Method and system for determining risk areas around an aircraft

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a method for determining at least one risk area within an area around an aircraft during the execution of ground operations around and / or on the aircraft. This method includes, upon receipt of a request to determine at least one risk area: obtaining (402) initial information representative of at least one source of at least one risk, as well as operational context information representative of the aircraft's operational context during such ground operations; determining (403) such risk area and a location thereof; and then transmitting (404) such location to indicate the presence of such at least one risk area at such determined location to personnel operating on and / or around the aircraft during such ground operations.It is possible to identify one or more risk areas and locate them in an area around the aircraft for one or more risks associated with various hazards that may be encountered during ground operations.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical domain relates to a method and system for determining risk zones in the area surrounding an aircraft during ground phases. Specifically, this disclosure concerns the identification and subsequent location of these risk zones for reporting to personnel working around and / or on the aircraft during ground phases. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0002] The development of new technologies in the field of aviation also leads to the emergence of new risks (e.g., risk of explosion, fire, engine blast phenomenon or " jet blast » in English...) for personnel, especially ground personnel, working around and / or on the aircraft during ground phases (e.g., taxiing, parking, refueling...).

[0003] In order to ensure the safety of personnel, and to prevent any risk of danger, personnel must possess specific qualifications, as well as specific dedicated equipment, in order to be authorized to enter so-called "at-risk" areas where there is a risk of danger (e.g., risk of an explosive atmosphere).

[0004] However, some of these hazards are not directly visible or detectable by personnel. This is the case, for example, with the presence of kerosene vapors or hydrogen gas in the atmosphere. Therefore, it can be difficult for personnel to determine the location and size of these hazardous areas around the aircraft, and thus to know if they have the appropriate qualifications and equipment to operate in them.

[0005] The situation can be improved. In particular, it is desirable to provide a solution that makes it possible to determine which are the risk zones around the aircraft, as well as their location and, where applicable, their size, in order to be able to report them to personnel working around and / or on the aircraft during ground phases. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A method is proposed here for determining at least one risk zone within an area around an aircraft during ground operations around and / or on the aircraft. The risk corresponds to a potential hazard within said risk zone for personnel working around and / or on the aircraft. This method is executed by a risk zone determination system comprising electronic circuitry, configured to: upon receipt of a request to determine at least one risk zone: to obtain initial information representative of at least one source element of at least one risk, to obtain operational context information representative of an operational context of the aircraft during said ground operations, to determine, from said initial information and said operational context information, said risk area and a location of said at least one risk area; to transmit said location of said at least one risk area to signal the presence of said at least one risk area in said determined location to personnel operating on and / or around the aircraft during said ground operations.

[0007] Thus, it is possible to identify one or more risk zones for personnel working around and / or on the aircraft and to locate them within a zone around the aircraft for one or more risks associated with various hazards that may be encountered during ground operations. Advantageously, it is possible to warn ground or flight personnel of the location of these risk zones and thus alert them to the need for qualifications and equipment appropriate for managing the risk(s) in the identified zones.

[0008] In one embodiment, the risk corresponds to at least one risk among: a risk associated with an explosive atmosphere hazard linked to kerosene vapors or the presence of dihydrogen in the atmosphere; a risk associated with a "mechanical" hazard linked to the operation of moving parts of the aircraft such as a landing gear or a thrust reverser system; a risk associated with an "engine" hazard linked to an engine blow-off phenomenon, or engine air intake; a risk associated with an "electrical" hazard linked to an electrical phenomenon around the aircraft.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, said operational context information is obtained from a selection in a list of operational scenarios comprising at least one scenario.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, the said request for the determination of said at least one risk zone originates from: of a human-machine interface of a cockpit of said aircraft, of a human-machine interface integrated into the aircraft and accessible through a hatch made in the fuselage of the aircraft, or of a human-machine interface of a control center.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises: receiving confirmation of determination of said at least one risk zone from: the human-machine interface of the aircraft cockpit, the human-machine interface integrated into the aircraft and accessible through the hatch, or the human-machine interface of the control center.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, transmitting said location of said at least one risk area includes: transmitting said determined location to equipment on board the aircraft and / or ground support equipment.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the equipment carried on board the aircraft and the ground support equipment are selected from: laser emitters, photonic radars, audible warning devices.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises: displaying by said equipment on board the aircraft and / or ground support equipment, an outline of said at least one risk zone, or an area of ​​said at least one risk zone.

