condition object may be responsive to user input indicative of the condition of the aircraft. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing the display device to display an execution object configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data processors to generate an output for causing an execution of at least two of the selected functional tests in parallel. 
     The selected functional tests may be pre-flight functional tests. The data indicative of the condition of the aircraft may be indicative of any of the following: whether a next flight of the aircraft is a first flight of a day; whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a change in flight crew; and whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a cold and dark start of the aircraft. 
     Embodiments can include combinations of the above features. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure describes a computer-implemented method for assisting with functional testing of systems of an aircraft. The method comprises: 
     receiving data indicative of a condition of the aircraft; 
     selecting, based on the data indicative of the condition of the aircraft, two or more selected functional tests of respective two or more systems of the aircraft; and 
     initiating the two or more selected functional tests. 
     The method may comprise initiating the two or more selected functional tests according to a predetermined testing order. 
     The method may comprise causing a display device to display an execution object configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The method may comprise causing a display device to display a condition object indicating the condition of the aircraft, the condition object being responsive to user input indicative of the condition of the aircraft. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display an execution object configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The method may comprise causing an execution of at least two of the selected functional tests in parallel. 
     The selected functional tests may be pre-flight functional tests. The data indicative of the condition of the aircraft may be indicative of any of the following: whether a next flight of the aircraft is a first flight of a day; whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a change in flight crew; and whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a cold and dark start of the aircraft. 
     Embodiments can include combinations of the above features. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure describes a computer program product for assisting with functional testing of systems of an aircraft, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium containing program code. The program code being readable/executable by a computer, processor or logic circuit to perform a method comprising: 
     receiving data indicative of a condition of the aircraft; 
     selecting, based on the data indicative of the condition of the aircraft, two or more selected functional tests of respective two or more systems of the aircraft; and 
     initiating the two or more selected functional tests. 
     The method may comprise initiating the two or more selected functional tests according to a predetermined testing order. 
     The method may comprise causing a display device to display an execution object configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The method may comprise causing a display device to display a condition object indicating the condition of the aircraft, the condition object being responsive to user input indicative of the condition of the aircraft. 
     The method may comprise causing the display device to display an execution object configured to trigger an automated initiation of some or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     The method may comprise causing an execution of at least two of the selected functional tests in parallel. 
     The selected functional tests may be pre-flight functional tests. The data indicative of the condition of the aircraft may be indicative of any of the following: whether a next flight of the aircraft is a first flight of a day; whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a change in flight crew; and whether the next flight of the aircraft immediately follows a cold and dark start of the aircraft. 
     Embodiments can include combinations of the above features. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure describes an aircraft comprising an apparatus as disclosed herein. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure describes an aircraft comprising a display device as disclosed herein. 
     Further details of these and other aspects of the subject matter of this application will be apparent from the detailed description included below and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary aircraft flight deck and a corresponding exemplary aircraft comprising the flight deck; 
         FIG. 2  shows a schematic representation of an exemplary apparatus for assisting with functional testing of systems of the aircraft of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows an exemplary functional testing page for displaying on a display device of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows another exemplary functional testing page for displaying on a display device of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows another exemplary functional testing page for displaying on a display device of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows another exemplary functional testing page for displaying on a display device of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows another exemplary functional testing page for displaying on a display device of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for assisting with functional testing of systems of the aircraft of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method for assisting with functional testing of systems of the aircraft of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure describes apparatus and methods associated with functional testing of systems of aircraft and other mobile platforms. Even though various aspects the present disclosure are described in the context of aircraft, it is understood that aspects disclosed herein are also applicable to other mobile platforms (e.g., vehicles) such as trains, ships and busses for example. In various embodiments, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein can improve the operation of an aircraft flight deck and alleviate workload for the flight crew of an aircraft by facilitating (e.g., pre-flight) functional testing of aircraft systems. For example, in comparison with existing aircraft, apparatus and methods disclosed herein can help reduce an amount of time required for functional testing and also can reduce the potential for flight crew errors such as an unintended omission of a pre-flight functional test for example. 
