Aircraft cockpit display device, cockpit and associated method

Abstract

Aircraft cockpit display device, cockpit and associated method. The device includes a display management assembly, configured to display on at least one of a first dedicated display area (40) and a second dedicated display area (42), an alert indication corresponding to an alert information received from an avionics central unit. It is configured to receive role information from the crew member present respectively in a first seat located opposite the first dedicated display area (40) and in a second seat located opposite the second dedicated display area (42).The display management system is configured to display an alert indication corresponding to the received alert information, on at least one of the first dedicated display area (40) and the second dedicated display area (42), defined according to the role information of the crew member present in the respective area of ​​the first dedicated display area (40) and the second dedicated display area (42). See Figure 4 for abbreviations.

Description

Title of the invention: Aircraft cockpit display device, cockpit and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to an aircraft cockpit display device comprising: - at least one dedicated display area intended to be placed opposite a first cockpit seat; - at least one second dedicated display area intended to be placed opposite a second cockpit seat; - a display management system, configured to display on the first dedicated display area and on the second dedicated display area at least one aircraft flight parameter, and / or at least one aircraft navigation and / or guidance parameter and / or at least one aircraft maintenance parameter; the display management system being configured to receive alert information from an avionics central unit and to display on at least one of the first dedicated display area and the second dedicated display area, at least one alert indication corresponding to received alert information.

[0002] Such a display device, located in the cockpit of an aircraft, is intended to improve coordination between members of an aircraft crew, particularly during phases of aircraft flight in which crew members are under considerable strain.

[0003] Traditionally, piloting, navigation, communication and aircraft systems management are provided by two crew members who divide the different tasks between them.

[0004] A first crew member is dedicated, for example, to piloting and monitoring flight parameters, while a second crew member handles communications with the ground, aircraft systems management, surveillance activities, and other tasks not directly related to piloting.

[0005] To assist crew members in piloting the aircraft, each has, opposite the seat on which they are seated, a dedicated display area showing, for example, indicators of altitude, horizontal situation, airspeed, vertical speed, as well as engine information, aircraft lift and landing gear configurations, and / or aircraft guidance parameters, particularly during an approach.

[0006] The various indicators displayed on each dedicated display area are generally the same for each driver. However, at least some of these indicators are generated from separate sensors and / or sources to ensure measurement redundancy. This allows, in particular, the detection of any erroneous measurements from a faulty sensor or source and prevents them from being used in generating the two display areas.

[0007] For example, when an aircraft is approaching a runway, guidance systems can be used to guide the aircraft to the runway. These guidance systems include, for example, an instrument landing system or "ILS" (acronym for "instrument landing system"), which requires detecting the beam from the ground station in the vicinity of the runway.

[0008] The aircraft is equipped with at least two guidance receivers (also called "guidance sensor" or "guidance source"), each receiver being intended for use by a respective pilot, when both receivers are operating.

[0009] During an instrument approach to the runway, each pilot, the pilot on duty and the pilot off duty, detects the ground station beam via separate channels using a separate receiver, thus independently following the guidance to the runway on its dedicated display area. Both receivers in the aircraft are configured to detect the same ground station by being tuned to the ILS frequency.

[0010] The guidance indications presented to each pilot are constructed on the basis of what is detected by the respective receiver used by the pilot, translated into lateral and vertical deviation information.

[0011] In the event that the pilot in command loses approach guidance, for example due to a failure of the receiver allocated to his approach side, an alert indicator is then displayed on the dedicated display area of ​​the pilot in command and is accompanied by an audible alert to signal the loss of approach capability.

[0012] The pilot in command must then interrupt the approach and no longer use the faulty receiver and replace it with the other receiver or choose another category of approach, for example visual.

[0013] In existing display devices, in the event that the non-functioning pilot loses approach guidance, an alert indicator of the same level as that dedicated to the functioning pilot is also displayed on its dedicated display area, and the same audible alert as that which applies to the functioning pilot is generally emitted.

[0014] However, the loss by the non-functioning pilot of his allocated receiver does not generally require an interruption of the landing, as long as the functioning pilot still detects the guidance receiver he is following.

[0015] In theory, the pilot in command can continue the landing despite the alarm indications presented to the non-commanding pilot and despite the audible alert broadcast in the cockpit.

[0016] In practice, the presence of an alert indication on the dedicated display area of ​​the non-functioning pilot, combined with an audible indication in the cockpit, can disturb the functioning pilot and lead him to cancel the landing as a precaution, even though the cause of the alert does not justify it.

