Method and control system for an aircraft display

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control system (10), for controlling a display (30), comprising a palm rest (1) having a support face (11) configured to accommodate the palm of an operator's hand, two lateral faces (13,14) located on either side of said palm rest (1), and a front face (12). The said control system (10) also includes four controls (2-5), namely a roller (2) projecting from one of the lateral faces (13,14), movable relative to said palm rest (1) along three non-coplanar axes (AX1,AX2,AX3), a push button (3), a rotating ring (4) positioned on said front face (12) and movable in rotation relative to said palm rest (1), a control ball (5), arranged in the center of said rotating ring (4) and movable in rotation relative to said palm rest (1) around two complementary axes (AX5,AX6).The said control system (10) finally includes a computer (9) configured to generate control commands to control the said display (30) according to the actions on the said four controls (2-5). Abbreviated figure: figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Method and control system for an aircraft display

[0001] The present invention lies in the field of display devices, and in particular those intended to equip aircraft.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and a control system for at least one aircraft display.

[0003] It is common practice on computer equipment, for example a screen, to move a pointer, also called a "cursor", using control means, such as a mouse or a touchpad.

[0004] The advent of screens equipped with touch panels introduced a new way of controlling and interacting with the images displayed on such a screen, by pressing the touch panel to perform the aforementioned actions. A touch panel also allows interaction with the displayed image, in particular by scrolling, moving, or scaling it, for example, through movements made with two fingers.

[0005] Various displays, including screens, including screens equipped with touch panels, are now used in aircraft cockpits. Such displays allow, for example, the display of a map which can then be manipulated, moved, and rotated.

[0006] However, the use of conventional control devices in an aircraft can prove complex under certain flight conditions, particularly in the presence of turbulence. This turbulence and / or aircraft vibrations can make the gestures of an onboard operator imprecise when controlling and manipulating a control device, whether remote or a touchscreen.

[0007] Furthermore, this difficulty may be compounded by the need to use a restraint harness to keep a pilot at a distance from certain displays. The relative position of a pilot and a display may also prevent the use of a touchscreen.

[0008] Nevertheless, a pilot must be able to control a display regardless of flight conditions and the vibratory environment of the aircraft.

[0009] For this purpose, a touch panel can be associated with a secondary control means, which remains accessible regardless of flight conditions and the vibratory environment of the aircraft.

[0010] For example, multi-touch touchpads can be used. However, such touchpads generally do not have a haptic feedback system providing the operator with information about the action performed. In the case of a touchpad, haptic feedback can only be very generic, for example by emitting vibrations with each action of the operator on the touchpad.

[0011] Document FR 3122934 describes a remote interaction system with a cursor This system is used in an aircraft's human-machine interface, which may include multiple screens. The interaction system comprises a palm rest and, extending from the palm rest, a touchpad. Control buttons may also be positioned on either side of the palm rest.

[0012] French patent application FR 3122649 also describes a cursor control device for an aircraft graphical user interface. This control device comprises a base structure, a hand-grippable body (this body being movable relative to the base structure), and a force sensor that detects the body's movement relative to the base structure along two axes. An interface circuit converts the signals provided by the force sensor into a control signal for the graphical user interface to move the cursor on that interface. The body has raised areas, protrusions, and bumps to improve its grip.The body also includes several control components, such as buttons, levers, and dials, positioned to be operated by the operator's fingers to provide commands transmitted to a flight unit or other units installed on the aircraft.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide an alternative and innovative solution for controlling an aircraft display, usable by an operator regardless of flight conditions and the vibratory environment of the aircraft.

[0014] The present invention consists of proposing a method and a control system for an aircraft display, which are usable regardless of flight conditions and the aircraft's vibration environment, and in particular in the presence of turbulence. This method and control system for an aircraft display thus make it possible to control the display to move or modify an image displayed on it, as well as to move a pointer displayed on it.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a display system comprising at least one display and such a control system.

[0016] The present invention relates firstly to a control system for controlling at least one display, the control system comprising a palm rest, fixed relative to a structure, the palm rest being equipped with: • a support surface configured to accommodate the palm of an operator's hand, • of two lateral faces, located on either side of the palm rest, one of the two lateral faces being accessible by a thumb of the hand resting on the palm rest, and • a front face connecting the two side faces, and reachable by at least one other finger of the hand resting on the palm rest, or even by all the fingers of that hand.

[0017] The control system according to the invention is remarkable in that it comprises the following four controls: • at least one protruding roller from one of the two lateral faces, the roller being provided with at least three degrees of freedom, including at least one rotational degree of freedom, relative to the palm rest, • at least one push button, • a rotating crown that rotates relative to the palm rest around a main axis, the rotating crown being positioned on the front face, • a control ball, arranged in the center of the rotating ring and concentrically to the rotating ring, the control ball being rotationally mobile relative to the palm rest around two complementary axes distinct from the main axis, and • a computer configured to generate command orders to control the display based on actions on the four controls.