     Aspects of various embodiments are described through reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  shows an exemplary aircraft  10  (i.e., mobile platform) and a partial schematic representation of flight deck  12  which can be part of aircraft  10 . Aircraft  10  can be a corporate, private, commercial or any other type of aircraft. For example, aircraft  10  can be a fixed-wing aircraft. In some embodiments, aircraft  10  can be a narrow-body, twin engine jet airliner. Flight deck  12  can comprise additional or fewer elements than those shown and described herein. Flight deck  12  can comprise left portion  12 A intended to be used by a pilot (sometimes referred as “captain”) of aircraft  10  and right portion  12 B intended to be used by a co-pilot (sometimes referred as “first officer”) of aircraft  10 . Left portion  12 A and right portion  12 B can comprise functionally identical components so that at least some operational redundancy can be provided between left portion  12 A and right portion  12 B of flight deck  12 . As used herein, the term “flight crew” is intended to encompass one or more individuals responsible for the operation of aircraft  10 . Such individuals can, for example, include the pilot and/or the co-pilot. 
     Flight deck  12  can comprise one or more display devices  14  providing respective display areas  16 . In the exemplary configuration of flight deck  12  shown in  FIG. 1 , left portion  12 A and right portion  12 B can each comprise two display devices  14  and an additional display device  14  can be provided in pedestal region  18  of flight deck  12 . Display device  14  provided in pedestal region  18  can be shared between the pilot and the co-pilot during normal operation of aircraft  10 . Display devices  14  can include one or more cathode-ray tubes (CRTs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, light-emitting diode (LED) based displays or any type of display device suitable for use in flight deck  12 . Display devices  14  can be configured to dynamically display operational and status information about various systems of aircraft  10 , information related to flight/mission planning, maps and any other information that can be useful for the flight crew during the operation of aircraft  10 . Display devices  14  can facilitate dialog between the flight crew and various systems of aircraft  10  via suitable graphical user interfaces. Flight deck  12  can comprise one or more data input devices such as, for example, one or more cursor control devices  20 , one or more multi-function keypads  22  and one or more (e.g., standalone or multifunction) controllers  23  that permit data entry by the flight crew. In some embodiments, one or more display devices  14  could have touch sensitive display area(s)  16  to permit user input by way of the flight crew touching the applicable display area(s)  16 . 
     One or more display devices  14  can be used to display functional testing page  16 A for facilitating the execution of functional tests of various systems of aircraft  10  as described further below. Functional testing page  16 A can be displayed on any suitable display device  14  of flight deck  12  or on some other display device visible to the flight crew. In some embodiments, flight deck  12  can be configured to permit the selective display of functional testing page  16 A on one or more display device  14  based on input from the flight crew. In some embodiments, a single instance of functional testing page  16 A can be displayed on a display device  14  that is conveniently located to be visible by both the pilot and the co-pilot. 
     It is understood that functional testing page  16 A and the display of its contents is not limited to one or more display devices  14  that is part of flight deck  12  or that is onboard aircraft  10 . For example, functional testing page  16 A could, alternatively or in addition, be provided on a display device that is off of aircraft  10 . For example, functional testing page  16 A could be provided on a mobile device (e.g. a laptop or tablet) that is part of a flight crew&#39;s electronic flight bag, or could be a display device of a ground station that permits a ground-based operator of aircraft  10  or support (e.g., maintenance) personnel to execute one or more functional tests on systems of aircraft  10 . Even though the present disclosure refers to the interaction of a flight crew of aircraft  10  with functional testing page  16 A, it is understood that relevant information could be transmitted from aircraft  10  to a location remote from aircraft  10  (e.g., ground station) in order to be used by an individual at such location in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 2  shows a schematic representation of an exemplary apparatus  24  which can be part of aircraft  10  and which can assist with functional testing of systems of aircraft  10 . Apparatus  24  can be integrated with flight deck  12 . Apparatus  24  can comprise one or more computers  26  (referred hereinafter in the singular) operatively coupled to one or more display devices  14  (referred hereinafter in the singular) of flight deck  12 . Computer  26  can comprise one or more data processors  28  (referred hereinafter in the singular) and one or more computer-readable memories  30  (referred hereinafter in the singular) storing machine-readable instructions  32  executable by data processor  28  and configured to cause data processor  28  to generate one or more outputs  34  (referred hereinafter in the singular). Output  34  can comprise one or more signals for causing display device  14  of aircraft  10  to display functional testing page  16 A and its contents. Output  34  can also comprise one or more signals for causing the initiation of functional tests of one or more systems  36  of aircraft  10 . 
