Interactive system for aircraft cockpit

Abstract

The present invention provides an interactive system, comprising a display assembly associated with an avionics screen and comprising: a video acquisition module configured to acquire a first graphics feed from an avionics system and a second graphics feed from an open world equipment item; a media management module configured to control a display on the avionics screen and generate windowing data relative to the positioning of different windows on the display screen, and an interactive component capable of generating interactive data. The interactive system further comprises a junction box of the open world equipment item and a control module of the open world equipment item, the control module configured to process the windowing data and the interactive data to generate commands for the open world equipment item from at least some of the interactive data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an interactive system for an aircraft cockpit. Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of aviation, and more specifically, to the field of human-machine interaction in an aircraft cockpit.

[0003] In a manner known per se, the tasks of an aircraft crew require a large amount of data from very different systems. This often involves the need to ensure efficient and rapid interaction between these different systems and between the crew and these systems. This type of interaction is known as "human-machine interaction".

[0004] Modern cockpits introduce advanced interactive capabilities using avionics systems by facilitating tactile interactions.

[0005] The use of tactile interactions requires that the systems implementing them be highly responsive, especially for the new types of interactions required by the medium, such as moving graphical elements with a finger (“dragging”), or controlling zoom levels by “pinching” or “expanding”.

[0006] In particular, the systems usable by the crew in the cockpit include systems said to be from the avionics world, such as the flight management computer, and equipment items said to be from the open world, such as the EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) tablet.

[0007] The development of open world equipment projects in the cockpit and the emergence of increasingly developed connectivity networks make it possible to consider increasingly evolved applications in the open world, which complete the functions of a certified cockpit.

[0008] The non-critical nature of these applications allows for rapid, regular and inexpensive evolution.

[0009] In order to facilitate continuity of operation between applications from the avionics world displayed in the cockpit and applications from the open world displayed in particular on the EFB tablet, it makes sense to be able to display the content of applications from the open world by using the screens of the cockpit.

[0010] This also makes it possible to reduce the volume of the cockpit by means of additional screens, which can also limit external visibility and require complex mounting devices to be placed within the pilot's reach. Unlike such additional screens, tablets can be easily installed and even stored in the spaces provided for this purpose, called "racks".

[0011] To best incorporate applications from the open world and facilitate the mission, it has become possible to display content from open world equipment items (such as tablets) onto the avionics viewing screen via a video connection.

[0012] At least some commands associated with the avionics screen may also be executed to control items of open world equipment.

[0013] Thus, for example, open world equipment items may be controlled using movement of a cursor performed via a suitable pointing device.

[0014] However, with this approach it is only possible to send an open world display oriented in landscape mode and displayed in full screen on the avionics viewing unit. This approach also depends on the operating system used by the open world equipment item and may not be suitable for at least some of these systems.

[0015] Furthermore, this solution does not make it possible to display content from the avionics world, for example, in a juxtaposition or superposition with a window containing content from the open world. Indeed, in this case, the dispersion of management, and in particular of the cursor, would not make it possible to ensure a continuous transition between the various display windows.

[0016] Another identified solution to be able to interact with open world equipment items in the cockpit is to functionally couple these equipment items with avionics applications in order to import data from the open world into the avionics world.

[0017] The disadvantage of this solution is that it requires the implementation of extensive and expensive security mechanisms (security servers) between the avionics world and the open world, in order to avoid in particular the risk of malicious intrusion into the avionics system. This solution is not always compatible with deployment on light aircraft, where the goal is to reduce material costs, and it also introduces additional lags in data processing. Summary of the invention

[0018] The present invention aims to propose an interaction system capable of solving these problems. Thus, the interaction system according to the invention makes it possible to display information from different worlds on the same avionics screen, while ensuring continuous interaction from one of these worlds to another. The exchange between the two worlds has a high degree of security, while avoiding additional lags in data processing. Finally, the system according to the invention makes it possible to easily adapt any item of equipment from the open world to the operation of the avionics world, independently of the operating system used.