[0015] Also proposed here is a system for determining at least one risk zone within an area around an aircraft during ground operations around and / or on the aircraft. The risk corresponds to a potential hazard within said risk zone for personnel working around and / or on the aircraft. The risk zone determination system includes electronic circuitry configured to: upon receiving a request to determine at least one risk zone: to obtain initial information representative of at least one source element of at least one risk, to obtain operational context information representative of an operational context of the aircraft during said ground operations, to determine, from said initial information and said operational context information, said risk area and a location of said at least one risk area; to transmit said location of said at least one risk area to signal the presence of said at least one risk area in said determined location to personnel operating on and / or around the aircraft during said ground operations.

[0016] Also proposed here is an aircraft including a risk zone determination system as described above.

[0017] Also proposed is a computer program product comprising instructions that cause a processor to execute the process described above in any of its embodiments when said instructions are executed by the processor. A storage medium for storing such instructions is also proposed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of at least one exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which: [ Fig. 1 ] schematically illustrates, in side view, an aircraft equipped with a risk zone determination system, according to one embodiment; [ Fig. 2 ] schematically illustrates the system for determining risk zones of an aircraft, according to one embodiment; [ Fig. 3] schematically illustrates an example of a hardware platform enabling the implementation, in the form of electronic circuitry, of an aircraft's risk zone determination system, according to one embodiment; [ Fig. 4 [ ] schematically illustrates different stages of a process for determining risk zones, carried out by the determination system, according to one embodiment. ] Fig. 5 ] schematically illustrates an example of the determination of several risk zones by the determination system, according to one embodiment; [ Fig. 6 ] schematically illustrates, in a top view, an aircraft around which risk zones have been identified, according to one embodiment; [ Fig. 7 ] schematically illustrates, in a top view, an aircraft around which risk zones have been identified, according to another embodiment; [ Fig. 8] schematically illustrates, in a top view, an aircraft around which risk zones have been identified, according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0019] The general principle of this disclosure is to determine risk zones, that is, to identify and then locate them, within the area surrounding an aircraft during ground phases (e.g., taxiing, parking, etc.). Specifically, this disclosure aims to alert personnel working around and / or on the aircraft during ground phases to these risk zones by indicating them with visual and / or audible markers. This allows ground personnel (e.g., technicians, operators, etc.) and / or flight crews to the precise location of these risk zones around the aircraft.

[0020] The terms "zone around an aircraft" and "around an aircraft" refer to a geographical area encompassing the aircraft's location. For example, this "zone around an aircraft" extends for several tens of meters all around the aircraft.

[0021] Subsequently, the term "risk" refers to the probability of a hazard occurring (e.g., fire, explosion, accident, electrocution, etc.). Risk can be quantified (e.g., according to different levels: high, moderate, low). Thus, a "risk zone" designates a geographical area within which the risk level of a given hazard can be quantified. Outside the risk zone, the risk level of a given hazard is considered zero. Consequently, for safety reasons, ground personnel must possess the appropriate qualifications and equipment to enter a risk zone and perform operations there (e.g., maintenance, refueling, etc.). Otherwise, this personnel cannot be authorized to enter the risk zone. For example, for areas at risk of explosive atmospheres (e.g.,(related to the presence of kerosene vapor in the atmosphere), personnel authorized to enter these areas must possess qualifications and equipment dedicated to managing such a risk.

[0022] There are different types of risks associated with various hazards that can be encountered around an aircraft during ground phases. For example: a risk associated with an explosive atmosphere hazard linked to kerosene vapors or the presence of dihydrogen in the atmosphere; a risk associated with a "mechanical" hazard linked to the operation of moving parts of the aircraft such as the landing gear or the thrust reverser system; a risk associated with an "engine" hazard linked to the engine blast phenomenon (" jet blast (in English), or engine air intakes (" ingestion around intake(in English); a risk associated with an "electrical" type hazard related to the electrical phenomenon around the aircraft, for example, in connection with weather conditions; etc.