     Computer  26  can receive input(s)  38  in the form of data or information that can be processed by data processor  28  based on instructions  32  in order to generate output  34 . For example, input  38  can comprise information (data) indicative of a condition  38 A of aircraft  10 . The number and types of pre-flight functional tests to be executed on aircraft  10  can differ depending on aircraft condition  38 A (e.g., pre-flight circumstance). For example, the number of pre-flight functional tests to be executed on aircraft  10  for a first condition of aircraft  10  can be greater than the number of pre-flight functional tests to be executed on aircraft  10  for a second condition of aircraft  10 . For example, a longer list of pre-flight functional tests can be required before a first flight of the day (i.e., 24-hour period) and a shorter list of pre-flight functional tests can be required before a subsequent flight on the same day. In some embodiments, aircraft condition  38 A can be indicative of whether there has been a change in flight crew for aircraft  10 . For example, a longer list of pre-flight functional tests can be required before a flight that immediately follows a change in flight crew for aircraft  10  and a shorter list of pre-flight functional tests can be required before a subsequent flight of the same flight crew for aircraft  10 . In some embodiments, aircraft condition  38 A can be indicative of whether aircraft  10  is being prepared for a flight that immediately follows a period of inactivity requiring a complete power-down of aircraft  10 . For example, a longer list of pre-flight functional tests can be required before a flight that immediately follows a cold and dark start of aircraft  10 . 
     In some embodiments, input  38  can additionally comprise information (data) indicative of a substantially real-time status  38 B of one or more systems  36  of aircraft  10 . Such system status  38 B can be indicative of an operational state of a corresponding system  36  and/or can be indicative of a state of execution of a functional test for the corresponding system  36 . For example, system status  38 B can be indicative of whether an aircraft system  36  is active (e.g., ON), inactive (e.g., OFF), comprises a fault or has failed. Alternatively or in addition, system status  38 B can be indicative of whether an aircraft system  38 B has passed or failed an associated functional test. With respect to the execution of a functional test, an associated system status  38 B can be indicative of whether the functional test is required but has not yet been conducted, is in progress or is complete. 
     In various embodiments, system status  38 B can be provided by way of input by the flight crew into apparatus  24  and/or can be provided automatically from the applicable system  36 . In various embodiments, functional testing of aircraft systems  36  can be automated to different extents depending on the particular aircraft system  36 . For example, some functional tests can be fully automated after their initiation so that no further input from the flight crew is required. Alternatively, some functional tests can require the flight crew to be in the loop so that the flight crew can remain in control of the functional testing procedure while being guided through the procedure. For example, system status  38 B can comprise feedback from the flight crew following a visual inspection confirming the associated system status  38 B. Alternatively, or in addition, system status  38 B can be provided from one or more sensors or built-in test equipment  40  integrated with a particular aircraft system  36 . For example, one or more aircraft systems  36  can each comprise built-in test equipment  40  that is capable of automatically performing a functional self-test and report status information. Built-in test equipment  40  can comprise a testing circuit that is a permanent part of the applicable aircraft system  36  and enables functional testing and diagnostics of aircraft system  36 . In other words, such built-in test equipment  40  can comprise test equipment configured to provide status information on the health of a particular aircraft system  36  of aircraft  10  and/or status information on the execution of a particular functional test. 