[0019] To this end, the present invention relates to an interactive system for an aircraft cockpit, comprising:

[0020] - A display assembly associated with an avionics screen, comprising:

[0021] + a video acquisition module configured to acquire a first graphics feed (GraphicFeed) from an avionics system and a second graphics feed from an open world equipment item;

[0022] + a media management module configured to control a display on the avionics screen so as to display the first graphics feed in a first window on the screen and to display the second graphics feed in a second window on the screen, the media management module being further configured to generate windowing data relative to the positioning of the different windows on the display screen; and

[0023] + an interaction component capable of generating interaction data relative to each interaction of a user with said avionics screen;

[0024] - Junction box for the Open World Equipment project:

[0025] + a first conversion module configured to receive the windowed data from the media management module and the interaction data from the interaction component;

[0026] + a second conversion module capable of receiving a graphics feed from said open world equipment item and sending the graphics feed to said video acquisition module for displaying said graphics feed in said second window of said avionics screen;

[0027] - a control module of the open-world equipment item configured to process the windowing data and the interaction data from the first conversion module so as to generate commands for the open-world equipment item from at least some of the interaction data.

[0028] According to further advantageous aspects of the invention, the system comprises one or more of the following features considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0029] - the interaction component comprises a tactile gesture acquisition module configured to acquire each tactile interaction of the user with the avionics screen and convert it into interaction data;

[0030] - the media management module is connected to the first conversion module through the tactile gesture acquisition module;

[0031] - the interaction component comprises a command acquisition module, which is configured to acquire each interaction exerted by the user on the pointer device and / or the keyboard, the command acquisition module being directly connected to the media management module;

[0032] - the video acquisition module is configured to apply at least one processing operation of the second graphics feed, each processing operation being selected from the group consisting of:

[0033] - extracting a region of interest from the graphics feed;

[0034] -rotate the graphics feed;

[0035] - scaling the graphics feed according to the resolution of the graphics feed and the resolution of the second window;

[0036] - pan the graphics feed;

[0037] - the control module is capable of transforming each interaction data in the coordinate system of the open world equipment item by using the corresponding windowing data;

[0038] -The windowed data includes:

[0039] - the origin of said second window in the coordinate system of said avionics screen;

[0040] - the size of the second window;

[0041] - cropping of the second feed;

[0042] - the control module is integrated in the junction box;

[0043] - the control module is integrated into the open world equipment project;

[0044] - the junction box is connected to the display assembly via at least two cables, one of which connects the first conversion module to the display assembly and is advantageously of RS422 type, and the other cable connects the second conversion module to the display assembly and is advantageously of SMPTE type;

[0045] - the junction box is connected to the open world equipment item via at least two cables, advantageously assembled to each other and coupled with the open world equipment item via a single connector, or via a cable and a wireless connector, or via two wireless links;

[0046] - the system comprises another display assembly similar to said display assembly and associated with another avionics screen;

[0047] The first conversion module of the junction box is capable of receiving the interaction data of the interaction component from a single display component at a time;

[0048] said second conversion module of said junction box being capable of sending said graphics feed from said open world equipment item to said video acquisition module of each display assembly for displaying said graphics feed in said second window of a corresponding avionics screen;

[0049] - at least one other junction box similar to said junction box connected to another item of open world equipment;

[0050] the media management module of at least one display assembly being configured to display a graphics feed from the other open world equipment item in a third window on a corresponding avionics screen;

[0051] - the system comprises a control server connected to the at least one display assembly and configured to send interaction data and windowing data to the open world device items corresponding to these data;

[0052] - the server comprises a video server capable of sending a graphics feed from each open world equipment item to a corresponding display component;

[0053] - the or each junction box is a host station for a corresponding open world equipment item; and

[0054] -The open world equipment item is a touch-sensitive tablet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] These characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description, which is provided purely as a non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an interactive system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the system comprising a junction box;

[0057] - Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment of the cartridge, respectively Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the junction box; and

[0058] Figures 4 to 6 are schematic diagrams respectively showing the second, third and fourth embodiments of the interactive system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Figure 1 Actually, an interactive system 10 of a cockpit of an aircraft is shown.

