How about this, there is the result, and the path to get there.
Just as RAIM is a defined term, RAIM calculations are different per manufacturer.
I deal with Smiths, Honeywell, and Thales all the time, and the calculation methods, and in many times, the effect to the flight controls, are all different.
The manufacturers have proprietary calcs, means and methods, and I am sure there are patented processes that the others need to avoid.
In the end, the process of your unit meets a certain spec, and has a certain path to get there.
The end justifies the means.
Sorry, but in aviation, terminology is but a snapshot in time, and/or purposely vague...
Last edited by FlightPathOBN; 9th Jun 2012 at 23:25.