[0023] There Fig. 1 schematically illustrates, in side view, an aircraft 100 equipped with a risk zone determination system 101, according to one embodiment.

[0024] Depending on the method of implementation of the Fig. 1 The 101 risk zone determination system (also referred to hereafter as the 101 determination system) is an electronic device installed in aircraft 100. For example, the 101 risk zone determination system is part of an electronic circuitry of the avionics of aircraft 100.

[0025] The 101 determination system is schematically and globally illustrated on the Fig. 2 , according to a particular embodiment.

[0026] The determination system 101 is configured to communicate with various avionics systems on board aircraft 100.

[0027] In particular, the risk determination system 101 is configured to communicate with aircraft avionics systems 100 configured to monitor a given risk, and specifically a source of that risk (e.g., kerosene vapor in the atmosphere, dihydrogen, etc.). Such systems are also referred to hereafter as "risk monitoring systems" SYS_S1, SYS_S2, and SYS_S3. Specifically, these risk monitoring systems SYS_S1, SYS_S2, and SYS_S3 are configured to monitor parameters characteristic of the source of the risk (e.g., concentration and mass flow rate of dihydrogen in the atmosphere, etc.). To this end, the risk monitoring systems SYS_S1, SYS_S2, and SYS_S3 are configured to receive measurements from sensors configured to measure these parameters.The position of the sensors on aircraft 100 is also transmitted to the risk monitoring systems SYS_S1, SYS_S2, SYS_S3 in order to locate the origin of the risk on aircraft 100.

[0028] The determination system 101 therefore receives, from the various risk monitoring systems SYS_S1, SYS_S2, SYS_S3, initial information representative of one or more source elements of one or more risks including: the nature of a risk monitored by at least of the risk monitoring systems SYS_S1, SYS_S2, SYS_S3 (e.g., risk of explosive atmosphere), the location of the origin of this risk on aircraft 100 (e.g., ventilation orifice of aircraft 100), measurements of the characteristic parameters of the source elements of this risk (e.g., concentration and mass flow of dihydrogen in the atmosphere).

[0029] Furthermore, the 101 determination system is configured to receive so-called "operational context" information representative of the operational context of aircraft 100 at the time a request to determine risk areas is received. This operational context information is, for example, provided by flight crew according to the operations manuals dedicated to aircraft 100. via a dedicated human-machine interface in the cockpit. Alternatively, when there is no flight crew on board aircraft 100, operational context information is, for example, provided by ground personnel according to the operations manuals dedicated to aircraft 100 via a dedicated human-machine interface in a ground control center.

[0030] According to one alternative, the power supply for the determination system 101 is provided by the aircraft 100 when the aircraft's electrical network is energized. According to a second alternative, the power supply for the determination system 101 is provided by a ground-based electrical network.

[0031] In addition, the 101 determination system is configured to interact with EQ1, EQ2, EQ3 equipment, such as: laser emitters, photonic radars, audible warning devices, etc.

[0032] There Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a hardware platform enabling the implementation, in the form of electronic circuitry, of the 101 determination system, according to one embodiment.

[0033] The hardware platform includes, connected by a 310 communication bus, a processor or CPU (“ Central Processing Unit » in English) 301; a RAM (Random Access Memory) Random-Access Memory» in English) 302; a read-only memory 303, for example of the ROM type ( Read Only Memory (in English) or EEPROM ( Electrically-Erasable Programmable ROM (in English), such as Flash memory; a storage unit, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) (" Hard Disk Drive » in English) 304, or a storage media reader, such as an SD card reader ( Secure Digital (in English); and a COM 305 interface manager.

[0034] Thus, the COM 305 interface manager allows the determination system 101 to interact with the aircraft avionics systems 100, including the hazard monitoring systems SYS_S1, SYS_S2, SYS_S3, and equipment as described above.

[0035] The processor 301 is capable of executing instructions loaded into RAM 302 from ROM 303, external memory, storage media (such as an SD card), or a communication network. When the hardware platform is powered on, the processor 301 can read instructions from RAM 302 and execute them. These instructions form a computer program that causes the processor 301 to implement all or part of the steps, processes, and operations described herein.