[0017] One object of the invention is therefore to provide an aircraft cockpit display device that improves coordination between crew members and reduces their strain, in particular by limiting unnecessary responses to certain non-critical alerts.

[0018] To this end, the invention relates to a display device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the display management assembly is configured to receive role information from each crew member present respectively in the first seat and in the second seat and is configured to display an alert indication corresponding to the alert information received, on at least one of the first dedicated display area and the second dedicated display area, the alert indication being defined according to the role information of the crew member present respectively in relation to the first dedicated display area and the second dedicated display area.

[0019] The display device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0020] - upon receipt of the alert information, the entire display management system:

[0021] - is configured to display an initial warning indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information matches a first role; and

[0022] - is configured to display a second alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information corresponds to a second role, the second alert indication being distinct from the first alert indication, or

[0023] - is configured not to display any alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information matches the second role;

[0024] - the first role is pilot in operation, the second role is pilot not in operation;

[0025] - the first alert indication is configured to trigger a seizure of immediate awareness of the alert by the crew member, for example by a red or amber color code, the second alert indication being configured to generate not necessarily immediate awareness of the alert by the crew member, for example by a color code distinct from red, amber and green;

[0026] - the first warning indication and the second warning indication include a identical alphanumeric text corresponding to the alert information;

[0027] - the first alert indication is a warning indication or an indication crew member attention, the second alert indication being an indication to inform the crew member;

[0028] - the display management system:

[0029] - is configured to generate a first audible and / or haptic alert in supplement to the first warning indication; and

[0030] - is configured to generate a second audible and / or haptic alert in supplement to the second alert indication, the second auditory and / or haptic alert being distinct from the first auditory and / or haptic alert, or

[0031] - is configured not to generate an additional audible and / or haptic alert of the second warning indication;

[0032] - the display management system is configured to display on the first dedicated display area and / or the second dedicated display area of ​​the flight parameter windows displaying at least one of the following parameters: altitude indicator, horizontal situation indicator, airspeed, vertical speed, corrected airspeed, fuel quantity, engine information, aircraft lift and / or landing gear configuration;

[0033] - the alert indication is an alert indication linked to navigation parameters of the aircraft, an alert indication related to aircraft guidance and / or communication parameters, and / or an alert indication related to faults or failures of at least one piece of aircraft equipment.

[0034] The invention also relates to an aircraft cockpit comprising:

[0035] - a display device as defined above;

[0036] - a central avionics unit configured to be connected to systems of aircraft parameter measurement sensors, external communication and guidance systems, aircraft control systems, and / or aircraft systems monitoring and management systems, the avionics central unit being configured to acquire or generate at least one warning information from data from aircraft parameter measurement sensor systems, external communication and guidance systems, aircraft control systems, and / or aircraft systems monitoring and management systems.

[0037] The aircraft cockpit according to the invention may include the following feature:

[0038] - a first seat arranged opposite the first dedicated display area, a a second seat positioned opposite the second dedicated display area and a system for capturing and / or detecting the role of each crew member seated respectively on the first seat and on the second seat.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method for displaying warning indications on a display device in an aircraft cockpit, the method comprising the following steps:

[0040] - display, by a display management system, on a first area dedicated display area and on a second dedicated display area of ​​at least one aircraft flight parameter, and / or at least one aircraft navigation parameter and / or at least one aircraft system status parameter;

[0041] - reception, by the display management system, of at least one piece of information alert from a central avionics unit and display on at least one of the first dedicated display area and the second dedicated display area, of at least one alert indication corresponding to the alert information received; characterized by the receipt, by the display management assembly, of role information for each crew member present respectively in the first seat and in the second seat and by the display of an alert indication corresponding to the alert information received on at least one of the first dedicated display area and the second dedicated display area which is defined according to the role information of the crew member present respectively opposite the first dedicated display area and the second dedicated display area.

[0042] The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0043] - the display, by the display management system, upon receipt of the information alert, a first alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information corresponds to a first role; and the display of a second alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information corresponds to a second role, the second alert indication being distinct from the first alert indication, or an absence of display of an alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information corresponds to the second role;

[0044] - the display of the first warning indication with a configuration generating a immediate awareness of the alert by the crew member, for example by a red or amber color code, and the display of the second alert indication with a configuration resulting in an awareness of the alert not necessarily immediate by the crew member, for example by a color code distinct from red, amber and green;

[0045] - displaying the first warning indication and the second warning indication includes the display of an identical alphanumeric message for the first alert indication and for the second alert indication.