[0018] The palm rest supports the palm of an operator's hand, for example, the pilot or co-pilot of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, against the bearing surface, thus firmly anchoring the hand. Consequently, the hand is supported and held stably against the bearing surface, regardless of flight conditions and the aircraft's vibrational environment, and particularly in the presence of turbulence.

[0019] The four controls are positioned on the faces of the palm rest so that they are easily reached by the fingers, minimizing hand movement and allowing the hand to remain supported on the palm rest. Furthermore, the positioning of the four controls on the lateral and front faces of the palm rest naturally suggests how to use these controls with the different fingers of the hand.

[0020] For example, the roller, positioned on a lateral face of the palm rest, can be manipulated by the index finger and thumb. This roller is movable about three axes, including a primary axis allowing rotation of the roller about itself, and two additional axes distinct from the primary axis, these additional axes and the primary axis being non-coplanar. The roller can be movable in rotation around of each of the additional axes or in translation along each of these additional axes.

[0021] The additional axes are, for example, parallel to a plane perpendicular to the primary axis. The primary axis of the roulette wheel can constitute an axis of symmetry of the roulette wheel.

[0022] The push button, also positioned on a lateral face, can be operated by the index finger or thumb. The push button can be operated along a translational axis.

[0023] The rotating crown, positioned on the front face of the palm rest, can be manipulated by the index finger and thumb of the hand. The rotating crown is movable in rotation relative to the palm rest around a principal axis, which can, for example, be perpendicular to the front face or to a median plane of this front face.

[0024] The control ball, also positioned on the front face, can be manipulated by at least one finger, or even by all fingers, for rotational movements of the control ball around the two complementary axes distinct from the main axis. These complementary axes and the main axis are not coplanar; these complementary axes are, for example, parallel to a plane perpendicular to the main axis.

[0025] The operator can then act precisely on the four controls using his fingers, in all flight conditions, including in case of turbulence.

[0026] The computer is then configured to generate commands to control the display based on actions on the four controls and their respective movements relative to the palm rest. Display control may include moving a pointer, such as a cursor or arrow, displayed on the screen, as well as controlling an image displayed on the screen. This image may include, for example, a graphic representation of a map, one or more flight instruments, or a view of the aircraft's external environment. This image may include one or more symbols or icons. Controlling an image may consist of moving the image, translating and / or rotating it, or changing its scale.The display control can finally include a selection of an area of ​​the image or a symbol, for example an icon, as well as a validation action, linked for example to a symbol or an icon.

[0027] The control system according to the invention thus advantageously combines in a single device several mechanical interfaces allowing precise and reliable control of the display and a displayed image, minimizing the movements of the operator's fingers, in all flight conditions, particularly in the event of turbulence.

[0028] The control system according to the invention may include one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0029] According to one possibility, the roller may include the push button. The push button may, for example, be arranged at a free end of the roller, within the roller's gripping area. The axis of translation of the push button may, for example, coincide with the primary axis of the roller. In this case, the roller has only three degrees of freedom, namely one degree of freedom in rotation about the primary axis and two degrees of freedom in translation or rotation about the two additional axes.

[0030] Alternatively, the roller can form the push button, the roller being movable in translation about the primary axis which thus forms the axis of translation of the push button constituted by this roller. In this case, the roller has four degrees of freedom, including one degree of freedom in rotation about the primary axis and one degree of freedom in translation about the same primary axis, as well as two degrees of freedom in translation or rotation about the two additional axes.

[0031] According to another possibility compatible with the preceding ones, the lateral face bearing the wheel may include a lateral bulge configured to guide the thumb and index finger of the hand towards the wheel. The thenar eminence of the hand, namely the part of the palm to which the thumb is attached, rests against this lateral bulge. This lateral bulge makes it possible, on the one hand, to facilitate access of the wheel to the thumb and index finger of the hand, and on the other hand, to obtain a comfortable grip on the wheel between the index finger and thumb, both for rotation of the wheel about its primary axis and for movement along the two additional axes.

[0032] For example, the lateral bulge may be elliptical in shape.

[0033] According to another possibility compatible with the previous ones, the control system It may include two rollers and two push buttons, with each of the two side faces having one of the two rollers and one of the two push buttons. The push button and the roller are thus duplicated symmetrically on each side face of the palm rest to allow ambidextrous use, similarly whether the operator is right-handed or left-handed.