[0036] All or part of the steps, processes and operations described here can thus be implemented in software form by executing a set of instructions by a programmable machine, for example a DSP type processor (“ Digital Signal Processor (in English) or a microcontroller, or be implemented in hardware form by a machine or electronic component ( chip» in English) dedicated or a set of electronic components ( chipset (in English) dedicated, for example an FPGA component (" Field Programmable Gate Array » in English) or ASIC ( Application Specific Integrated Circuit (in English). Generally speaking, the 101 determination system includes electronic circuitry adapted and configured to implement all or part of the functions, processes and steps described here.

[0037] There Fig. 4 schematically illustrates different stages of a process for determining risk zones, carried out by the determination system 101, according to an embodiment.

[0038] All or part of this determination process is implemented by the determination system 101 described above.

[0039] Prior to the determination of risk zones, the 101 determination system is awaiting receipt of a request for determination of risk zones from flight crew or ground staff.

[0040] During the ground phases of aircraft 100 (e.g., taxiing, parking, refueling, etc.), the 101 risk assessment system is activated upon receipt of a request to identify risk zones. More generally, the 101 risk assessment system is activated by flight crew or ground personnel in anticipation of ground operations (e.g., maintenance, refueling, etc.). The objective is to alert personnel who may be working around and / or on aircraft 100 during ground operations to the presence of risk zones around aircraft 100.

[0041] Thus, during a step 401, the determination system 101 receives, via A human-machine interface, the request for the determination of risk zones. In particular, according to one embodiment, this request is made by flight crew. via a human-machine interface for the cockpit (“ cockpit» in English) of aircraft 100.

[0042] Alternatively, this request is made by ground staff via an external human-machine interface to aircraft 100, such as a dedicated human-machine interface from a ground control center. This is the case, for example, during the initial moments of aircraft 100's commissioning, when there is not yet any flight crew on board.

[0043] Alternatively, this request is made by ground staff. via An integrated human-machine interface is built into the aircraft and accessible by ground personnel through a hatch in the aircraft fuselage. Specifically, this hatch is located in a lower part of the fuselage for easy access by ground personnel.

[0044] In one embodiment, this request to determine risk zones is made by flight crew or ground crew before the ground phases during which ground operations are performed begin. Alternatively, this request to determine risk zones is made only when necessary, for example, during specific ground phases during which particular ground operations are performed (e.g., refueling of aircraft 100). Alternatively or additionally, this request to determine risk zones is made after authorization from the airport authorities in accordance with applicable regulations.

[0045] According to a first embodiment, referred to as the "automatic" mode, upon receipt of this request to determine risk zones, during step 402, the determination system 101 obtains: from different risk monitoring systems SYS_S1, SYS_S2, SYS_S3, initial information representative of risk source elements concerning different risks (e.g., risk of explosive atmosphere, risk of engine blast...); via the human-machine interface of the cockpit, or of the ground control center, operational context information of the aircraft 100 (e.g., taxiing, parking, refueling...).

[0046] According to this first method of implementation, it is possible to adapt the determination of the corresponding risk zones to each risk according to the operational context.

[0047] According to this first embodiment, during step 403, the risk determination system 101 determines, for one or more risks, one or more risk zones, as well as their location around the aircraft 100, based on initial information representing the source elements of the risks and operational context information. Optionally, the risk determination system 101 also determines a dimension for each risk zone whose location has been determined.

[0048] Thus, for aircraft 100, it is possible to adapt to all operational contexts the location and, where appropriate, the size of the risk zones for one or more risks.

[0049] To illustrate this "automatic" mode, a risk of explosive atmosphere is considered, linked to the emission of kerosene or hydrogen vapor into the atmosphere at the ventilation openings of aircraft 100. The Hazard Identification System 101 is awaiting a request to identify risk zones. Aircraft 100 arrives at an airport gate. According to current airport regulations, the Hazard Identification System 101 can only be activated with authorization from the air traffic control center. After authorization from the air traffic control center, the flight crew on board aircraft 100 activates the Hazard Identification System 101 by requesting, via a human-machine interface of the aircraft cockpit 100, the determination of risk areas associated with the danger of explosive atmosphere.