[0046] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the attached drawings on which: - [Fig.1] The [Fig.1] is a simplified perspective view of an aircraft cockpit comprising a first display device according to the invention; - [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a synoptic diagram illustrating the components of the display device according to the invention; - [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a view representing a first display area placed opposite the pilot in command and a second display area placed opposite the pilot not in command during an approach of the aircraft, in case of loss of a guidance receiver allocated to the pilot in command; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view analogous to [Fig.3], in case of loss of a guidance receiver allocated to the pilot not in use; - [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a view illustrating some steps of a process display according to the invention, implemented using the display device of [Fig.2].

[0047] In accordance with standard practice in the aeronautical field, the information shown in Figures 1 to 5, which represent aircraft displays, is in English. A French translation is provided in this description where appropriate.

[0048] A first display device 10 according to the invention is intended to be disposed in a cockpit 12 of an aircraft represented schematically in [Fig.1].

[0049] The cockpit 12 is located in the aircraft or in a ground control room.

[0050] The display device 10 is intended to enable the crew to pilot the aircraft, manage its navigation and communication, and monitor and control the various aircraft systems present in the aircraft.

[0051] As illustrated by [Fig.2], the cockpit 12 includes, in addition to the display device 10, a central avionics unit 14 intended to communicate with aircraft systems, in particular with aircraft parameter measurement sensor systems 16, with external communication and guidance systems 18, with aircraft control systems 19, and with aircraft system monitoring and management systems 20, in particular for the detection of faults and failures of aircraft equipment.

[0052] With reference to [Fig.1], the cockpit 12 comprises a first seat 22 intended to receive a first aircraft crew member, and a second seat 24 intended to receive a second aircraft crew member, the two seats being placed next to each other.

[0053] The cockpit 12 is also equipped with an aircraft piloting control unit 28 associated with each seat 22, 24, a throttle lever (not shown) and of a human-machine interface 30. It advantageously includes an autopilot system 32 configured to be activated by the crew.

[0054] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the cockpit 12 further comprises a system 26 for capturing and / or detecting the role of each crew member seated respectively in the first seat 22 and in the second seat 24. The system 26 is configured to define a role for the crew member in each seat 22, 24 respectively, as pilot in command or as a pilot not in command.

[0055] The measurement sensor systems 16 include, for example, sensors for measuring parameters external to the aircraft, such as temperature, pressure or speed, sensors for measuring parameters internal to the aircraft and its various functional systems, and positioning sensors, such as GPS sensors, inertial measurement units, and / or an altimeter.

[0056] External communication and guidance systems 18 include, for example, VOR / LOC, ADS, DME, ILS, NLS radio systems, and / or radar systems. These systems include, in particular, guidance receivers configured to detect a guidance beam emitted by a ground station in the vicinity of a runway to indicate a guidance direction.

[0057] The control systems 19 include actuators for actuating aircraft controls, such as flaps, rudders, pumps, or mechanical, electrical and / or hydraulic circuits, and software actuators for configuring the aircraft's avionics states.

[0058] The aircraft systems monitoring and management systems 20 include sensors for the status, faults, and / or failures of the various equipment present in the aircraft systems of the aircraft, for example in the sensor systems 16, in the communication systems 18, in the control systems 19.

[0059] The various systems 16, 18, 19, 20, 26 are connected to the central avionics unit 14, for example digitally, by at least one data bus running on an internal aircraft network.

[0060] The avionics central unit 14 comprises at least one computer, preferably at least two computers, each computer comprising at least one processor and memory suitable for receiving data from the various systems 16, 18, 19, 20, 26 and processing them, possibly to control aircraft systems and execute flight commands.

[0061] The avionics central unit 14 is also configured to acquire or produce warning information, using data received from the measuring sensor systems 16, particularly related to navigation parameters, for example due to excessive speed, unusual altitude, excessive deviation from to a heading, proximity to terrain, proximity to another aircraft or other traffic elements.

[0062] The avionics central unit 14 is also configured to acquire or produce alert information using data from external communication and guidance systems 18, for example in the event of a guidance failure, in particular in the event of a failure occurring in the detection by a guidance receiver during an instrument landing.

[0063] The avionics central unit 14 is also configured to acquire or produce alert information using data from the control systems 19 and / or the monitoring and management systems 20, in the event of a fault or failure of equipment on the aircraft.