[0034] According to another possibility compatible with the preceding ones, at least one of the four controls may include a haptic system in response to any movement or displacement. Such a haptic system allows this control to provide the operator with haptic feedback following a movement of the control. This haptic feedback may, for example, be characterized by an effort or resistance to the movement of the control, causing the intended movement of the image or pointer on the display. This haptic feedback advantageously provides to the operator a sensitive response to his action on the control and helps to increase the precision of his action.

[0035] For example, the wheel has incremental notches around its primary axis, mechanically marking a rotation of the wheel between two of these incremental notches, these two incremental notches being adjacent. The wheel may, for example, have grooves parallel to the primary axis, these grooves being equally spaced in azimuth around this primary axis, and cooperating with one or more protruding elements of the palm rest or of a structural element of the palm rest. Conversely, the palm rest or a structural element of the palm rest may have such grooves parallel to the primary axis and equally spaced in azimuth around this primary axis, these grooves cooperating with one or more protruding elements of the wheel.

[0036] For example, the caster may include elastic return elements providing haptic feedback along additional axes. These elastic return elements also help return the caster to an initial position along these additional axes. These elastic return elements may, for example, include one or more springs subjected to tension, compression, or torsion.

[0037] Similar to the roulette wheel, the rotating ring may have incremental notches around the main axis, mechanically marking a rotation of the rotating ring between two incremental notches, these two incremental notches being adjacent. The rotating ring may, for example, have grooves parallel to the main axis, these grooves being equally spaced in azimuth around this main axis, and cooperating with one or more protruding elements of the palm rest or a structural element of the palm rest. Conversely, the palm rest or a structural element of the palm rest may have such grooves parallel to the main axis and equally spaced in azimuth around this main axis, these grooves cooperating with one or more protruding elements of the rotating ring.

[0038] Finally, the push button may include one or more elastic return elements providing haptic feedback along the axis of translation. This or these elastic return elements may optionally help return the push button to an initial position along the axis of translation. This or these elastic return elements may, for example, include one or more tension springs.

[0039] According to another possibility compatible with the preceding ones, the wheel may include a first encoder wheel around the primary axis and switches or strain gauges along the two additional axes distinct from the primary axis to detect and measure the wheel's displacements around the primary axis and along the two additional axes, respectively. The control ball may include optical sensors to detect the ball's displacements. control around the two complementary axes while the rotating ring may include a second encoder wheel around the main axis.

[0040] The first and second encoder wheels, switches or strain gauges and optical sensors can then transmit measurement information relating to the movements of these controls, via the emission of digital or analog, electrical or optical signals, to the computer, in order to generate control orders transmitted to the display to move or modify the image displayed on the display.

[0041] According to another possibility compatible with the preceding ones, the computer can be configured to generate control commands transmitted to the display in response to control signals transmitted by the controllers in order to perform: • the movement of a pointer displayed on the screen as a function of the movement of the control ball, • a selection or validation action when the push button is pressed, • a change in the display scale of an image shown on the display as a function of a rotation of the scroll wheel around the primary axis, • a displacement of the image as a function of a displacement of the wheel along the two additional axes, and • a rotation of the image as a function of a rotation of the rotating ring.

[0042] In this way, the control system according to the invention makes it possible to control the display in such a way as to perform the same functions as a conventional system equipped with a touchscreen, without its drawbacks. The operator can therefore adapt quickly to the control system according to the invention, while obtaining optimized stability and control precision, regardless of flight conditions and the aircraft's vibration environment, and in particular in the presence of turbulence.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a display system comprising at least one display showing an image and a pointer, or even one or more symbols, as well as a control system as previously described.

[0044] This display system constitutes a Human-Machine interface, capable of equipping a vehicle, for example an aircraft, and allowing control of the display, and in particular control and modification of the image displayed on the display, with stability and precision using the four commands of the control system in all flight conditions, including in the event of turbulence.

[0045] Finally, the present invention also relates to a method of controlling at least one display using a control system as previously described.

[0046] This method comprises the following steps carried out according to the actions on said at least one roller, the push button, the rotating ring and the control ball of the control system: • the movement of a pointer displayed on the screen as a function of the movement of the control ball, • a selection or validation action when the push button is pressed, • a change in the display scale of an image shown on the display as a function of a rotation of the scroll wheel around the primary axis, • a displacement of the image as a function of a displacement of the wheel along the two additional axes, and • a rotation of the image as a function of a rotation of the rotating ring.

[0047] The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to control the display, and in particular to control and modify the image displayed on the display as well as to move a pointer displayed on the display in a manner similar to conventional control devices, such as a touch panel for example, while obtaining stability and precision of control, in all flight conditions, including in case of turbulence.

[0048] Furthermore, when no pointer is displayed on the display, a first action on said at least one wheel, push button, rotating ring or control ball generates a display of the pointer on the display.