[0050] Upon receipt of this request, the Determination 101 system then obtains: initial information representative of the source elements of the risk associated with an explosive atmosphere. The risk monitoring system dedicated to monitoring the source elements of an explosive atmosphere provides the determination system 101 with the following initial information: measurements from sensors detecting dihydrogen in the atmosphere at the ventilation openings of aircraft 100, such as the mass flow rate of dihydrogen and the concentration of dihydrogen in the atmosphere around the ventilation openings of aircraft 100, etc., and operational context information provided by the flight crew.

[0051] The 101 determination system then determines the area(s) at risk of explosive atmosphere around aircraft 100, as well as their location.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment of this "automatic" mode, the determination system 101 identifies different risk zones corresponding to a risk level of a specific hazard, as well as their location. In one example, for a hazard such as an explosive atmosphere linked to the presence of dihydrogen in the atmosphere, the risk level depends in particular on the mass flow rate of dihydrogen measured by a dedicated sensor, for example located at a ventilation opening of the aircraft 100.

[0053] There Fig. 5 This schematically illustrates different risk zones determined by the determination system, as in the example above. The mass flow rate measured (e.g., 3 g / s) by sensors at a ventilation orifice O is transmitted to the determination system 101 by the dedicated risk monitoring system. The determination system 101 then identifies three risk zones with differing risk levels: Zone 0 or upper explosion limit zone: an area where the hydrogen concentration is too high to detonate (i.e., low risk level). This zone extends, for example, within a 1 m radius of the ventilation port, designated O, of aircraft 100; Zone 1 or zone where the hydrogen concentration is between an upper and lower explosion limit: an area where the probability of detonation is highest (i.e., high risk level). This zone extends, for example, within a 5 m radius of the ventilation port O of aircraft 100; Zone 2 or lower explosion limit zone: an area where the hydrogen concentration is too low to detonate (i.e., low risk level). This zone extends within a radius greater than 5 m around the ventilation port O of aircraft 100.

[0054] According to a second embodiment, called the "manual" mode, a list of scenarios is previously recorded in a memory of the determination system 101. A scenario designates the association between risk areas to be determined for a type of risk (e.g., risk of explosive atmosphere, risk of fire...) with an operational context (e.g., driving, parking, refueling...).

[0055] Thus, several scenarios exist for a given operational context, depending on the various risks that ground personnel may encounter during the execution of ground operations. In other words, for a given risk, there are several operational contexts in which it may be encountered by ground personnel during the execution of ground operations.

[0056] Such a scenario is, for example, " Identify areas at risk of explosive atmospheres during aircraft refueling 100 In another example, a scenario is: Identify areas at risk of explosive atmospheres during aircraft parking 100The selection of a scenario from the list is carried out by the flight crew or by the ground crew. This list is defined during a design phase of the determination system 101, for example.

[0057] Thus, according to this "manual" mode, during step 402, the determination system 101 receives, via the human-machine interface of the cockpit, or of the ground control center, the request for determination of risk zones, as well as scenario information representative of a scenario selected from the list of recorded scenarios.

[0058] Then, upon receipt of this request and scenario information, during step 402, the determination system 101 obtains initial information representative of source elements of the risk corresponding to the selected scenario (e.g., risk of explosive atmosphere).

[0059] According to this second embodiment, it is possible to limit the determination of risk zones to a specific operational context and a specific risk. This allows for the identification and subsequent marking of essential risk zones. In cases where current airport regulations do not permit the marking of certain risk zones by visual and / or audible markers, this "manual" mode allows for the selection of only the operational context and the risk for which the regulations authorize the marking of risk zones.

[0060] Then, in "manual" mode, during step 403, the 101 determination system identifies, based on risk and scenario information, one or more risk zones, as well as their location, for the risk corresponding to the selected scenario. Optionally, the 101 determination system also determines a dimension for each risk zone whose location has been determined.

[0061] Thus, for aircraft 100, it is possible to adapt the location and, where applicable, the size of the risk zones for the risk corresponding to the selected scenario.