[0064] In the example shown in [Fig.1], the display device 10 comprises at least one first dedicated display area 40, intended to be placed opposite a first crew member, in front of the first seat 22 of the cockpit 12, at least one second dedicated display area 42, intended to be placed opposite a second crew member, in front of a second seat 24 of the cockpit 12, and at least one display area 44, 46 visible to both crew members, placed between the first display area 40 and the second display area 42.

[0065] The display device 10 further comprises in this example a first dedicated head-up display area 47, intended to be placed opposite the first seat 22 and a second dedicated head-up display area 49, intended to be placed opposite the second seat 24.

[0066] The display device 10 further includes a display management unit 48 dedicated to controlling the display on the different display areas 40 to 49.

[0067] In the example shown in [Fig.1], the display device 10 has an upper shared display area 44 and a lower shared display area 46 located below the upper area 44 and below the first and second display areas 40, 42.

[0068] In the example shown in [Fig.1], display areas 40 to 46 are located on separate screens, each screen corresponding to a display area 40 to 46.

[0069] The first dedicated display area 40 and the second dedicated display area 42 are generally defined by primary display screens, located opposite the seat 22, 24 of each respective crew member.

[0070] The upper display area 44 visible to both crew members and the lower display area 46 visible to both crew members are defined respectively on a multifunctional navigation screen and on a control and / or monitoring screen for the aircraft systems.

[0071] Alternatively, the display areas 40 to 46 are located on the same common screen, for example in the shape of a T.

[0072] Each of the dedicated head-up display areas 47, 49 is for example arranged on a semi-transparent head-up display placed opposite the windshield, on an image projection surface on the cockpit windshield 12, on a semi-transparent sun visor, a helmet sight, or a semi-transparent lens close to the eye.

[0073] Display areas 40, 47 are thus dedicated to the first crew member seated in the first seat 22, while display areas 42, 49 are dedicated to the second crew member seated in the second seat 24.

[0074] Each display area 40 to 49 is connected to the display management unit 48 to be controlled by the display management unit 48.

[0075] The display management unit 48 is connected to the avionics central control unit 14 to receive data from the various systems 16, 18, 19, 20, 26 of the aircraft, in particular, alert information acquired or produced by the avionics central unit 14.

[0076] With reference to [Fig.2], the display management unit 48 comprises at least one processor 50, and a memory 52 comprising software modules designed to be executed by the processor 50.

[0077] Alternatively, the display management assembly 48 is implemented in the form of at least one programmable logic component such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a dedicated integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specified Integrated Circuit) which enables the functions of the control device modules to be performed.

[0078] For this purpose, the display management assembly 48 includes a display module 54 with at least one flight parameter window 56 on the first dedicated display area 40 and / or on the first dedicated head-up display area 47, and with at least one flight parameter window 58 on the second dedicated display area 42 and / or on the second dedicated head-up display area 49.

[0079] The display management assembly 48 further includes a display module 60 for at least one navigation window 62 on the upper display area 44 visible to both crew members and a display module 64 for at least one aircraft system tracking and / or control window 66 on the lower display area 46 visible to both crew members.

[0080] The display management assembly 48 further includes a module 70 for generating and displaying alert indications corresponding to each alert information issued by the avionics central unit 14.

[0081] According to the invention, each warning indication displayed on a display area 40, 42, 47, 49 dedicated to a crew member opposite a respective seat 22, 24 is defined according to a role of each pilot present respectively opposite the dedicated display area 40, 42, 47, 49.

[0082] The display management assembly 48 further includes an activation module 72 for an audible and / or haptic alert, in addition to the alert indication displayed on a display area 40 to 49.

[0083] Windows 56, 58, 62, 66 are, for example, frames in which graphic elements are displayed. They occupy all or part of the display area 40 to 49 in which they are displayed.

[0084] The graphic elements are chosen from alphanumeric indicators, analog indicators such as gauges, commands or menus that can be operated by the user, for example by selecting the command using a human-machine interface, symbols or icons suitable for forming a shortcut to display another window distinct from the current window and / or alphanumeric data input fields using the human-machine interface.

[0085] Flight parameter windows 56, 58 are intended to be displayed either continuously during normal aircraft operation, regardless of the aircraft's operational state, or to be displayed upon pilot selection.

[0086] In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flight parameter windows 56, 58 generally display at least one of the following graphic elements: altitude indicator 80, heading indicator 82, airspeed indicator 84, slope indicator 86, engine information, fuel quantity, lift configuration and aircraft landing gear.

