A device to assist in pilot positioning within a cockpit

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for assisting pilot positioning in an aircraft cockpit, comprising a visual reference (5) equipped with an angular filter (3), intended to be visually aligned by the pilot by adjusting their position so as to see the visual reference (5) in line with their vision. Figure for the abstract: [Fig.2]

Description

Title of the invention: Device for assisting in positioning a pilot in a cockpit

[0001] The invention relates to a device for assisting in the positioning of a pilot in a cockpit.

[0002] The technical field of the invention is the positioning of a pilot in an aircraft for a correct view of the external environment and the on-board instruments.

[0003] Precise positioning of the pilots ensures good readability of the various cockpit equipment and an optimal view of the external environment. The quality of this positioning improves the pilot's performance and reduces eye and muscle fatigue linked to repeated small adjustment movements. This device saves time in the seat adjustment procedure.

[0004] To adjust his position in the cockpit, the pilot generally uses a visual reference that allows him to materialize a theoretical point in space. Generally, this visual reference consists of two spheres, as illustrated in the example of [Fig.l], offset in space by a few millimeters. The sphere closest to the pilot 1 is generally red while the other 2 is white. The axis passing through the centers of these spheres corresponds to an optimal axis of vision for the pilot. To reach this axis and this optimal position, the pilot moves his seat following forward / backward and up / down movements until the red sphere 2 substantially or totally hides the white sphere 2. In this case, the pilot's axis of vision is the same as the optimal axis passing through the spheres 1, 2.

[0005] A disadvantage of this device for assisting in positioning a pilot comprising this visual reference with spheres is that the device is all the more precise as the spheres are of small dimensions but that the visibility of the spheres by the pilot is all the better as said spheres are of large dimensions. Another disadvantage is the bulkiness of this sphere device which in certain cases requires adjustments in the structures, in particular in the central pillar of the windshield of a two-seater cockpit. In addition, it can be difficult to use this sphere device at night, which requires lighting of the spheres.

[0006] An example of this type of device is described in document FR 2902757 Bl.

[0007] There are also devices comprising a headset with transmitter, a receiver and a calculator allowing the determination of the position of the pilot in the cockpit and helping with his correct positioning, for example illustrated in document FR 2734900 AL

[0008] Such a device has high complexity and cost.

[0009] The implementation of a device to assist in positioning a pilot (or co-pilot) therefore makes it possible to improve their vision of the environment, their comfort and to optimize the use of cockpit equipment.

[0010] An aim of the invention is to overcome the problems previously cited, and in particular.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, there is proposed a device for assisting the positioning of a vehicle driver in a driving compartment, comprising a visual marker provided with an angular filter, intended to be visually aligned by the driver acting on his position so as to see the visual marker in alignment with his vision.

[0012] In one embodiment, the angular filter is in a first angular space in a first direction, and in a second angular space in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0013] For example, the first direction is vertical, and the second direction is horizontal.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the device is provided with a fixing means configured to fix the device to a windshield or to one of its central or external pillars.

[0015] In one embodiment, the angular filter comprises a micro-parallax barrier surface, a micro-louver array surface, a micro-lens array surface, or an optical prism surface.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the visual marker comprises a central portion and portions arranged around the central portion visually distinct from the central portion, each portion being respectively provided with an angular filter having a predetermined angle of vision associated with the first and second directions.

[0017] In one embodiment, the predetermined viewing angle associated with a portion is less than 90°, and preferably less than 30°.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the assistance device comprises a means for backlighting the visual marker.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided an aircraft equipped with a device as previously described so that the pilot is well positioned in the cockpit of the aircraft.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a motor vehicle equipped with a device as previously described so that the driver is well positioned in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0021] The invention will be better understood by studying some embodiments described as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

[0022] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a device for assisting in positioning a pilot in an aircraft cockpit, according to the state of the art;

[0023] [Fig.2] and [Fig.3] schematically illustrate the principle of an angular filter, according to a aspect of the invention;

[0024] [Fig.4a], [Fig.4b], and [Fig.4c] schematically illustrate an embodiment in which the angular filter comprises a lenticular array, according to another aspect of the invention;

[0025] [Fig.5a], schematically illustrates the general principle of the filter and is valid for all filter technologies used;

[0026] [Fig.5b], [Fig.6a], [Fig.6b], [Fig.6c] and [Fig.6d] schematically illustrate a mode embodiment in which the angular filter comprises a micro-louver network, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0027] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates possible positions of the invention in an aircraft cockpit, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0028] Throughout the figures, elements having identical references are similar.