[0049] In this case, the pointer can be displayed on the display either at its last position on the display or at a predetermined reference position. This predetermined reference position is, for example, the center of the display. The last position of the pointer on the display may have been saved in the computer's memory.

[0050] Alternatively, when no pointer is displayed on the display, a contact on a touch panel of the display can allow the pointer to be displayed at that point of contact on the display.

[0051] In this way, the operator can, following the display of the pointer on the display, move the pointer.

[0052] Furthermore, this first action can be ignored for the execution of the steps mentioned above. Indeed, this first action, which causes the pointer to be displayed on the screen, cannot be used to perform another action. For example, the first rotation of the wheel causes the pointer to be displayed, and does not change the scale of the displayed image.

[0053] The invention and its advantages will become apparent in more detail in the following description, with illustrative examples given by reference to the accompanying figures, which represent: • the [Fig. 1], a control system according to the invention, • the [Fig.2], a control system featuring a lateral bulge, • [Fig.3], gestures for manipulating the control system according to [Fig.1], • [Fig.4], gestures for manipulating the control system according to [Fig.1], • [Fig. 5], gestures for manipulating the control system according to [Fig. 1], • [Fig.6], gestures for manipulating the control system according to [Fig.1], • [Fig.7], gestures for manipulating the control system according to [Fig.1], • [Fig. 8], a variant of the control system according to [Fig. 1], and • [Fig.9], a diagram illustrating a method of controlling at least one display according to the invention.

[0054] Elements present in several separate figures are assigned one and the same reference.

[0055] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a control system 10 according to the invention comprises a palm rest 1, a computer 9, and four controls 2-5 positioned on faces 11-14 of the palm rest 1. The four controls 2-5 are configured to control, via the computer 9, a display 30, and in particular an image displayed on this display 30 as well as a pointer displayed on this display. The control system 10 and the display 30 can together form a display system 20. Such a display system 20 can be installed in an aircraft, and in particular in a flight deck or cockpit of this aircraft. Alternatively, such a display system 20 can be arranged within any environment requiring the control of a cursor and an image. For example, such a 20-inch display system can be fitted within any type of vehicle, for example a tractor or a boat also subject to sudden movements and vibrations.

[0056] Regardless of the arrangement of the display system 20, the palm rest 1 is fixed relative to a structure, for example, one attached to the vehicle, and has several faces 11-14. The palm rest 1 has a support face 11 configured to receive the palm of an operator's hand 50. This support face 11 is, for example, oriented upwards when the control system 10 is installed on an aircraft resting on a horizontal surface.

[0057] The palm rest 1 has two lateral faces 13,14, adjacent to the support face 11 and located on either side of the palm rest 1. One of these two lateral faces 13,14 is reachable by a thumb 51 of the hand 50 resting on the palm rest 1. A first lateral face 13 is accessible to the thumb 51 of a right hand 50, as shown in [Fig. 3]. The second lateral face 14, opposite the first lateral face 13, is accessible to the thumb of a left hand. This second lateral face 14 can also be reached by the little finger of a right hand 50, while the first lateral face 13 is accessible to the little finger of a left hand.

[0058] The palm rest 1 finally has a front face 12 connecting the two lateral faces 13,14, and reachable by at least one finger 51-55 of the hand 50 whose palm rests on the palm rest 1, or even by all the fingers 51-55 of this hand 50.

[0059] The four controls 2-5 of the control system 10 include, in particular, at least one roller 2 projecting from one of the lateral faces 13-14. This roller 2 has three degrees of freedom, including at least one degree of freedom in rotation relative to the palm rest 1. The roller 2 rotates about a primary axis AX1, allowing it to rotate about itself without a stop, thus enabling it to rotate indefinitely about this primary axis AX1. The roller 2 also moves, in a limited way, along two additional axes AX2, AX3 that are distinct and not parallel to the primary axis AX1. For example, the roller 2 can move in translation along the two additional axes AX2, AX3, or alternatively in rotation about these two additional axes AX2, AX3.

[0060] The two additional axes AX2, AX3 are not parallel to each other, and may, for example, be parallel to a plane perpendicular to the primary axis AX1. The two additional axes AX2, AX3 may optionally be coplanar. Furthermore, the primary axis AX1 may be perpendicular to the lateral face 13, 14 on which the roller 2 is arranged, if this lateral face 13, 14 is substantially flat, or perpendicular to a median plane of this lateral face 13, 14.

[0061] The control system 10 may, for example, comprise a single roller 2 arranged on the first lateral face 13, and reachable by the thumb 51 and index finger 52 of a right hand 50. Alternatively, the control system 10 may comprise a single roller 2 arranged on the second lateral face 14 and reachable by the thumb and index finger of a left hand.