[0060] "Aircraft" means any aircraft that can be at least partially flown by at least one pilot in the cockpit of that aircraft.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment, the aircraft is an airplane or a helicopter. In this case, driving is carried out from the cockpit arranged in this airplane or the helicopter.

[0062] According to another exemplary embodiment, the aircraft is an unmanned aircraft capable of remote piloting. In this case, "cockpit" refers to a remote command center that performs piloting.

[0063] The interactive system 10 notably makes it possible to connect an open-world equipment item to an avionics screen in order to at least partially control the operation of the open-world equipment item using the avionics screen.

[0064] An “open world equipment item” is any uncertified equipment item or an equipment item with a certification level lower than the avionics system certification level that a pilot can use to prepare for a flight and / or ensure the proper conduct of a flight.

[0065] Such an open world device item is thus a computer, in particular a laptop, a phone, in particular a smartphone, or a tablet, in particular a touch-sensitive tablet.

[0066] According to the invention, the open world equipment item notably makes it possible to send a graphics feed in order to display it on an avionics screen, as will be described below.

[0067] "Graphic feeds" refers to a plurality of images generated by a graphical map of an open world device item and intended to be displayed on a screen. These images lack functional data, i.e. digital data that can interact with other digital data.

[0068] In the example described below, the open world equipment item is a touch sensitive tablet computer 12 of the EFB type previously described. However, any teachings described below in relation to such an avionics tablet computer are still generally applicable to open world equipment items.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 The interactive system 10 includes a display assembly 14 associated with an avionics screen 15 and a junction box 16 .

[0070] The avionics screen 15 corresponds to one of the screens present in the cockpit of the aircraft. Thus, for example, the avionics screen 15 is a central screen or a side screen.

[0071] Furthermore, as is known per se, the avionics screen 15 has a front portion 17 defining a display surface and a touch-sensitive panel associated with the display surface, and a rear portion 18 defining the different components enabling the operation of the display surface.

[0072] The display assembly 14 enables operation of the avionics screen 15 and comprises for this purpose a media management module 22 , a video acquisition module 23 and a command acquisition module 24 integrated into the rear part 18 and a tactile gesture acquisition module 25 integrated into the front part of the avionics screen 15 .

[0073] These different modules 22 to 25 are for example at least partially in the form of software applications executable by one or more suitable processors. As a variant or supplement, at least some of these modules are at least partially in the form of programmable logic circuits of FPGA (field programmable gate array) type.

[0074] The tactile gesture acquisition module 25 is associated with the touch-sensitive panel of the avionics screen 15 and is capable of acquiring each tactile interaction of the user with the display surface and converting it into interaction data.

[0075] This acquisition module 25 is also called a “TAM module”, which stands for “Touch Acquisition Module”.

[0076] The command acquisition module 24 is associated with a pointing device, for example of the CCD (Cursor Control Device) type and / or a physical keyboard, for example of the KBD (Keyboard Device) type.

[0077] This module 24 therefore makes it possible to acquire the commands coming from each of these devices and to convert these commands into corresponding interaction data.

[0078] The command acquisition module 24 and the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 then generate interaction data regarding the avionics screen 15. These modules 24, 25 thus form the above-mentioned interaction system, which allows the pilot to interact with the avionics screen 15 and thus control the operation of one or more avionics systems and the avionics tablet 12, as will be described below.

[0079] The video acquisition module 23 makes it possible to acquire the graphics feed coming from one or more avionics systems and the graphics feed coming from the tablet 12 in order to display these feeds simultaneously on the avionics screen 15 .

[0080] In particular, the video acquisition module 23 enables display of a first window juxtaposed or superimposed with at least one second window on the avionics surface.

[0081] The first window, called the Avionics World Window, is dedicated to the Avionics World and thus can display graphical feeds from one or more avionics systems.

[0082] The second window, called the open world window, is dedicated to the open world and therefore makes it possible to display a graphics feed coming in particular from the tablet 12 .

[0083] The video acquisition module 23 also enables at least one processing operation to be performed on the graphics feed from the tablet computer 12 .