[0029] The present invention relates to a device for assisting the positioning of a vehicle driver in a driving compartment, comprising a visual marker 5 provided with an angular filter 3, intended to be visually aligned by the driver acting on his position so as to see the visual marker 5 in alignment with his vision.

[0030] The angular filter can be according to a first angular space according to the vertical, and according to a second angular space according to the horizontal.

[0031] The device is provided with a fixing means configured to fix the device on a windshield or on one of its central or external pillars.

[0032] The angular filter may comprise a micro-parallax barrier surface, a micro-louver array surface, a micro-lens array surface, or an optical prism surface.

[0033] The principle of the angular filter is to make a marker visible only along one axis or viewing angle. This is the principle used in the screen privacy film.

[0034] Figures [Fig.2] and [Fig.3] schematically illustrate the principle of an angular filter, according to one aspect of the invention. In this case [Fig.2] and [Fig.3] represent the principle for a surface with parallax micro barriers 4, but the general principle applies to all angular filters.

[0035] As illustrated in [Fig.2], an angular filter is made to clearly see a visual reference mark 5 by the driver when he sees the visual reference mark in alignment with his vision, i.e. when the angle a of the angular filter corresponds to the axis of view of the visual reference mark 5 by the driver, in a single direction.

[0036] The device according to the invention has a height H of between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, depending on the type of filter used, and typically a height of 2 mm.

[0037] [Fig.3] represents an embodiment in which the angular filter is according to a first angular space along the vertical, and a second angular space along the horizontal.

[0038] [Fig.4a], [Fig.4b], and [Fig.4c] schematically illustrate an embodiment in which the angular filter comprises a lenticular array, according to another aspect of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.4a] represents the case of a unidirectional angular filter in which the visual cues 5a and 5b are interlaced, i.e. on the same surface. The visual cue 5a is called "peripheral and directional visual cue" and the visual cue 5b is called "central and directional visual cue". The visual cue 5a indicates to the pilot the direction of adjustment of the seat to reach and see the visual cue 5b.

[0040] [Fig.5a] illustrates the general principle of the filter and is valid for all filter technologies used, only the values ​​of the angles depend on the technology. The VO axis corresponds to the optimal viewing axis. Angle a is the viewing angle of a one-way peripheral filter, next to the one-way central filter. Angle b is the viewing angle of the central filter.

[0041] One end of the angle a is at most perpendicular to the optimal vision axis VO, as illustrated on the left part of [Fig.5a]

[0042] The viewing angle of b is preferably centered on the optimal viewing axis VO.

[0043] The viewing angle c corresponds to the area in which the pilot's vision is good.

[0044] We have: 1° < a < 90° with typically a = 30°, and 1° < b < 90° with typically b = 30°.

[0045] Preferably a > b because b is a "coarse" adjustment zone while c is a "fine" adjustment zone in which the pilot's position is considered good.

[0046] The viewing angles of the peripheral and central filters can be contiguous or overlapping as illustrated in [Fig.5a]. If they are contiguous then c = b. This embodiment requires a small angle b, i.e. 1° < b < 30° and typically b = 4°, for the positioning to be precise. If they overlap, as in [Fig.4a] then c < b. This embodiment allows with filters of average precision to have a very small zone c, i.e. 1° < c < 30° and typically c = 4°, therefore a precise positioning provided that the peripheral filters and the central filter are positioned / oriented. For 1 < c < 30° the angle c is typically 4°. The value of the viewing angles a, b and c are adapted to the desired precision, to the positioning of the device in the cockpit, as illustrated in [Fig.7] and to its distance from the pilot.