[0062] Alternatively and as illustrated in [Fig.2], the control system 10 may include two rollers 2 arranged respectively on the two lateral faces 13-14.

[0063] The control system 10 also includes at least one push button 3, also positioned on one of the lateral faces 13-14 where the roller 2 is arranged. The push button 3 is actuated by translation by the index finger 52 or the thumb 51 of the hand 50 resting on the support face 11, along a translation axis AXT. Like the roller 2, the control system 10 may, for example, include a single push button 3 positioned on one of the lateral faces 13-14 so that it can be manipulated either by a right hand 50, or by a left hand, or have two pushbuttons 3 positioned respectively on the two lateral faces 13-14, each of the two pushbuttons 3 then being manipulable respectively by the thumb 51 or the index finger 52 of a right or left hand 50.

[0064] The wheel 2 may include the push button 3, which is arranged for example at one end of the wheel 2. The translation axis AXT of the push button 2 may in this case be coincident with the primary axis AX1 of the wheel 2.

[0065] Alternatively, the roller 2 can form the push button 3. The roller 2 is then free to move in translation as a whole about the translation axis AXT of the push button 3, which then coincides with the primary axis AX1 of the roller 2. In this case, the roller 2 has four degrees of freedom, including one degree of freedom in rotation and one degree of freedom in translation about the same primary axis AXL

[0066] The control system 10 also includes a rotating ring 4 positioned on the front face 12 and rotatable relative to the palm rest 1 about a main axis AX4, allowing the rotating ring 4 to rotate about itself without a stop. The rotating ring 4 can be connected to the palm rest 1 by a pivot joint. The main axis AX4 can be perpendicular to the front face 12 if this front face 12 is substantially flat, or to a median plane of this front face 12.

[0067] The control system 10 finally includes a control ball 5 positioned on the front face 12, arranged in the center of the rotating ring 4 and concentrically with the rotating ring 4. The control ball 5 is rotatable relative to the palm rest 1 about two complementary axes AX5, AX6 distinct from the main axis AX4, the two complementary axes AX5, AX6 and the main axis AX4 being non-coplanar. The two complementary axes AX5, AX6 are not parallel to each other, and may, for example, be parallel to a plane perpendicular to the main axis AX4. The two complementary axes AX5, AX6 are coplanar. The control ball 5 may be connected to the palm rest 1 by a universal joint or by two pivot joints.

[0068] With reference to [Fig. 2], the control system 10 may include, on the lateral face 13, 14 comprising the roller 2, a lateral bulge 6 configured to guide the thumb 51 and index finger 52 of the hand 50 towards the roller 2, and the push button 3 when this push button 3 is positioned on the roller 2 or is formed by the roller 2. The lateral bulge 6 thus facilitates the gripping of the roller 2 with the thumb 51 and index finger 52 of the hand 50. The operator can thus: • Rotate the roulette wheel 2 on its own axis around the primary axis AX1, by moving the index finger 52 and the thumb 51 tangentially in opposite directions, • move the wheel 2 along the additional axis AX2 by extending or retracting the index finger 52 and the thumb 51 simultaneously and in a similar manner, • move the wheel 2 along the additional axis AX3 by pushing either on the thumb 51, or on the index finger 52.

[0069] The lateral bulge 6 can for example be elliptical in shape to intuitively and comfortably guide the thumb 51 and index finger 52 of the hand 50 towards the wheel 2 and the push button 3.

[0070] In addition, the control system 10 may typically include measuring devices for measuring the movements of the controls 2-5. For example, the control system 10 may include a first encoder wheel, also referred to as a "rotary encoder," associated with the roller 2 and movable around the primary axis AX1 to detect and / or measure the movements of the roller 2 around this primary axis AX1. This first encoder wheel may, for example, be an optical encoder wheel. The control system 10 may also include switches or strain gauges along the two additional axes AX2, AX3, associated with the roller 2, to detect and / or measure the movements of the roller 2 along the two additional axes AX2, AX3, respectively.

[0071] Similarly, the control system 10 may include a second encoder wheel associated with the rotating ring 4 and movable around the main axis AX4 to detect and / or measure the displacements of the rotating ring 4 around this main axis AX4. This second encoder wheel may, for example, be an optical encoding wheel.

[0072] The control system 10 may include a switch associated with the push button 3 to detect a press on the push button 3 along the translation axis AXT.

[0073] Finally, the control system 10 may include optical sensors associated with the control ball 5 to detect and / or measure the displacements of the control ball 5 around the two complementary axes AX5,AX6.

[0074] Furthermore, one or more of the four controls 2-5 may include a haptic system.