     In some embodiments, input  38  can include or be indicative of sensed signals acquired via one or more (e.g., pressure, position, acceleration, temperature or other) sensors associated with one or more aircraft systems  36 . Accordingly, input  38  can comprise one or more sensed parameters indicative of one or more system status  38 B of aircraft system(s)  36  and/or of one or more aircraft conditions  38 A. As described further below, computer  26  can, based on input  38 , generate output  34  for causing display device  14  to display a plurality of test objects associated with functional tests of aircraft systems  36  and visually identify one or more of the test objects associated with respective one or more functional tests selected based on aircraft condition  38 A in order to assist the flight crew with the execution of the applicable functional tests. 
     Computer  26  can be part of an avionics suite of aircraft  10  or can otherwise be operatively integrated with avionic components of aircraft  10 . For example, in some embodiments, computer  26  can be configured to carry out additional functions than those described herein including the management of one or more graphic user interfaces of flight deck  12  and/or other part(s) of aircraft  10 . In various embodiments, computer  26  can comprise more than one computer or data processor where the methods disclosed herein (or part(s) thereof) could be performed using a plurality of computers or data processors, or, alternatively, be performed entirely using a single computer or data processor. In some embodiments, computer  26  could be physically integrated with (e.g., embedded in) display device  14 . 
     Data processor  28  can comprise any suitable device(s) configured to cause a series of steps to be performed by computer  26  so as to implement a computer-implemented process such that instructions  32 , when executed by computer  26  or other programmable apparatus, can cause the functions/acts specified in the methods described herein to be executed. Data processor  28  can comprise, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, other suitably programmed or programmable logic circuits, or any combination thereof. 
     Memory  30  can comprise any suitable known or other machine-readable storage medium. Memory  30  can comprise non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Memory  30  can include a suitable combination of any type of computer memory that is located either internally or externally to computer  26 . Memory  30  can comprise any storage means (e.g. devices) suitable for retrievably storing machine-readable instructions  32  executable by data processor  28 . 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied as apparatus, devices, methods and/or computer program products. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more non-transitory computer readable medium(ia) (e.g., memory  30 ) having computer readable program code (e.g., instructions  32 ) embodied thereon. The computer program product can, for example, be executed by computer  26  to cause the execution of one or more methods disclosed herein in entirety or in part. 
     Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure in accordance with instructions  32  can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or other programming languages. Such program code can be executed entirely or in part by computer  26  or other data processing device(s). It is understood that, based on the present disclosure, one skilled in the relevant arts could readily write computer program code for implementing the methods disclosed herein. 
     Memory  30  can contain functional test data  41  indicative of (e.g., pre-flight) functional tests associated with aircraft systems  36 . Functional test data  41  can also comprise information indicative of which functional tests being applicable to which aircraft condition  38 A. Accordingly, functional test data  41  can be used by computer  26  to select applicable functional tests based on aircraft condition  38 A. 
     Memory  30  can also contain testing order data  42  indicative of a predetermined testing order for the pre-flight functional tests to be conducted. Testing order data  42  can be used by computer  26  to generate functional testing page  16 A on display device  14  and further assist (e.g., guide) the flight crew in conducting the applicable functional tests in the recommended testing order. Alternatively or in addition, testing order data  42  can be used by computer  26  to cause the automated initiation of the functional tests according to the predetermined testing order. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exemplary functional testing page  16 A that can be displayed on display device  14  of apparatus  24 . As explained above, functional testing page  16 A and its contents can be generated based on machine-readable instructions  32  via computer  26  of apparatus  24 . Functional testing page  16 A can contain a plurality of test objects  44  where each test object  44  is associated with a functional test of an aircraft system  36  of aircraft  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , examples of aircraft systems  36  can include an aural warning system (AURAL), a lighting system (LAMP), a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), a weather radar (WRX), a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), an ice protection system (WING A/ICE), an ice detection system (ICE DETECT), a fire protection system (FIRE), a flight control system (FLT CTRL) and a stick shaker (SHAKER). In order to assist the flight crew with the execution of the applicable functional tests, functional testing page  16 A can also visually identify one or more of the test objects  44  associated with respective one or more functional tests selected based on aircraft condition  38 A. 