[0047] As illustrated in [Fig.4b], if we also apply this principle in the other three directions, we obtain for example an embodiment with the viewing angles of the peripheral and central filters being substantially contiguous, that is to say that we pass from the pattern of an arrow in one of the four directions in zone a to a part of an arrow in zone c (substantially equal to b). [Fig.4b] illustrates four unidirectional filters that indicate to the pilot the movements of his seat downwards and to the left to reach the four zones c of the four unidirectional filters represented in [Fig.4c].

[0048] [Fig.4a] shows a "straight" filter. The images are cut into interlaced "strips", which are interlaced into a new file. The interlaced file is printed directly on the back of an extruded lenticular plastic sheet. The lenticule directly enlarges the interlaced image and isolates the elements according to the viewing angle. If the lenticules are vertical, each eye of the driver sees a different image, allowing binocular vision to be reproduced in relief.

[0049] [Fig.5b], [Fig.6a], [Fig.6b], [Fig.6c] and [Fig.6d] schematically illustrate an embodiment in which the angular filter comprises a micro-louver network, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0050] In the embodiment of [Fig.6b], for example, there are two "straight" filters with the use of micro-shutters, the visual markers 5a, 5b (patterns and / or color) are two distinct zones (without superposition).

[0051] If we apply this principle of two "right" filters to two "left" filters, two "top" filters and two "bottom" filters and we bring together these eight unidirectional filters then we obtain an embodiment of the positioning aid device with micro-shutters as illustrated in [Fig.6a], [Fig.6b], [Fig.6c] and [Fig.6d].

[0052] In [Fig.6c] two cases of visualizations of the driver are represented when he is badly positioned and when he is well positioned.

[0053] Alternatively, [Fig.6c] shows an embodiment in which the driver is well positioned if he sees all the patterns and / or colors and the peripheral patterns are significantly less visible.

[0054] A possible means of backlighting the visual markers 5a and 5b via a light source (integrated into the device or via cockpit equipment, such as an existing screen or a head-up device) even solar if the filtering device can be placed on the window.

[0055] As shown in [Fig.7], the device of the invention can be installed in many places in a vehicle, for example in the case of an aircraft cockpit, at the positions: - PI: permanently in the side pillar (valid for a single-seater cockpit); - P2: retractable on a head-up device; - P3: permanently in central upright; - P4: retractable on a corner of a screen; and - P5: permanent or retractable in the corner of the window.

[0056] Such a device can be installed on existing carriers, and the fixing means can orient the angular filtering devices. Depending on the position installation, the angular filter is either defined for a given position (shape of the lenses or inclination of the micro-louvers relative to the support having the visual markers 5) or is tilted individually via a specific shim. The specific shim can also be adjustable in tilt.

[0057] An embodiment is also proposed in which the vehicle is an aircraft equipped with a device as previously described so that the driver, i.e. the pilot, is well positioned in the passenger compartment, i.e. the cockpit of the aircraft.

[0058] A motor vehicle is also provided with a device as previously described so that the driver is well positioned in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for assisting the positioning of a vehicle driver in a driving compartment, comprising a visual marker (5) provided with an angular filter (3), intended to be visually aligned by the driver acting on his position so as to see the visual marker (5) in alignment with his vision.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the angular filter (3) is in a first angular space in a first direction, and in a second angular space in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the first direction is vertical, and the second direction is horizontal.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, provided with a fixing means configured to fix the device on a windshield or on one of its central or external pillars.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the angular filter (3) comprises a surface with parallax micro barriers, a surface with micro-louver networks, a surface with microlens networks, or a surface with optical prisms.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the visual marker (5) comprises a central part (6) and parts (7) arranged around the central part (6) visually distinct from the central part (6), each part being respectively provided with an angular filter (3) having a predetermined angle of vision associated with the first and second directions.

7. Device according to claim 6, in which the predetermined angle of vision associated with a part is less than 90°, and preferably less than 30°.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for backlighting the visual marker (5).

9. Aircraft provided with a device according to one of the preceding claims so that the pilot is well positioned in the cockpit of the aircraft.

10. Motor vehicle equipped with a device according to one of claims 1 to 8 so that the driver is well positioned in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Images