[0062] According to a particular mode of the "manual" mode, the 101 determination system is waiting for the selection of at least one other scenario to determine other risk areas in parallel.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the size of the risk zones depends on a characteristic parameter of the source element of a given risk. Fig. 6 This schematically illustrates, in a top view, aircraft 100 around which risk zones have been defined, according to one embodiment. In one example, for risk zones originating from an explosive atmosphere hazard, the size of the risk zones can be adjusted based on the concentration of dihydrogen in the atmosphere and / or on meteorological conditions and / or on other information provided by risk monitoring systems. Thus, a first zone ZR1 is smaller than a second zone ZR2.

[0064] Optionally, the 101 determination system adds a predetermined margin when determining the size of hazard zones. This predetermined margin depends on applicable airport regulations. For example, for an explosive atmosphere hazard related to the presence of dihydrogen in the atmosphere, the actual hazard is one meter around the aircraft's ventilation opening (100), but aviation regulations require an additional one-meter margin. The 101 determination system therefore adds this predetermined margin when determining the size of hazard zones.

[0065] According to one embodiment, if there are no risk areas determined by the determination system 101, the absence of risk areas must be confirmed by the determination system 101 to personnel working around and / or on aircraft 100 viadedicated equipment, such as a laser emitter and / or a sound alarm.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the 101 determination system requests confirmation of the determination of risk zones around aircraft 100 from flight crew or ground personnel. This confirmation request is made, for example, via the human-machine interface of the cockpit or ground control center.

[0067] In one embodiment, if initial information representative of risk sources is not available from the risk monitoring systems SYS_S1, SYS_S2, and SYS_S3, the 101 risk determination system identifies risk areas corresponding to the worst-case scenario in order to prevent all risks and identify all possible risk areas in all possible locations. This occurs, for example, when the 101 risk determination system is no longer communicating with the risk monitoring systems SYS_S1, SYS_S2, and SYS_S3.

[0068] During a step 404, the determination system 101 transmits information concerning the location and, where applicable, the size of the identified risk areas to equipment on board the aircraft 100 and / or ground support equipment (“ Ground Support Equipment (in English) to indicate these risk areas viavisual and / or sound markers.

[0069] Examples of such equipment include: laser emitters, photonic radars, audible warning devices, etc.

[0070] This allows personnel working around and / or on aircraft 100 during ground operations to be alerted to the presence of hazardous areas. Advantageously, it is possible to highlight hazardous areas for which specific authorizations or certifications are required, according to applicable regulations.

[0071] In one embodiment, the identified risk zones are marked on the ground using laser emitters that alert personnel to the presence of risk zones around aircraft 100. These laser emitters may be mounted on aircraft 100. They are, for example, distributed along the length of aircraft 100 to cover all possible risk zones around aircraft 100. The number and position of the laser emitters within aircraft 100 depend on the type of risk and its origin on aircraft 100.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, laser transmitters are positioned on the ground around aircraft 100 as ground support equipment by operators. This ground support equipment communicates with aircraft 100's determination system 101 to signal the hazard zone(s).

[0073] Thus, it is possible to signal the location and size of risk zones around aircraft 100 using visual indicators. In particular, it is possible to identify where the risk zones begin via The projection of lines onto the ground using laser emitters. It is possible to warn staff of risk areas they can enter if they are qualified and have the appropriate equipment, or conversely, of risk areas to avoid.

[0074] In another embodiment, photonic radars can be used in conjunction with, or independently of, laser transmitters. The use of photonic radars makes it possible to detect any unauthorized and / or unexpected entry into risk zones.

[0075] There Fig. 7 schematically illustrates, in a top view, an aircraft around which risk zones have been identified, according to another embodiment. According to the Fig. 7Photonic radars are used in conjunction with, or independently of, laser transmitters. Laser transmitters provide a visual indicator, such as a laser line on the ground, to mark the various risk zones (ZR1 to ZR3). Photonic radars scan the interior of these risk zones to detect any unauthorized or unexpected entries. When an unauthorized or unexpected entry is detected by a photonic radar, an alarm is transmitted to the aircraft's cockpit and to all ground personnel.

[0076] Photonic radars can be installed on board aircraft or used as ground support equipment. Advantageously, photonic radars can be used in challenging environmental conditions such as fog, dust, rain, etc.

[0077] According to one embodiment, audible warning devices can be used to communicate with all ground personnel outside of aircraft 100. The audible warning devices can be used in addition to laser transmitters.