     Functional testing page  16 A can provide status information to the flight crew about the execution of the functional tests whether or not the functional tests are initiated automatically or based on input from the flight crew. In embodiments where the initiation of the functional tests is controlled by the flight crew, functional testing page  16 A can be configured to serve as a graphic user interface via which input from the flight crew can be received. For example, one or more of test objects  44  can be responsive to user input. Test objects  44  can comprise interactive and/or non-interactive widgets. For example, test object  44  can include buttons, icons, radio buttons, check boxes, editable data fields, lists of selectable items, pull-down menus, display-only text and/or graphic fields and/or any other objects suitable for use in graphical user interfaces. The flight crew&#39;s interaction with functional testing page  16 A can be achieved through the use of cursor  46  that can be movable over some or all of functional testing page  16 A. The movement of cursor  46  can be controlled by the flight crew via cursor control device  20  and/or directional movement keys provided on multi-function keypads  22  for example. It is understood that other means (e.g., touchscreen) to permit user input by the flight crew can also be suitable. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , test objects  44  can be graphical push buttons that can be actuated through the use of cursor  46  to thereby cause the initiation of an associated functional test. For example, instructions  32  can be configured to, in response to an actuation of one or more test objects  44 , cause processor  28  to generate output  34  for causing initiation of the respective one or more functional tests associated with the one or more of test objects  44 . 
     In some embodiments, functional testing page  16 A can assist the flight crew by providing a single common interface and location that facilitates the execution of a plurality of functional tests in order to reduce or eliminate the need for the flight crew to interface with controls and display devices scattered throughout the flight deck  12 . In some embodiments, the use of functional testing page  16 A can reduce the potential for error during pre-flight functional testing of applicable aircraft systems  36 . 
     By way of the displayed test objects  44 , functional testing page  16 A can provide a list of available (e.g., pre-flight) functional tests and identify one or more of the displayed test objects  44  associated with the respective one or more functional tests that are selected based on aircraft condition  38 A. The selected functional tests can comprise a subset of the list of available functional tests and hence represent a shorter list of functional tests that are specifically applicable (e.g., recommended or required) to aircraft condition  38 A. 
     In some embodiments, some non-identified test objects  44  associated with functional tests that are not specifically selected based on aircraft condition  38 A can still be displayed on functional testing page  16 A so as to remain available for selection by the flight crew. For example, the flight crew can still have access to some functional tests that are not specifically selected based on aircraft condition  38 A but that can optionally be initiated if desired. 
     The identification of the applicable test objects  44  to the flight crew can be achieved by visually distinguishing the one or more identified test objects  44  from any non-identified test objects  44 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the visual distinction is achieved by highlighting the identified test objects  44 . Such highlighting can comprise using a border  48  shown only around the respective identified test objects  44 . It is understood that the visual distinction of the identified test objects  44  can be achieved in any suitable manner including changing an appearance (e.g., color, brightness) of the identified test objects  44  and/or of the non-identified test objects  44  for example. 
     Testing order data  42  can be used by computer  26  to determine the layout of functional testing page  16 A. In some embodiments, testing order data  42  can be contextual and dependent on aircraft condition  38 A. Testing order data  42  can represent a predefined or mandated order of execution of the functional tests. For example, the execution of one functional test can require the prior execution of another functional test. For example, some functional tests may need to be executed serially and some functional tests may be executed simultaneously in parallel. 
     In some embodiments, the arrangement of test objects  44  on functional testing page  16 A can be in accordance with testing order data  42 . For example, test objects  44  can be arranged in rows/columns that serve to visually guide the flight crew in initiating the functional tests in the order defined by testing order data  42 . For example, test objects  44  can be arranged in one or more rows where the sequential left to right positioning of test objects  44  in each row is defined by testing order data  42 . Similarly, test objects  44  can be arranged in one or more columns where the sequential vertical positioning of test objects  44  in each column is defined by testing order data  42 . 