[0087] In this example, in the case of a guided approach to an aircraft runway using a location beam, for example ILS, they include a guidance indicator 88 towards the location beam, comprising for example a deviation scale 90 around the desired guidance direction relative to the beam and a positioning symbol 92 of the aircraft relative to the guidance direction, with reference to the deviation scale 90. The positioning symbol is here a vertical segment.

[0088] In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flight parameter windows 56 and 58, displayed respectively on the first dedicated display area 40 and the second dedicated display area 42, show the same flight parameters. However, these flight parameters are advantageously determined by the avionics central unit 14 from data coming from partially or totally separate measuring sensors.

[0089] The navigation windows 62 and the order tracking windows 66 are designed to be displayed selectively by the user, in particular by using the human / machine interface.

[0090] The navigation windows 62 include, for example, graphic elements selected from navigation display data from a storage database, vertical and horizontal position indicators, heading indicators, and positioning indicators relative to ground reference points such as radio beacons. The navigation windows 62 also include display systems for radar data received by the aircraft.

[0091] The navigation window 62 also includes in this example an indicator 100 for defining the pilot's role opposite each seat 22, 24 which defines the role of each pilot, based on the role information obtained from the role entry and detection system 26.

[0092] For example, the definition indicator 100 here includes an arrow pointing towards the seat 22, 24 of the pilot in command and an alphanumeric indication (here the English term "PILOT SIDE") indicating that it is the side of the pilot in command.

[0093] The command tracking windows 66 generally include graphic elements chosen from numerical indicators relating to different parameters measured on the aircraft systems, diagrams of representation and control of different hydraulic, electrical, fuel, engine, cabin pressurization, mechanical or avionics systems present on the aircraft, indicators of fuel level present, and possibly, display windows of procedures to be carried out from an aircraft procedures database.

[0094] Part of the windows 62, 66 present on the respective shared display areas 44, 46 are suitable for being replaced by other windows generated by the display module 64 and invisible on the display areas 44, 46 when the windows 62, 66 are present.

[0095] Upon receiving an alert information from the avionics central unit 14, the alert indication generation and display module 70 is configured to display on at least one window 56, 58 of the dedicated display areas 40, 42, 47, 49, a visual alert indication which depends on the alert information and which, according to the invention, depends on a role information of the crew member present in the first seat 22 and in the second seat 24 located opposite the dedicated display area 40, 42, 47, 49.

[0096] Role information is acquired by the alert indication generation and display module 70 from the role entry and detection system 26.

[0097] The alert indication is for example an alert message, a flag, an announcement, a symbol, or a pop-up window configured to appear on the window 56, 58.

[0098] The alert indication advantageously presents a level of criticality chosen from among a warning, an attention, or an information.

[0099] The warning indication is for example a warning indication 110 (designated by the English term "waming", see [Fig.3]), an attention indication (designated by the English term "caution") or an information indication 112 (see [Fig.4], designated by the English term "advisory").

[0100] These indications are for example indications which follow the EASA CS25.1322 regulation which classifies them according to the immediacy of the crew member's awareness and / or the required response from the crew member.

[0101] A warning indication 110 translates an alert information which requires immediate notification to the crew member and an immediate response from that crew member.

[0102] An attention indication translates into alert information which requires immediate notification to the crew member and a subsequent response from that crew member.

[0103] An information indication 112 translates an alert information which requires the crew member to be made aware of it and possibly to respond to it.

[0104] Each warning indication generally presents an alphanumeric text, and a color code associated with the background or color of the text which corresponds to the level of criticality of the warning indication.

[0105] Thus, a warning sign 110 is generally coloured in red (represented in double lines on [Fig.3]), an attention sign is generally coloured in amber or orange and an information sign 112 is generally coloured in a colour other than red, amber, orange and green (represented in dotted lines on [Fig.4]).

[0106] The alert indication, in particular the alphanumeric text and / or the colour code in which the alphanumeric text is displayed, is configured by the alert indication generation and display module 70, using the role information received from the role entry and detection system 26.

[0107] Thus, for the same alert information received, the alert indication generation and display module 70 is configured to generate a first alert indication intended to be displayed on a display area 40, 47; 42, 49 dedicated to a crew member, when the crew member occupies a first role, and to generate a second alert indication distinct from the first alert indication, intended to be displayed on a display area 40, 47; 42, 49 dedicated to a crew member when the crew member occupies a second role distinct from the first role.