[0084] Each processing operation is selected from the group consisting of:

[0085] - extracting a region of interest from a received graphics feed;

[0086] - Rotate the received graphics feed;

[0087] - scaling the received graphics feed according to the resolution of the graphics feed and the resolution of the second window;

[0088] - panning the received graphics feed;

[0089] In particular, the extraction of a region of interest makes it possible in particular to zoom in on a portion of the graphics feed.

[0090] In particular, rotating the graphics feed enables adapting the portrait or landscape presentation of the tablet computer 12 .

[0091] In particular, scaling makes it possible to adapt the resolution of an image provided by the tablet computer to the window in which the image is displayed.

[0092] In particular, panning makes it possible to position the video image at a desired location on the avionics screen 15 .

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment, the video acquisition module 23 comprises two components called VAM (Video Acquisition Module) and GGM (Graphics Generation Module). The first of these components allows acquisition of a graphics feed coming from the tablet 12, while the second allows execution of at least one processing operation of this feed.

[0094] The media management module 22 is connected to the command acquisition module 24 and the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 and makes it possible to process interaction data from these modules 24 , 25 .

[0095] Based on the processed interaction data, the media management module 22 makes it possible to control the operation of the video acquisition module 23 .

[0096] In particular, it is made possible to command the execution of processing operations and to change the position and / or size of the open world or avionics world window following a corresponding command from the pilot, for example given by a tactile gesture.

[0097] The media management module 22 also makes it possible to generate window data regarding the positioning of the different windows on the display screen and in particular the positioning of the open world window, and to send these data to the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 .

[0098] Finally, if one or more avionics world windows are opened overlapping the open world window, the media management module 22 also makes it possible to disable or reduce the open world window. This then corresponds to the principle of preemptive interaction with respect to the avionics world.

[0099] The windowed data includes at least one of elements selected from the group consisting of:

[0100] - the origin of the open world window in the coordinate system of the avionics screen of the display assembly;

[0101] - The size of the open world window;

[0102] - When clipping a graphics feed from an open world equipment item in an open world window, clip that feed.

[0103] The media management module 22 also enables the transmission of tactile gesture acquisition module interaction data generated by the command acquisition module 24 .

[0104] The junction box 16 makes it possible to connect the tablet computer 12 to the avionics screen 15 .

[0105] According to one particular exemplary embodiment of the invention, the junction box 16 takes the form of a host station for the tablet computer 12 and therefore defines a housing with appropriate connector technology to receive the tablet computer and to send and receive data to and from the tablet computer.

[0106] exist Figure 2 2 shows an internal structure of a junction box according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0107] In particular, if Figure 2 As shown, the junction box 16 includes a first conversion module 31 , a second conversion module 32 and an adapter module 33 .

[0108] Similar to the previous case, these modules 31 to 33 take at least partly the form of software and / or programmable logic circuits of the FPGA type.

[0109] The first conversion module 31 is connected to the front part 17 of the avionics screen 15 , in particular to the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 , by a unidirectional link, for example via a cable, for example of RS422 type, originating from the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 .

[0110] Therefore, the first conversion module 31 is suitable for receiving the interactive data generated by the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 and / or sent to the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 by the media management module 22 and the windowed data sent to the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 by the media management module 22 .

[0111] The module 31 also makes it possible to transform the acquired data into a form usable by the tablet 12 .

[0112] The first conversion module 31 is connected to the command module 40 of the tablet computer 12, according to Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the command module 40 is integrated into the tablet computer 12. The connection is done via a unidirectional link from the first conversion module, for example via a cable of the USB type.

[0113] The control module 40 is also part of the interactive system 10 according to the invention and takes the form of software, in particular drivers, which are integrated into the tablet computer 12 and are able to emulate interactive peripherals (touchpad, mouse, keyboard) at the operating system level of the tablet computer 12 .

[0114] This module 40 notably makes it possible to analyse the windowed data and the interaction data acquired by the first conversion module 31 .

[0115] Specifically, in the interaction data, the command module 40 allows the interaction data about the open world window to be extracted by using the windowing data. Then, the command module 40 allows the corresponding commands to be associated with the extracted interaction data, assuming that these data are directly generated by the interaction peripheral device of the tablet computer 12.