     In some embodiments, instead of relying on the flight crew to select test objects  44  in the predefined order using cursor  46  based on the layout of functional testing page  16 A, instructions  32  can be configured to, in the case of multiple functional tests having been selected for execution by the flight crew, automatically adjust the order of execution of the functional tests based on testing order data  42  irrespective of the order of the flight crew&#39;s selection of the functional tests. For example, the flight crew could select some or all of the identified test objects  44  (and optionally one or more non-identified test objects  44 ) in any order and computer  26  can then, based on instructions  32 , cause the initiation of the selected functional tests according to testing order data  42 . In this embodiment, the predefined testing order can be achieved without necessarily having to configure the layout of functional testing page  16 A based on testing order data  42 . 
     Testing order data  42  can also contain information as to which functional tests can be conducted simultaneously in parallel and which functional tests must be conducted at separate times. Accordingly, computer  26  can, based on instructions  32  and testing order data  42 , cause the automated initiation of some functional tests simultaneously in parallel and cause the automated sequencing of other functional tests in an optimized fashion so as to reduce the overall time required to functionally test the applicable systems  36  of aircraft  10 . In some embodiments, the selection of multiple functional tests by the flight crew can also permit the computer  26  to optimize the execution of some functional tests without requiring the flight crew to wait for one functional test to finish before manually initiating another functional test. In other words, once multiple functional tests have been selected for execution by the flight crew, the computer  26  can initiate their execution automatically according to a sequence and timing that optimizes the completion of the set of functional tests that have been selected for execution. 
     In some embodiments, instructions  32  can be configured to cause display device  14  to display one or more status indicators  50 . Status indicators  50  can provide system status information associated with one or more test objects  44 . The information provided by status indicators  50  can be based on system status  38 B described above. 
       FIG. 4  shows another exemplary functional testing page  16 A that can be displayed on display device  14  of apparatus  24 . The embodiment of  FIG. 4  shows another method of identifying test objects  44  associated with the functional tests selected based on aircraft condition  38 A. Instead of changing the appearance of the identified test objects  44 , the identified test objects  44  can be grouped together using a single enclosure  52  that surrounds the identified test objects  44 . Enclosure  52  can comprise a line at least partially surrounding the identified test objects  44 . In various embodiments, enclosure  52  can be represented by a solid or stippled line for example. 
       FIG. 5  shows another exemplary functional testing page  16 A that can be displayed on display device  14  of apparatus  24 . The embodiment of  FIG. 5  shows another method of identifying test objects  44  associated with the functional tests selected based on aircraft condition  38 A. Instead of identifying test objects  44  that are dispersed within a larger group of test objects  44 , the layout of test objects  44  can be rearranged so that the identified test objects  44  are grouped together in one region of functional testing page  16 A and the non-identified test objects  44  are grouped together in another region of functional testing page  16 A. In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , the identified test objects  44  are grouped together in one column labeled as “REQUIRED” and the non-identified test objects  44  are grouped together in another column labeled as “OPTIONAL”. 
       FIG. 6  shows another exemplary functional testing page  16 A that can be displayed on display device  14  of apparatus  24 . The embodiment of  FIG. 6  includes condition object  54  being displayed on testing page  16 A. Condition object  54  can be configured to provide an indication of the condition (e.g., pre-flight circumstance) of aircraft  10  and can be based on aircraft condition  38 A (see  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, condition object  54  can be responsive to user input so that the flight crew can input the condition of the aircraft  10  that will be used to select the required functional tests. For example, condition object  54  can include buttons, icons, radio buttons, check boxes, editable data field, list of selectable items, pull-down menu, display-only text and/or graphic fields and/or any other object(s) suitable for use in graphical user interfaces. 
     In some embodiments, condition object  54  can be automatically populated with a default value based on a condition of aircraft  10  that has been automatically determined by computer  26  or otherwise where the default value can be either accepted or changed by the flight crew. Alternatively, condition object  54  could be configured to be automatically populated and only serve to communicate the relevant information to the flight crew. 