[0078] In one example of use, audible alarms are used to warn ground personnel of changes in the size and / or location of hazard zones. In another example, audible alarms are used to warn ground personnel of major problems and / or when communication with the cockpit or the SYS_S1, SYS_S2, and SYS_S3 hazard monitoring systems is required.

[0079] Audible warning devices can also be used in conjunction with the use of photonic radar to warn of unauthorized and / or unexpected entry into a risk zone.

[0080] There Fig. 8schematically illustrates, in a top view, an aircraft around which risk zones have been identified, according to another embodiment. According to the embodiment of the Fig. 8 The marking of risk zones can be carried out: either by marking the outlines or edges of the risk areas (see left side of aircraft 100); or by marking an area corresponding to the complete risk area (see right side of aircraft 100).

Claims

1. A method for determining at least one risk zone in an area around an aircraft (100) during the execution of ground operations around and / or on the aircraft (100), the risk corresponding to a risk of danger, within said risk zone, for personnel operating around and / or on the aircraft, said method being executed by a risk zone determination system (101) comprising electronic circuitry, configured to: upon receipt of a request to determine at least one risk zone: - obtain (402) initial information representative of at least one source element of at least one risk, - obtain (402) operational context information representative of an operational context of the aircraft (100) during said ground operations, - determine (403), from said initial information and said operational context information, said risk zone and a location of said at least one risk zone;- transmit (404) said location of said at least one risk area to indicate the presence of said at least one risk area in said determined location to personnel operating on and / or around the aircraft (100) during said ground operations.; 2. A method of determination according to claim 1, wherein the risk corresponds to at least one risk among: - a risk associated with an explosive atmosphere hazard linked to kerosene vapors or the presence of dihydrogen in the atmosphere; - a risk associated with a "mechanical" type hazard linked to the actuation of moving parts of the aircraft such as a landing gear or a thrust reverser system; - a risk associated with an "engine" type hazard linked to an engine blow-off phenomenon, or engine air intake; - a risk associated with an "electrical" type hazard linked to an electrical phenomenon around the aircraft.

3. Method of determination according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said operational context information is obtained from a selection in a list of operational scenarios comprising at least one scenario.

4. Method of determination according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said request for determination of said at least one risk zone originates from: - a human-machine interface of a cockpit of said aircraft (100), - a human-machine interface integrated into the aircraft and accessible through a hatch made in the fuselage of the aircraft, or - a human-machine interface of a control center.

5. Method of determination according to claim 4, further comprising: receiving confirmation of determination of said at least one risk zone from: the human-machine interface of the aircraft cockpit (100), the human-machine interface integrated into the aircraft and accessible through the hatch, or the human-machine interface of the control center.

6. Method of determination according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein transmitting said location of said at least one risk zone comprises: transmitting said determined location to equipment on board the aircraft (100) and / or ground support equipment.

7. Method of determination according to claim 6, wherein the equipment on board the aircraft (100) and the ground support equipment are selected from: - laser emitters, - photonic radars, - audible warning devices.

8. Method of determination according to any one of claims 6 to 7, further comprising: displaying by said equipment on board the aircraft (100) and / or ground support equipment, a contour of said at least one risk zone, or a surface of said at least one risk zone.

9. System (101) for determining at least one risk zone in an area around an aircraft (100) during the execution of ground operations around and / or on the aircraft (100), the risk corresponding to a risk of danger, within said risk zone, for personnel operating around and / or on the aircraft, said risk zone determination system (101) comprising electronic circuitry, configured to: upon receipt of a request to determine at least one risk zone: - obtain (402) initial information representative of at least one source element of at least one risk, - obtain (402) operational context information representative of an operational context of the aircraft (100) during said ground operations, - determine (403), from said initial information and said operational context information, said risk zone and a location of said at least one risk zone;- transmit (404) said location of said at least one risk area to indicate the presence of said at least one risk area in said determined location to personnel operating on and / or around the aircraft (100) during said ground operations.; 10. Aircraft (100) comprising a risk zone determination system (101) according to claim 9.

11. Product computer program, comprising instructions causing the execution, by a processor, of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, when said instructions are executed by the processor.

12. Storage medium, storing a computer program comprising instructions causing a processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, when said instructions are read and executed by the processor.

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