[0116] The adapter module 33 is connected to the tablet computer 12 via a unidirectional link originating from the tablet computer 12 and formed, for example, by a cable of the USB type. This link makes it possible to obtain a graphics feed from the tablet computer 12. In the case where the conversion module 31 is also connected to the tablet computer 12 via a cable, a single assembled bidirectional cable, for example a bidirectional cable of the USB type, may be provided that connects the tablet computer 12 to the junction box 16 via a single connector.

[0117] The adapter module 33 also makes it possible to send this graphics feed to a second conversion module 32 by performing a pre-processing of this feed, which for example consists in particular in modifying its dimensions by resampling and / or in changing its width / height ratio by adding black bars. The second conversion module 32 is connected to the rear part 18 of the avionics screen 15 and in particular to the video acquisition module 23 previously described. This connection also has a unidirectional link and is done for example by a cable of the SMPTE or ARINC 818 or HDMI type, for example.

[0118] A second conversion module 32 makes it possible to convert the graphics feed acquired by module 33 into a form usable by the video acquisition module 23 .

[0119] exist Figure 3 A junction box 16 according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0120] Similar to the previous case, the junction box includes the first conversion module 31, the second conversion module 32 and the adapter module 33 described above.

[0121] Different from the first exemplary embodiment, the junction box 16 further includes the command module 40 as described above.

[0122] In this case, the command module 40 is connected to the tablet computer via a cable of the USB type, for example, or then via a computer such as Or connect to your tablet wirelessly via Wi-Fi.

[0123] Therefore, the tablet computer 12 regards the command module 40 as an external peripheral device, such as a keyboard or the like.

[0124] Additionally, in both exemplary embodiments, the adapter module 33 may also be coupled to the tablet computer 12 via a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi.

[0125] According to yet another exemplary embodiment (not shown), the command module 40 takes the form of two separate components, one integrated into the tablet computer 12 and the other integrated into the junction box 16. In this case, these components perform separate functions.

[0126] The operation of the interactive system 10 according to the present invention will now be described.

[0127] It is initially assumed that the video acquisition module 23 displays the graphics feed from the tablet computer 12 on the avionics screen 15 in an open world window juxtaposed with the avionics world window.

[0128] The display is managed by the media management module 22 which also generates display data regarding the positioning of these different windows on the display screen 15 .

[0129] When the pilot performs actions on the pointing device or keyboard, the display management module receives corresponding interaction data from the acquisition module 24 and sends the interaction data to the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 .

[0130] When the pilot performs a tactile gesture associated with the display surface, the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 generates corresponding interaction data.

[0131] Then, in both cases, the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 sends the interaction data to the command module 40 of the tablet computer 12 through the first conversion module 31 .

[0132] The command module 40 then analyzes these data and executes the corresponding command when the interaction data corresponds to an open world window.

[0133] This command then modifies the graphics feed generated by the tablet, which is then sent to the video acquisition module 23 , in particular through the second conversion module 32 , to be displayed on the avionics screen.

[0134] When the action performed by the pilot involves cropping the open world window, the media management module 22 therefore converts the interaction data generated by the pointing device, keyboard or tactile gesture acquisition module 25 into a corresponding command, which is sent to the video acquisition module 23 .

[0135] Then, the module 23 executes the command by performing corresponding processing operations. New windowing data is finally generated by the media management module 22 and sent to the tablet computer through the tactile gesture acquisition module 25 and the first conversion module 31.

[0136] It can then be seen that the present invention has a certain number of advantages.

[0137] Firstly, the present invention enables displaying and interacting with applications hosted on an open world device item such as a tablet, for example, from an avionics screen.

[0138] To this end, a window dedicated to the open world is displayed on the avionics screen in a juxtaposed or superimposed manner with a window dedicated to the avionics world.

[0139] The pilot can change the size, position and orientation of this open world window. Additionally, in the case of an overlay, interactions with the open world window can be prioritized.

[0140] Furthermore, the central management of interaction data makes it possible to stream, among other things, the cursor transition between the open world window and the avionics world window.

[0141] Furthermore, since the tactile gesture acquisition module is directly connected to the first conversion module, the present invention provides an optimal solution in terms of interaction lag.