     In various embodiments, aircraft condition  38 A could be input by the flight crew or could be determined by computer  26  based on data available to computer  26  with or without input from the flight crew. For example, a determination of whether the aircraft  10  is about to conduct a first flight or a subsequent flight within a 24-hour period could be determined based on a sequence of detected weight-on-wheels (WOW) and/or weight-off-wheels (WOFFW) signals, or, a sequence of detected aircraft door openings/closings within that 24-hour period as being indicative of the number flights that the aircraft  10  has conducted in that same period. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6 , condition object  54  indicates “FIRST FLIGHT” which corresponds to all functional tests being selected. The identification of the applicable test objects  44  is achieved by enclosure  52  surrounding all of test objects  44  but it is understood that other identification methods could be used. Condition object  54  can be a pull-down menu with which the flight crew can select the applicable aircraft condition  38 A (see  FIG. 2 ) using cursor  46 . Upon selection of the applicable aircraft condition  38 A, enclosure  52  can be adjusted to surround and identify test objects  44  that are associated with the functional tests that are selected based on aircraft condition  38 A. The selection of the applicable functional tests can be performed by computer  26  using functional test data  41  (see  FIG. 2 ) for example. 
     In some embodiments, the initiation of the selected functional tests can be triggered automatically based on aircraft condition  38 A and without input from the flight crew. Alternatively, the initiation of the selected functional tests can be triggered based on input from the flight crew. In some embodiments, display area  16 A can include execution object  56  (e.g., RUN button) that is responsive to user input and that is configured to permit the flight crew to trigger an automatic initiation of some (e.g., a plurality) or all of the selected functional tests. For example, execution object  56  can include a button, icon and/or any other objects suitable for use in graphical user interfaces. In some embodiments, execution object  56  can be actuated by the flight crew using cursor  46  in order to trigger the initiation of the functional tests that have been selected based on aircraft condition  38 A. After triggering, the initiation of the applicable selected functional tests can be performed automatically or semi-automatically based on testing order data  42 . Depending on the nature of the selected functional tests, some selected functional tests may be executed in parallel while other selected functional tests may need to be executed serially as defined in testing order data  42 . The initiation of the selected functional tests according to testing order data  42  can be performed by computer  26  so that the flight crew does not have to be preoccupied with proper sequencing of the selected functional tests. Functional testing page  16 A shown in  FIG. 6  shows three selected functional tests, namely WXR, TAWS and WING A/ICE, being executed simultaneously in parallel. The simultaneous execution of the three selected functional tests is indicated by status indicators  50  indicating “IN PROG”. 
       FIG. 7  shows another exemplary functional testing page  16 A that can be displayed on display device  14  of apparatus  24 . The operation of functional testing page  16 A of  FIG. 7  can be similar to that of  FIG. 6 . However, in contrast with the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the embodiment of  FIG. 7  includes condition object  54  indicating “OTHER FLIGHT” which corresponds to an aircraft condition  38 A that requires a reduced number of functional tests. The identification of the applicable test objects  44  is achieved by enclosure  52  surrounding a reduced number of identified test objects  44 . 
     The identified test objects  44  can be a subset of all test objects  44  displayed on functional testing page  16 A. Even though the identified test objects  44  can be associated with the selected functional tests applicable to aircraft condition  38 A, the non-identified test objects  44  can also be displayed on functional testing page  16 A and the associated non-selected functional tests can nevertheless be available to the flight crew. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the actuation of execution object  56  using cursor  46  can trigger the automated initiation of the selected functional tests associated with identified test objects  44  surrounded by enclosure  52 . However, the flight crew can still initiate one or more non-selected functional tests by actuating the associated non-identified test objects  44  using cursor  56  if desired. 