[0108] Thus, when a given alert information is acquired or generated by the central avionics unit 14, a crew member seated in a respective seat 22, 24 and looking at a dedicated display area 40, 47; 42, 49, located opposite the respective seat 22, 24, will be able to observe a first alert indication displayed on the dedicated display area 40, 47; 42, 49 when he occupies a first role (for example pilot in operation) following the receipt of the given alert information and a second alert indication displayed on the dedicated display area 40, 47; 42, 49 when he occupies a second role (for example pilot not in operation) following the receipt of the same given alert information.

[0109] The first warning indication differs from the second warning information, for example, by its color code and / or by its alphanumeric text.

[0110] For example, for the same alert information received, the alert indication generation and display module 70 is configured to generate a warning indication 110 on the dedicated display area 40, 47; 42, 49 opposite seat 22, 24 when the crew member is in the role of pilot in command, and an attention or information indication 112, when the crew member is in the role of pilot not in command.

[0111] Alternatively, for the same alert information received, the alert indication generation and display module 70 is configured to generate an attention indication on the dedicated display area 40, 47; 42, 49 opposite seat 22, 24 when the crew member is in the role of pilot in command, and an information indication 112, when the crew member is in the role of pilot not in command.

[0112] This makes it possible in particular to avoid the pilot in command being disturbed by warning or attention indications displayed on the dedicated display area 40, 47; 42, 49 of a pilot not in command for whom the warning does not justify an awareness and possibly an immediate response from the pilot not in command, whereas it would require an awareness and possibly an immediate response from the pilot in command if it were intended for him.

[0113] The auditory and / or haptic alert activation module 72 is configured to generate, depending on the criticality level of the alert indication displayed on a display area 40 to 49, an auditory and / or haptic alert 114, schematically represented in [Fig.3].

[0114] For example, if the criticality level corresponds to a warning or attention indication, the auditory and / or haptic alert 114 is generated. Conversely, if the criticality level corresponds to an information indication, no auditory and / or haptic alert is generated.

[0115] A method for displaying warning indications in an aircraft cockpit 12 will now be described.

[0116] At the beginning of each flight or during the flight, the aircraft crew defines the role of each crew member seated in a respective seat 22, 24 between "pilot in command" and "pilot not in command" and enters this role using the role entry or detection system 26. Alternatively, the role entry and detection system 26 assigns the role of pilot in command to the crew member located in the left seat.

[0117] Then, during taxiing and then during flight, the central avionics unit 14 receives data from the sensor systems 16, the communication systems 18, the aircraft control systems 19 and the aircraft system tracking and management systems 20.

[0118] The avionics central unit 14 detects the presence of alerts, for example relating to aircraft navigation, guidance, or to faults and / or failures present on aircraft equipment, using data received from systems 16, 18, 19, 20.

[0119] When an alert is detected, the avionics central unit 14 acquires or generates alert information corresponding to the detected alert.

[0120] At step 120 on [Fig.5], this alert information is transmitted to the alert indication generation and display module 70.

[0121] At step 122, the module 70 then determines on which dedicated display area 40, 47; 42, 49, an alert indication corresponding to the received alert information should be displayed, and the role of the crew member sitting in seat 22, 24 positioned opposite the dedicated display area 40, 47; 42, 49.

[0122] Depending on the dedicated display area 40, 47; 42, 49 on which the indication is to be displayed, and the role of the pilot present in relation to this display area 40, 42, the alert indication generation and display module 70 generates in step 124 a first alert indication in the case where the crew member occupies a first role or generates in step 126, a second alert indication, distinct from the first alert indication when the crew member occupies a second role.

[0123] For example, the alert indication generation and display module 70 generates a warning indication 110, preferably with a red color code, when the crew member's role is "pilot in charge" or an attention indication, preferably with an orange or amber color code.

[0124] The auditory and / or haptic alert activation module 72 then generates an auditory and / or haptic alert 114.

[0125] On the contrary, the alert indication generation and display module 70 generates an information indication 112, preferably with a colour code distinct from red and green, when the crew member is "pilot not in operation".

[0126] No auditory and / or haptic alert is then generated by the auditory and / or haptic alert activation module 72, in the case where an information indication is displayed.

[0127] In the particular example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pilot in command is seated on the left, in the first seat 22, and the pilot not in command is seated on the right, in the second seat 24, as indicated by role indicator 100.

[0128] With reference to [Fig.3], when the avionics central unit 14 detects a loss of detection of the guidance receiver selected by the crew member located in seat 22, it issues an alert information corresponding to a loss of this guidance receiver.