[0142] In addition, the present invention requires a simple connection, since all exchanges are done through a unidirectional connection. This simplicity of connection also helps to achieve reduced interaction lag.

[0143] Furthermore, only data corresponding to the graphics feed is sent to Avionics World. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a secure server when sending this data.

[0144] Finally, any Avionics World equipment item can be easily adapted to interface with the Junction Box.

[0145] Figure 4 An interactive system 110 according to a second embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0146] Unlike the previously described interactive system 10, the interactive system 110 includes two display assemblies (in Figure 4 ) and two junction boxes 116A, 116B associated with two different open world equipment items 112A, 112B.

[0147] Each display assembly is similar to the display assembly 14 described previously, and each junction box 116A, 116B is similar to the junction box 16 described previously.

[0148] Therefore, in Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , junction box 116A enables connection of open world equipment item 112A to avionics screen 115A, and junction box 116B enables connection of open world equipment item 112B to avionics screen 115B.

[0149] Thus, the interactive system 110 according to the second embodiment enables simultaneous use of two open-world equipment items in a cockpit, for example by two pilots, by using two different avionics screens.

[0150] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows an interactive system 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Similar to the case of the interactive system 100 , the interactive system 200 includes two junction boxes 216A, 216B associated with two different open-world equipment items 212A, 212B.

[0152] Unlike the previous case, each junction box 216A, 216B makes it possible to connect an open world equipment item to two different avionics screens.

[0153] Therefore, in Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 2 , junction box 216A enables connection of open world equipment item 212A to avionics screens 215A and 215C, and junction box 216B enables connection of open world equipment item 212B to avionics screens 215B and 215D.

[0154] In this case, for each avionics screen, the interactive system 210 also includes a display assembly ( Figure 5 not shown).

[0155] Each terminal box 216A, 216B differs from the previously described terminal box 16 only in that the second dialog module (SIC) of each terminal box 216A, 216B is connected to two different display assemblies and is configured to send a graphics feed to each of these display assemblies.

[0156] Furthermore, the second dialogue module of each junction box 216A, 216B is connected to two different display assemblies and is configured to send a graphics feed to each of these display assemblies.

[0157] Additionally, the first conversion module of each junction box 216A, 216B is adapted to receive interactive data and windowing data from each display assembly connected thereto.

[0158] However, in this case, the first conversion module of each junction box 216A, 216B comprises a switch so that at least the interaction data can be received from a single display assembly.

[0159] To this end, such a switch takes the form of, for example, software or a programmable logic circuit, enabling the processing of interaction data from a single input (ie a single display component).

[0160] The switch can be switched manually by the pilot, for example, via a corresponding interface.

[0161] Furthermore, in the event of a switch failure, the corresponding first conversion module is configured to ignore any received interaction data.

[0162] Thus, the interactive system 210 according to the third embodiment makes it possible to associate an open world equipment item with a plurality of avionics screens.

[0163] exist Figure 6 Detailed description of the interactive system 310 according to the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0164] Therefore, if in this Figure 6 As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the interactive system 310 includes two junction boxes 316A, 316B similar to the junction boxes 216A, 216B and a display assembly (not shown) for each avionics screen used. In particular, each junction box 316A, 316B enables the connection of an open world equipment item 312A, 312B to a plurality of avionics screens.

[0165] exist Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment of , each junction box 316A, 316B enables connection of a corresponding open world equipment item to all avionics screens 315A to 315D.

[0166] To this end, according to this embodiment, the interactive system 310 further includes a video server 360 and a control server 370 .

[0167] In particular, the video server 360 makes it possible to send a graphics feed from one of the junction boxes 316A, 316B to a plurality of avionics screens 315A to 315D, for example via SMPTE type cables.

[0168] Thus, the video acquisition module of each display assembly is adapted to receive a graphics feed not only from one of the terminal boxes 316A, 316B, but also from the graphics server 360 .

[0169] The video acquisition module of each display assembly is further adapted to display the graphics feeds from different open-world equipment items 312A, 312B in different open-world windows on the same display surface.

[0170] The control server 370 enables the sending of interaction data and windowed data to the open world equipment items 312A, 312B to which such data are directed.