     Functional testing page  16 A shown in  FIG. 7  shows two selected functional tests (WXR and ICE DETECT) being executed simultaneously in parallel together with a non-selected functional test (FIRE) that was separately initiated by the flight crew via the FIRE test object  44 . The simultaneous execution of the three functional tests is indicated by status indicators  50  indicating “IN PROG”. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method  100  for assisting with functional testing of systems  36  of aircraft  10 . Method  100  can be performed using apparatus  24  as described above or using another apparatus. In various embodiments, method  100  can comprise:
         receiving data indicative of condition  38 A of aircraft  10  (see block  102 );   causing display device  14  to display a plurality of test objects  44  respectively associated with a plurality of functional tests of respective systems  36  of aircraft  10  (see block  104 );   using the data indicative of condition  38 A of aircraft  10 , selecting one or more selected functional tests from the plurality of functional tests based on condition  38 A of aircraft  10  (see block  106 ); and   causing display device  14  to identify one or more identified test objects  44  from the plurality of test objects  44 , the one or more identified test objects  44  being respectively associated with the one or more selected functional tests (see block  108 ).       

     Method  100  can comprise causing display device  14  to display the identified test objects  44  according to a predetermined testing order (e.g., based on testing order data  42 ). Method  100  can comprise initiating a plurality of the selected functional tests according to the predetermined testing order. 
     Method  100  can comprise causing display device  14  to display condition object  54  indicating aircraft condition  38 A. Condition object  54  can be responsive to user input indicative of aircraft condition  38 A. 
     Method  100  can comprise causing display device  14  to display execution object  56  configured to trigger an automated initiation of some (e.g. a plurality) or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. Method  100  can comprise causing the execution of two or more of the selected functional tests in parallel. 
     Method  100  can comprise causing display device  14  to display status information (e.g., see status indicators  50 ) associated with one or more of the test objects  44 . 
     Identifying the one or more test objects  44  can comprise visually distinguishing the one or more identified test objects  44  from any non-identified test objects  44 . In some embodiments, identifying the one or more test objects  44  can comprise causing display device  14  to display enclosure  52  that surrounds all identified test objects  44 . 
     One or more of test objects  44  can be responsive to respective user input using cursor  46  for example. Method  100  can comprise, in response to respective user input received at one or more test objects  44 , initiate respective one or more functional tests associated with the one or more test objects  44 . 
     In various embodiments, the functional tests of method  100  can be pre-flight functional tests. The data indicative of aircraft condition  38 A can be indicative of any of the following: whether a next flight of aircraft  10  is a first flight of a day; whether the next flight of aircraft  10  immediately follows a change in flight crew; and whether the next flight of aircraft  10  immediately follows a cold and dark start of aircraft  10 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method  200  for assisting with functional testing of systems of aircraft  10 . Method  200  can be performed using apparatus  24  as described above or using another apparatus. In various embodiments, method  200  can comprise: 
     receiving data indicative of condition  38 A of aircraft  10  (see block  202 ); 
     selecting, based on the data indicative of condition  38 A of aircraft  10 , two or more selected functional tests of respective two or more systems  36  of aircraft  10  (see block  204 ); and 
     initiating the two or more selected functional tests (see block  206 ). 
     Method  200  can comprise initiating the two or more selected functional tests according to a predetermined testing order (e.g., based on testing order data  42 ). 
     Method  200  can comprise causing display device  14  to display execution object  56  configured to trigger an automated initiation of some (e.g., a plurality) or all of the selected functional tests in response to user input. 
     Method  200  can comprise causing display device  14  to display condition object  54  indicating aircraft condition  38 A. Condition object  54  can be responsive to user input that indicative of aircraft condition  38 A. 
     Method  200  can comprise causing an execution of at least two of the selected functional tests in parallel. 
     In various embodiments, the functional tests of method  200  can be pre-flight functional tests. The data indicative of aircraft condition  38 A can be indicative of any of the following: whether a next flight of aircraft  10  is a first flight of a day; whether the next flight of aircraft  10  immediately follows a change in flight crew; and whether the next flight of aircraft  10  immediately follows a cold and dark start of aircraft  10 . 
     The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the relevant arts will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The present disclosure is intended to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. Modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims. Also, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.