Method for selecting multiple program functions, method for selecting one program function, associated apparatuses and associated vehicle, ship or aircraft

A method for selecting between multiple available program function for providing multiple instances of an implemented function, thereby providing a redundantly implemented function, in a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft, the method comprising:

• for each program function, recording, in a matrix, dependencies between single performance values for functional units used for performing the respective program function and total performance values been stipulated for a redundantly implemented function, each functional unit comprising a network node or an actuator configured to implement a function in the vehicle, ship, or aircraft,
• wherein for each respective matrix:
• the rows of the matrix are associated with the total performance values and the columns of the matrix are associated with the single performance values, or
• the columns of the matrix are associated with the total performance values and the rows of the matrix are associated with the single performance values,
• the matrix contains two different values, and
• at least two rows of the matrix or at least two columns of the matrix are provided for at least one total performance value to represent OR functions and/or to utilize states of functional units associated with the respective total performance value,
• receiving sensor data, via at least one first communication link, from at least one first sensor associated with the functional units,
• determining current single performance values of the functional units based on the received sensor data,
• determining a total performance value for the functional units based on the determined single performance values and the recorded dependencies,
• selecting between the multiple program function for providing the redundantly implemented function based on the total performance value or at least one value determined from the total performance value.

An apparatus for selecting at least one program function for providing a redundantly implemented function in a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:

• a memory unit storing:
• recorded first dependencies between single performance values for first functional units used for performing a first program function and total performance values been stipulated for redundantly implemented functions, and
• recorded second dependencies between single performance values for second functional units used for performing a second program function and the stipulated total performance values,
• wherein each first functional unit and each second functional unit comprises a network node or an actuator configured to implement a respective function in the vehicle, ship, or aircraft,
• a first ascertainment unit that configured to:
• receive sensor data, via at least one first communication link, from at least one sensor associated with the first functional units of the first program function,
• determine current first single performance values of the functional units of the first program function based on the received sensor data, and
• determine current second single performance values of the functional units of the second program function,
• a second ascertainment unit configured to:
• determine a first total performance value based on the determined first single performance values and the recorded first dependencies, and
• determine a second total performance value based on the ascertained second single performance values and the recorded second dependencies,
• a third ascertainment unit configured to determine a cluster performance value based on the first total performance value and from the second total performance value,
• wherein cluster performance values are stipulated for at least two of the functions in equal measure, wherein at least one of the following classes are taken into account:
• a determined most important function or functions,
• a determined second most important function or functions, or
• a determined less important function or functions, and
• a selection unit configured to select either the first program function and the second program function or other program functions for providing the redundantly implemented functions based on the cluster performance value or at least one value determined from the cluster performance value.

An apparatus for selecting at least one program function for providing a redundantly implemented function in a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:

• a memory unit storing:
• recorded dependencies between single performance values for functional units used for performing a program function and total performance values stipulated for a redundantly implemented function,
• wherein the total performance values are stipulated for at least two of the functional units based on a determined negative effect or negative effects of an error, the negative effect or effects relating to at least on of:
• a negative impact on passengers and/or freight,
• a shortfall below a service assignment or a service interval, or
• a termination of a journey or a driving assignment or a flight,
• a first ascertainment unit that:
• receives sensor data, via at least one first communication link, from at least one sensor associated with the functional units of the program function, and
• determines current single performance values of the functional units based on the received sensor data,
• a second ascertainment unit that determines a total performance value based on the determined single performance values and the recorded dependencies, and
• a selection unit that selects the program function or another program function for providing the redundantly implemented function based on the current total performance value or at least one value determined from the current total performance value.