[0171] To this end, the control server 370 is connected on the one hand to each display component, for example via an Ethernet type connection, and on the other hand to each open world equipment item 312A, 312B, for example via a wireless link, for example of the Wi-Fi type, or then via a USB or Ethernet type wired link.

[0172] According to an exemplary embodiment, the control server 370 is connected to each open world equipment item 312A, 312B through a corresponding junction box 316A, 316B so as to be able to resolve Figure 3 described in the scheme (using the windowing data done in this junction box), or in Figure 2 In the latter case, a single connector, such as a USB type connector, can be provided which manages all the feeds.

[0173] exist Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 3 , junction box 316A connects open world equipment item 312A directly to avionics screens 315A and 315C, and to screens 315B and 315D via video server 360 .

[0174] Thus, the exchange of graphics feeds and interactive and windowed data between the open world equipment item 312A and the display components associated with the avionics screens 315A, 315C is as previously described with respect to Figure 5 Proceed as described.

[0175] Rather, transmission of the graphics feed from the open world equipment item 312A to the display components associated with the avionics screens 315B, 315D is accomplished via the junction box 316A and then via the video server 360 .

[0176] The transmission of interactive and windowed data from the display components associated with the avionics screens 315B, 315D to the open world equipment item 312A is accomplished via the control server 370 .

[0177] Similarly, according to the same example, junction box 316B connects open world equipment item 312B directly to avionics screens 315B and 315D, and via video server 360 to screens 315A and 315C.

[0178] Thus, the exchange of graphics feeds and interactive and windowed data between the open world equipment item 312B and the display components associated with the avionics screens 315B, 315D is as previously described with respect to Figure 5 Proceed as described.

[0179] The exchange of graphics feeds and interactive and windowing data between the open world equipment item 312B and the display components associated with the avionics screens 315A, 315C is accomplished via the video server 360 through the junction box 316B or via the control server 370 .

[0180] It can then be seen that the interaction system 310 according to the fourth embodiment makes it possible not only to connect each open-world equipment item to all avionics screens, but also to display graphic feeds from different avionics items on the same avionics screen, and thus control different open-world equipment items via the same avionics screen.

[0181] Of course, other examples of connections between open world equipment items and the avionics screens of the cockpit are possible.

[0182] It can be easily seen that, at least in some embodiments, the tactile gesture acquisition module is directly connected to the control module of the open world device project only through the first conversion module of the junction box. This makes it possible to minimize lag and maintain the refresh frequency of the data from the tactile gesture acquisition module.

[0183] Furthermore, the connection of the media management module to the first conversion module via the tactile gesture acquisition module enables the calculation of a few critical display configuration data regarding hysteresis (such as position) via the avionics module, in particular the display assembly. These data are then sent to the control module of the open world equipment project via a direct connection together with the data from the tactile gesture acquisition module.

[0184] Finally, it is apparent that the present invention enables a single, secure, physical connection between the avionics world and the open world for sending all interaction data.

Claims

1. An interactive system for an aircraft cockpit (10; 110; 210; 310), including: - a display assembly (14) associated with an avionics screen (15; 115A, 115B; 215A, ..., 215D; 315A, ..., 315D) and comprising: + a video acquisition module (23) configured to acquire a first graphics feed from an avionics system and a second graphics feed from an open world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B); + a media management module (22) configured to control the display on the avionics screen (15; 115A, 115B; 215A, ..., 215D; 315A, ..., 315D) so as to display the first graphics feed in a first window on the screen and to display the second graphics feed in a second window on the screen, the media management module (22) being further configured to generate windowing data relative to the positioning of different windows on the avionics screen (15; 115A, 115B; 215A, ..., 215D; 315A, ..., 315D); and + an interaction component (24, 25) capable of generating interaction data relative to each interaction of a user with said avionics screen (15; 115A, 115B; 215A, ..., 215D; 315A, ..., 315D); - a junction box (16; 116A, 116B; 216A, 216B; 316A, 316B) for said open world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B), comprising: + a first conversion module (31) configured to receive the windowed data from the media management module (22) and the interaction data from the interaction components (24, 25); + a second conversion module (32) capable of receiving a graphics feed from said open world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) and sending the graphics feed to said video acquisition module for displaying said graphics feed in said second window of said avionics screen (15; 115A, 115B; 215A, ..., 215D; 315A, ..., 315D); a control module (40) of the open-world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) configured to process the windowed data and the interaction data from the first conversion module (31) so as to generate commands for the open-world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) from at least some of the interaction data, Wherein, the interaction component (24, 25) comprises a tactile gesture acquisition module, which is configured to acquire each tactile interaction between the user and the avionics screen (15; 115A, 115B; 215A, ..., 215D; 315A, ..., 315D) and convert it into interaction data; The media management module (22) is connected to the first conversion module (31) via the tactile gesture acquisition module (25).

