Vehicle computer system and method

摘要

An auxiliary computer system for use on a vehicle that has a main computer. The computer system includes a cartridge computer that is removable from the vehicle and a receptacle in the vehicle for receiving the cartridge computer that is called a data transfer unit. The data transfer unit is electrically connected to the vehicle's normal or main computer. The computer system also includes a stationary station that is located outside of the vehicle. The cartridge computer is inserted into this stationary station for programming and testing of the cartridge computer and for reviewing information in the cartridge computer that was accumulated while the cartridge computer was in the vehicle. The method of using the auxiliary computer system is also set forth. The auxiliary computer system and method are particularly useful in connection with aircraft and spacecraft that have a main computer.