[0075] For example, the wheel 2 may have incremental notches around the primary axis AX1, mechanically marking, by means of a detent requiring slight manual effort to overcome, a rotation of the wheel 2 between two incremental notches. These incremental notches allow the operator to feel the rotation of the wheel 2 around the primary axis AX1, advantageously mitigating the tendency to overshoot the desired position. These incremental notches may, in particular, be associated with, or even integrated into, a first encoder wheel where applicable.

[0076] Similarly, the rotating ring 4 may also have incremental notches around the main axis AX4, mechanically marking a rotation of the rotating ring 4 between two of the increment notches. These increment notches can notably be associated with, or even integrated into, a second encoder wheel if necessary.

[0077] Finally, the push button 3 and the roller 2 may respectively include one or more elastic return elements to return them to an initial position. These elastic return elements may include one or more springs, for example.

[0078] The initial positions of the push button 3 and the roller 2, also called "neutral positions," are the positions in which the push button 3 and the roller 2 are respectively located when no force or action is exerted on them. This or these elastic return elements thus allow the push button 3 and the roller 2 respectively to return autonomously and automatically to their initial position after any movement when no force or action is exerted on them, namely when the push button 3 and the roller 2 are not moved or held in position by the operator.

[0079] The computer 9 is configured to generate control commands to control the display 30 based on actions on the four controls 2-5. These control commands are generated in response to control signals transmitted by the controls 2-5, or even by the measuring devices associated with these controls 2-5. The computer 9 can be connected to the controls 2-5, or even directly to the measuring devices associated with these controls 2-5, if applicable.

[0080] These control commands are then transmitted to the display 30 via signals conveniently referred to as "command signals." The control signals and command signals can be electrical or optical, digital or analog, carrying respectively the movement(s) of the commands 2-5 and one or more control commands. The control signals and command signals can be transmitted via wired or wireless connections.

[0081] A memory of the computer 9, or connected to the computer 9, either wired or wirelessly, may for this purpose include control laws that transform any movement of these commands 2-5 into a command order. The four commands 2-5 are thus configured to control the display 30, via the command orders generated by the computer 9, for example, to move or modify an image displayed on the display 30, to move a pointer displayed on the display 30, to perform a selection on the display 30, or to perform a validation action.

[0082] The computer 9 may comprise one or more processing units, each processing unit having, for example, at least one processor and at least one memory, at least one integrated circuit, at least one programmable system, at least one logic circuit, these examples not limiting the scope given to the expression "processing unit". The term processor may refer to a central processing unit of A processing unit known by the acronym CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processing unit (DSP), a microcontroller...

[0083] These control commands thus allow several actions to be performed in order to control the display 30. The movements of the controls 2-5 of the control system 10 according to the invention make it possible to obtain the same effects as the gestures usually made to control a display using a touch pad 18, as shown in Figures 3 to 7. These movements of the controls 2-5 are carried out while placing the palm of this hand 50 on the support face 11 of the palm rest 1, advantageously minimizing the movements of the fingers 51-55 of the operator's hand 50, whatever the flight conditions, in particular in case of turbulence.

[0084] When one or more fingers 51-55 of the hand 50 move the control ball 5 tangentially along one or both of the complementary axes AX5,AX6, as shown in [Fig.3], the computer 9 is configured to generate a control command causing a movement of a pointer 35 displayed on the display 30 as a function of the movement of the control ball 5.

[0085] When the thumb 51 presses the push button 3 along the translation axis AXT, as shown in [Fig.4], the calculator 9 is configured to generate a command order relating to an action of selecting a symbol, for example an icon, displayed on the display 30 or an area of ​​the image displayed on the display 30 or a validation action via a symbol.

[0086] When the thumb 51 and index finger 52 of the hand 50 rotate the wheel 2 around its primary axis AX1 on itself, as shown in [Fig.5], the computer 9 is configured to generate a command order causing a change in the display scale of an image displayed on the display 30 as a function of this rotation of the wheel 2. This change allows, for example, zooming in or out on a map displayed on the display 30.

[0087] When the thumb 51 and / or the index finger 52 of the hand 50 move the wheel 2 along one or both of the additional axes AX2, AX3, as shown in [Fig. 6], the computer 9 is configured to generate a command that causes the image displayed on the display 30 to move according to this movement of the wheel 2. This movement can be achieved by applying a push or pull motion to the wheel 2 using the thumb 51 and / or the index finger 52 along one of the two additional axes AX2, AX3, for example, substantially vertically, or a lateral movement along the other additional axis AX2, AX3, for example, substantially horizontally, as shown in [Fig. 6]. This movement allows, for example, a map displayed on the display 30 to be moved.