[0129] The alert indication generation and display module 70 determines that the guidance receiver whose reception is lost is the one selected by the crew member located opposite seat 22 and that an alert indication should be displayed on the dedicated display area 40, 47 located opposite seat 22.

[0130] The alert indication generation and display module 70 further determines that the role of the crew member seated in seat 22 is "pilot in charge". It therefore displays a warning indication 110 on the dedicated display area 40, 47 located opposite seat 22.

[0131] In the example, warning indication 110 includes an alphanumeric message "ILS CAT 1" which corresponds to the loss of reception of a guidance receiver.

[0132] This warning indication 110 is preferably coloured red to signal to the pilot in command sitting in seat 22 that he must immediately take note of this warning indication, and respond immediately to this warning indication.

[0133] The module for activating an auditory and / or haptic alert 72 generates in parallel an auditory and / or haptic alert 116.

[0134] In the example shown, this leads the pilot in command to immediately aborte the approach, especially if he does not see the runway.

[0135] The non-operating pilot sitting in seat 24 receives no alert.

[0136] With reference to [Fig. 4], if the avionics central unit 14 detects a loss of upon detection of the guidance receiver selected by the crew member located in seat 24, it also emits an alert information corresponding to a loss of this guidance receiver.

[0137] The alert indication generation and display module 70 determines that the guidance receiver whose reception is lost is the one selected by the crew member located opposite seat 24 and that an alert indication should be displayed on the dedicated display area 42, 49 located opposite seat 24.

[0138] The alert indication generation and display module 70 further determines that the role of the crew member seated in seat 22 is "pilot not in command". It therefore displays an information indication 112 on the dedicated display area 42, 49 located opposite seat 24.

[0139] In the example, information indication 112 includes a text message "ILS CAT 1" identical to that of warning indication 110, which corresponds to the alert information of a loss of reception of a guidance receiver.

[0140] However, this information indication 112 is not colored red, orange, or amber. The pilot not in command is informed of the lack of detection, but this does not require immediate awareness or response, particularly from the pilot in command.

[0141] The audible and / or haptic alert activation module 72 remains inactive.

[0142] The pilot in command seated in seat 22 receives no alert. Furthermore, he is not affected by the alert affecting the pilot not in command. The pilot in command's approach to the runway is not disrupted, and the pilot in command can proceed with the landing.

[0143] On the contrary, the pilot not in operation can deal with the alert that concerns him, without affecting the pilot in operation.

[0144] Thus, according to the invention which has just been described, the alert indications which are displayed to a particular crew member are adapted to the role of that crew member who specifically sees that alert indication on a display area 40, 47; 42, 49 dedicated to that crew member.

[0145] Depending on the role of the crew member, the degree of criticality of the alert indication is adjusted, including a warning indication 110 requiring immediate awareness and response, or less critical alert indications, such as an attention indication or an information indication 112.

[0146] The information presented to each crew member is therefore adapted to their role, which avoids unnecessarily disturbing the pilot in command of the flight, while allowing the non-commanding pilot to process the alert indications they receive at the appropriate time.

[0147] Thus, the alert level displayed to each crew member is tailored to that crew member's specific situation and effectively corresponds to the actions that must be taken in response. This gives crew members a better understanding of the criticality of the alert, enabling them to handle it in the most appropriate manner.

[0148] In one variant, for the same received alert information, the alert indication generation and display module 70 is configured to generate a first alert indication intended to be displayed on a display area 40, 47; 42, 49 dedicated to a crew member when the crew member occupies a first role, and not to generate an alert indication intended to be displayed on a display area 40, 47; 42, 49 dedicated to the crew member when the crew member occupies a second role distinct from the first role.

Claims

Demands

1. Aircraft cockpit display device (10) (12) comprising: - at least one first dedicated display area (40, 47) intended to be placed opposite a first seat (22) of the cockpit (12); - at least one second dedicated display area (42, 49) intended to be placed opposite a second seat (24) in the cockpit (12); - a display management unit (48), configured to display on the first dedicated display area (40, 47) and on the second dedicated display area (42, 49) at least one aircraft flight parameter, and / or at least one aircraft navigation and / or guidance parameter and / or at least one aircraft maintenance parameter; the display management unit (48) being configured to receive alert information from an avionics central unit (14) and to display on at least one of the first dedicated display area (40, 47) and the second dedicated display area (42, 49), at least one alert indication corresponding to an alert information received; characterized in that the display management assembly (48) is configured to receive role information from each crew member present respectively in the first seat (22) and in the second seat (24) and is configured to display an alert indication corresponding to the alert information received, on at least one of the first dedicated display area (40, 47) and of the second dedicated display area (42, 49), the alert indication being defined according to the role information of the crew member present respectively in relation to the first dedicated display area (40, 47) and the second dedicated display area (42, 49).