2. The interactive system (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: The tactile gesture acquisition module (25) is connected to the control module (40) of the open world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) via the first conversion module (31).

3. The interactive system (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: The interaction components (24, 25) include a command acquisition module (24) configured to acquire each interaction applied by the user on a pointer device and / or a keyboard, and the command acquisition module (24) is directly connected to the media management module (22).

4. The interactive system (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: The video acquisition module (23) is configured to apply at least one processing operation of the second graphics feed, each processing operation being selected from the group consisting of: - extracting a region of interest from the graphics feed; -rotate the graphics feed; - scaling the graphics feed according to the resolution of the graphics feed and the resolution of the second window; - Pan the graphics feed.

5. The interactive system (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: The control module (40) is capable of converting each interaction data in a coordinate system of the open world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) by using corresponding windowing data.

6. The interactive system (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: The windowed data includes: - the origin of the second window in the coordinate system of the avionics screen (15; 115A, 115B; 215A, ..., 215D; 315A, ..., 315D); - the size of the second window; - Cropping of the second graphics feed.

7. The interactive system (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: The control module (40) is integrated in the junction box (16; 116A, 116B; 216A, 216B; 316A, 316B).

8. The interactive system (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: The control module (40) is integrated into the open world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B).

9. The interactive system (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: - the junction box (16; 116A, 116B; 216A, 216B; 316A, 316B) is connected to the display assembly (14) via at least two cables, one of the two cables connecting the first conversion module (31) to the display assembly (14), and the other cable connecting the second conversion module (32) to the display assembly (14); - the junction box (16; 116A, 116B; 216A, 216B; 316A, 316B) is connected to the open world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) via at least two cables, or via a cable and a wireless connector, or via two wireless links.

10. The interactive system (110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: The interactive system comprises another display assembly similar to the display assembly (14) and associated with another avionics screen (15; 115A, 115B; 215A, ..., 215D; 315A, ..., 315D); The first conversion module (31) of the junction box (16; 116A, 116B; 216A, 216B; 316A, 316B) is capable of receiving the interaction data of the interaction components (24, 25) from a single display component (14) at one time; The second conversion module (32) of the junction box (16; 116A, 116B; 216A, 216B; 316A, 316B) is capable of sending the graphics feed from the open world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) to the video acquisition module (23) of each display assembly (14) so ​​as to display the graphics feed in the second window of the corresponding avionics screen.

11. The interactive system (110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: at least one other junction box (116A, 116B; 216A, 216B; 316A, 316B) similar to the junction box (16) to another open world equipment item (112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B); The media management module (22) of at least one display assembly (14) is configured to display a graphics feed from the other open world equipment item (112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) in a third window on the corresponding avionics screen (15; 115A, 115B; 215A, ..., 215D; 315A, ..., 315D).

12. The interactive system (310) according to claim 11 further comprises a control server (370) connected to the at least one display component and configured to send interaction data and windowing data to the open world device items (112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) corresponding to these data.

13. The interactive system (310) of claim 11, further comprising a video server (360) capable of sending a graphics feed from each open world equipment item (112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) to a corresponding display assembly (14).

14. The interactive system (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein: - the or each junction box (16; 116A, 116B; 216A, 216B; 316A, 316B) is a host station for a corresponding open world equipment project; and - The open world equipment item (12; 112A, 112B; 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) is a touch sensitive tablet computer.

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