[0088] Finally, when the thumb 51 and / or the index finger 52 of the hand 50 move the rotating ring 4 around the main axis AX4, as shown in [Fig.7], the computer 9 is configured to generate a command command causing a rotation of the image displayed on the display 30 according to such a rotation of the rotating ring 4. This rotation makes it possible, for example, to rotate a map displayed on the display 30 around an axis perpendicular to a plane defined by the display 30.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 9 can be configured not to generate multiple control commands simultaneously. Thus, when a first command 2-5 is requested by an operator, the control unit 9 generates a control command to operate the display 30 accordingly. If the operator requests a second command 2-5 in parallel, no control command relating to this second command 2-5 is issued; the control unit 9 generates only a control command relating to the first command 2-5 requested.

[0090] Furthermore, the rotating ring 4 and the control ball 5 can be replaced by a touchpad 8 arranged on the front face of the palm rest 1, as shown in [Fig. 8]. The gestures used by the operator to control the display 30 are advantageously identical whether the control system 10 according to the invention comprises the rotating ring 4 and the control ball 5 or the touchpad 8.

[0091] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling at least one display 30 using the control system 10. A memory of the computer 9, or connected to the computer 9, either wired or wirelessly, can, for example, store instructions or algorithms executed by the computer 9 to implement the control method of the invention. The memory can thus store a computer program intended to be executed by the computer 9 in order to implement such a control method.

[0092] This control method comprises the following steps illustrated in [Fig.9]. These steps are carried out according to the actions on said at least one roller 2, the push button 3, the rotating ring 4 and the control ball 5 of the control system 10.

[0093] First, a displacement 71 of a pointer 35 displayed on the display 30 can be carried out as a function of a displacement of the control ball 4 along the two complementary axes AX5,AX6, carried out using one or more fingers 51-55 of the hand 50.

[0094] A selection action 72 of an icon or symbol displayed on the display 30 or of an area on the image displayed on the display 30 or an action or validation 73 via an icon or symbol can be performed when the push-button 3 is pressed along a translation axis AXT via the thumb 51.

[0095] A modification 74 of a display scale of an image displayed on the display 30 can also be carried out as a function of a rotation of the roulette 2 around a primary axis AX1 allowing a rotation of the roulette 2 on itself, using the thumb 51 and the index finger 52 of the hand 50.

[0096] A displacement 75 of the image can still be achieved as a function of a displacement of the roulette 2 along the two additional axes AX2,AX3 carried out using the thumb 51 and / or the index finger 52.

[0097] Finally, a rotation 76 of the image can be achieved as a function of a rotation of the rotating crown 4 around a main axis AX4, carried out using the thumb 51 and the index finger 52.

[0098] All these steps of the control process are advantageously carried out by keeping the palm of this hand 50 on the support face 11 of the palm rest 1, in order to minimize the movements of the fingers 51-55 of the operator's hand 50, while ensuring precise and safe movements, in all flight conditions, including in the event of turbulence.

[0099] Furthermore, when no pointer 35 is previously displayed on the display 30, In response to a first action on the wheel 2, the push button 3, the rotating ring 4 or the control ball 5, the calculator 9 can be configured to transmit a signal to the display 30 in order to display 77 the pointer 35 on the display 30. This first action advantageously allows the operator to make the pointer 35 appear on the display 30.

[0100] During this display step 77, the pointer 35 can be displayed on the display 30 either at a last display position of the pointer 35 on the display 30, or at a predetermined reference position. This predetermined reference position is, for example, the center of the display. The last display position of the pointer 77 on the display 30, as well as the reference position, may have been stored in a memory of the control unit 9 or a memory connected to this control unit 9.

[0101] Finally, the first action can be taken into account by the computer 9 only for the display 77 of the pointer 35 on the display 30 and not trigger the execution of one of the steps 71-76 mentioned previously. This first action is therefore ignored for the execution of one of these steps 71-76 in order, in particular, to avoid the execution of unintentional and / or unwanted operations. On the other hand, if the pointer 35 is displayed on the display 30, any action on one of the commands 2-5 triggers the generation of a command to execute one of these steps 71-76, in order to control the image displayed on the display 30.

[0102] Naturally, the present invention is subject to numerous variations in its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is understood that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all the embodiments possible. It is of course conceivable to replace a means described with an equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A control system (10) for controlling a display (30), said control system (10) comprising a palm rest (1) fixed to a structure, said palm rest (1) being provided with: • a support face (11) configured to accommodate the palm of an operator's hand, • two lateral faces (13, 14) situated on either side of said palm rest (1), one of said two lateral faces (13, 14) being reachable by a thumb of said hand resting on said palm rest (1), and • a front face (12) reachable by at least one other finger of said hand resting on said palm rest (1), characterized in that said control system (10) comprises the following four controls (2-5): • at least one roller (2) projecting from one of said two lateral faces (13, 14), said roller (2) being provided of at least three degrees of freedom, including at least one rotational degree of freedom,relative to said palm rest (1), • at least one push button (3), • a rotating ring (4) rotatable relative to said palm rest (1) about a main axis (AX4), said rotating ring (4) being positioned on said front face (12), • a control ball (5), arranged at the center of said rotating ring (4) and concentrically to said rotating ring (4), said control ball (5) being rotatable relative to said palm rest (1) about two complementary axes (AX5,AX6) distinct from said main axis (AX4), and • a computer (9) configured to generate control commands to control said display (30) according to actions on said four controls (2-5).