2. Display device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, upon receipt of the alert information, the display management assembly (48) - is configured to display an initial alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information matches a first role; and - is configured to display a second alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information corresponds to a second role, the second alert indication being distinct from the first alert indication, or - is configured not to display an alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information corresponds to the second role.

3. Display device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first role is pilot in function, the second role being pilot not in function.

4. Display device (10) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first warning indication is configured to generate immediate awareness of the warning by the crew member, for example by a red or amber color code, the second warning indication being configured to generate not necessarily immediate awareness of the warning by the crew member, for example by a color code distinct from red, amber and green.

5. Display device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first warning indication and the second warning indication comprise identical alphanumeric text corresponding to the warning information.

6. Display device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first alert indication is a warning indication (110) or an attention indication for the crew member, the second alert indication being an information indication (112) for the crew member.

7. Display device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the display management assembly (48): - is configured to generate a first auditory and / or haptic alert (116) in addition to the first alert indication; and - is configured to generate a second auditory and / or haptic alert in addition to the second alert indication, the second auditory and / or haptic alert being distinct from the first auditory and / or haptic alert, or - is configured not to generate an auditory and / or haptic alert in addition to the second alert indication.

8. Display device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display management assembly (48) is configured to display on the first dedicated display area (40, 47) and / or the second dedicated display area (42, 49) flight parameter windows (56, 58) displaying at least one of the following parameters: altitude indicator, horizontal position indicator, airspeed, vertical speed, corrected airspeed, fuel quantity, engine information, aircraft lift and / or landing gear configuration.

9. Display device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning indication is a warning indication related to aircraft navigation parameters, a warning indication related to aircraft guidance and / or communication parameters, and / or a warning indication related to faults or malfunctions of at least one piece of aircraft equipment.

10. Aircraft cockpit (12) comprising: - a display device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; - an avionics central unit (14) configured to be connected to aircraft parameter measurement sensor systems (16), external communication and guidance systems (18), aircraft control systems (19), and / or aircraft systems monitoring and management systems (20), the avionics central unit (14) being configured to acquire or generate at least one warning information from data from aircraft parameter measurement sensor systems (16), external communication and guidance systems (18), aircraft control systems (19), and / or aircraft systems monitoring and management systems (20).

11. Aircraft cockpit (12) according to claim 10, comprising a first seat (22) arranged opposite the first dedicated display area (40, 47), a second seat (24) arranged opposite the second dedicated display area (42, 49), and a system (26) for capturing and / or detecting the role of each seated crew member respectively on the first seat (22) and on the second seat (24).

12. Method for displaying warning indications on a display device (10) in an aircraft cockpit (12), the method comprising the following steps: - displaying, by a display management assembly (48), on a first dedicated display area (40, 47) and on a second dedicated display area (42, 49) at least one flight parameter of the aircraft, and / or at least one navigation parameter of the aircraft and / or at least one system status parameter of the aircraft; - receiving, by the display management assembly (48), at least one warning information from an avionics central unit (14) and displaying on at least one of the first dedicated display area (40, 47) and the second dedicated display area (42, 49), at least one warning indication corresponding to the received warning information;characterized by the reception, by the display management assembly (48), of role information for each crew member present respectively in the first seat (22) and in the second seat (24) and by the display of an alert indication corresponding to the alert information received on at least one of the first dedicated display area (40, 47) and the second dedicated display area (42, 49) which is defined according to the role information of the crew member present respectively opposite the first dedicated display area (40, 47) and the second dedicated display area (42, 49).;

13. A method according to claim 12, comprising displaying, by the display management assembly (48), upon receipt of the alert information, a first alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information corresponds to a first role; and comprising displaying a second alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information corresponds to a second role, the second alert indication being distinct from the first alert indication, or comprising not displaying an alert indication corresponding to the alert information when the role information corresponds to the second role.

14. A method according to claim 13, comprising displaying the first warning indication with a configuration that causes immediate awareness of the warning by the crew member, for example by a red or amber color code, and displaying the second warning indication with a configuration that does not necessarily cause immediate awareness of the warning by the crew member, for example by a color code distinct from red, amber, and green,

15. A method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the display of the first warning indication and the second warning indication comprises the display of an identical alphanumeric message for the first warning indication and for the second warning indication.

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