2. Control system (10) according to claim 1, wherein said wheel (2) comprises said push button (3), said wheel (2) comprising three degrees of freedom.

3. Control system (10) according to claim 1, wherein said wheel (2) forms said push button (3), said wheel (2) having four degrees of freedom, including one degree of freedom in rotation and one degree of freedom in translation about a primary axis (AX1) allowing a rotation of said wheel (2) about itself.

4. Control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said control system (10) comprises two rollers (2) and two pushbuttons (3), said two side faces (13,14) each comprising one of said two rollers (2) and one of said two pushbuttons (3).

5. Control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said side face (13,14) comprising said roulette (2) includes a lateral bulge configured to guide said thumb and index finger of said hand towards said roulette (2).

6. Control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of said four controls (2-5) includes a haptic system in response to any movement.

7. Control system (10) according to claim 6, wherein said wheel (2) has a primary axis (AX1) permitting rotation of said wheel (2) about itself and has increment notches around said primary axis (AX1), mechanically marking a rotation of said wheel (2) between two of said increment notches.

8. Control system (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein said rotating ring (4) has increment notches around said main axis (AX4), mechanically marking a rotation of said rotating ring (4) between two of said increment notches.

9. Control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said push button (3) and said roller (2) respectively comprise elastic return elements to return them to an initial position.

10. Control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said wheel (2) has a primary axis (AX1) permitting rotation of said wheel (2) about itself, said wheel (2) has a first encoder wheel about said primary axis (AX1) and switches or strain gauges along two additional axes (AX2,AX3) distinct from said primary axis (AX1) for detecting the displacements of said wheel (2) about said two additional axes (AX2,AX3), said control ball (5) has optical sensors for detecting the displacements of said control ball (5) about said two complementary axes (AX5,AX6) and said rotating ring (4) has a second encoder wheel about said main axis (AX4).

11. Control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said controls are configured to move or change an image displayed on said display (30), to move a pointer displayed on said display (30), to make a selection on said display (30) or to perform a validation action.

12. Control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said computer (9) is configured to generate control commands transmitted to said display (30) in response to control signals transmitted by said controls (2-5) in order to perform: • a movement of a pointer (35) displayed on said display (30) as a function of a movement of said control ball (5) along said two complementary axes (AX5,AX6), • a selection or validation action upon pressing said push button (3), • a modification of the display scale of an image displayed on said display as a function of a rotation of said wheel (2) around a primary axis (AX1) allowing a rotation of said wheel (2) about itself, • a displacement of said image as a function of a displacement of said roulette (2) along two additional axes (AX2,AX3) distinct from said primary axis (AX1), and • a rotation of said image as a function of a rotation of said rotating ring (4) around said main axis (AX4).

13. Display system (20) comprising at least one display (30) displaying an image comprising a pointer and a control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Vehicle comprising at least one display (30) displaying an image comprising a pointer and a control system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A method for controlling at least one display (30) using a control system (10) according to claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps performed as a function of actions on said at least one wheel (2), said push button (3), said rotating ring (4) and said control ball (5) of said control system (10): a displacement (71) of a pointer (35) displayed on said display (30) as a function of a displacement of said control ball (5) along said two complementary axes (AX5,AX6), • a selection action (72) or validation action (73) upon pressing said push button (3), • a modification (74) of a display scale of an image displayed on said display (30) as a function of a rotation of said wheel (2) about a primary axis (AX1) allowing a rotation of said wheel (2) about itself,• a displacement (75) of said image as a function of a displacement of said roulette (2) along two additional axes (AX2,AX3) distinct from said primary axis (AX1), and • a rotation (76) of said image as a function of a rotation of said rotating ring (4) around said main axis (AX4).

16. Method according to claim 15,

17.

18. in which when no pointer (35) is displayed on said display (30), a first action on said at least one wheel (2), said push button, (3), said rotating ring (4) or said control ball (5) generates a display (77) of said pointer (35) on said display (30). Method according to claim 16, in which said pointer (35) is displayed on said display (30) either at a last position of said pointer (35) on said display (30), or at a predetermined reference position. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein said first action is ignored for the purpose of carrying out the steps of claim 15.

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