SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING IN THE HANDLING OF AN AIRCRAFT OR PART OF AN AIRCRAFT

Abstract

A system is proposed to assist in the handling of an aircraft (100) or an aircraft part using a vehicle (101) controlled by a control operator (CO). The system comprises one or more transmitting devices (E1, E2), each for a separate assisting operator (OA1, OA2), and a receiving device (R) for the control operator. Each transmitting device includes a button and a radio transmitter unit that emits an activation or deactivation signal, depending on whether the assisting operator maintains or releases pressure on the button. The receiving device includes a radio receiver unit and an alerting device that emits at least one warning signal, intended to halt the handling by the control operator, if the radio receiver unit receives the deactivation signal. This reduces the latency in the transfer of instructions between the assisting operators and the control operator.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING IN THE HANDLING OF AN AIRCRAFT OR PART OF AN AIRCRAFT technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for assisting in the handling of an aircraft or part of an aircraft. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0002] Typically, during an aircraft towing operation between two positions using a tow vehicle driven by a driver, the driver cooperates with a support team including a tow leader and assistants. The tow leader is responsible for the operation. They must give instructions to the driver of the tow vehicle to point out potential hazards such as obstacles.

[0003] The maneuvering supervisor's assistants position themselves around the aircraft, in critical areas, to signal any problem likely to interfere with the aircraft's movements inherent to towing. Contact between the assistants and the maneuvering supervisor is established through hand signals and verbal communication. In the event of an incident (potential danger), the assistants shout or gesture towards the maneuvering supervisor, who is then responsible for communicating with the control operator (the driver) to stop the handling (in this case, the towing).

[0004] One drawback of the current method is that in the event of an incident, the cascade of instructions relayed to the driver (control operator) is not direct enough.

[0005] There is therefore a need to provide a solution to reduce the latency in the transfer of instructions between the assistance operators, who detect potential hazards (risks of collision), and the control operator, who controls the vehicle. Description of the invention

[0006] In order to meet this need in whole or in part, a system is proposed to assist in the handling of an aircraft or part of an aircraft by means of a vehicle controlled by a control operator, the assistance system comprising: - one or more transmitting devices, configured to be used by a separate assistance operator, each transmitting device comprising: • a button, configured to assume an activated or deactivated state, depending on whether the assistance operator maintains pressure on the button, in order to continue handling, or releases pressure, in order to stop handling; and • a radio transmitting unit, configured to emit an activation signal or a deactivation signal, depending on whether the button is in the activated or deactivated state; and - a receiving device, configured for use by the control operator, and comprising: • a radio receiving unit, configured to receive the activation and deactivation signals emitted by the radio transmitting unit(s) of the transmitting device(s); and • an alert device, configured to emit at least one alert signal, for the purpose of stopping the handling by the control operator, if the radio receiving unit receives at least one deactivation signal.

[0007] Thus, the proposed solution reduces the latency in the transfer of instructions between the support operators and the control operator. Indeed, the relay of instructions, between the moment an support operator releases the button and the moment the control operator receives the alert signal, is carried out via radio (wireless) transmission and is therefore almost instantaneous. Furthermore, the latency in the transfer of instructions is also reduced because each support operator has a transmitter device using the deadman's switch principle. In other words, simply releasing the button, i.e., ceasing to press it, generates the almost instantaneous transmission of the deactivation signal, thereby halting the handling operation.

[0008] According to a particular embodiment, the warning device is configured to emit said at least one warning signal if the radio receiving unit does not receive either the deactivation signal or the activation signal from a given transmitting device. Thus, the system is further secured by treating the loss of contact between the receiving device and a transmitting device as a fault triggering an alert, so that the control operator stops handling the aircraft or aircraft part.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, the warning device is configured to emit at least one "no problem" signal if the radio receiving unit receives the activation signal from each given transmitting device. This facilitates the control operator's understanding of the situation, as they constantly have at least one signal available, namely either at least one warning signal or at least one "no problem" signal.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, each signal emitted by the alerting device belongs to the group comprising visual signals, audible signals and tactile signals.

[0011] A method for assisting the handling of an aircraft or part of an aircraft by means of a vehicle controlled by a control operator is also proposed, the assistance method being implemented in a system comprising a receiving device, configured for use by the control operator, and one or more transmitting devices, each configured for use by a separate assistance operator, the method comprising: - in each transmitting device comprising a button and a radio transmission unit: • detect whether the button is in an activated or deactivated state, the button being configured to assume the activated or deactivated state depending on whether the assistance operator maintains pressure on the button, in order to continue handling, or releases pressure, in order to stop handling; and • transmit, via the radio transmitting unit, an activation signal or a deactivation signal, depending on whether the button is in the activated or deactivated state; and - in the receiving device, comprising a radio receiving unit and an alerting device: • receive, via the radio receiving unit, the activation and deactivation signals emitted by the radio transmitting unit(s) of the transmitting device(s); and • emit, using the alert device, at least one alert signal, with a view to stopping the handling by the control operator, if the radio receiving unit receives at least one deactivation signal.

[0012] This process is implemented by the system described above, in any of its embodiments, and therefore offers the same advantages as those described above for the system.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises, in the receiving device: emitting, by means of the alerting device, said at least one alert signal if the radio receiving unit does not receive either the deactivation signal or the activation signal from a given transmitting device.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises, in the receiving device: emitting, by means of the alerting device, at least one signal of no problem, for a given transmitting device, if the radio receiving unit receives the activation signal from the given transmitting device. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of at least one exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0016] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a handling assistance system for a aircraft, according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0017] [Fig.2] illustrates in more detail the receiving device and the transmitting devices of the system according to the embodiment described in [Fig.1];

[0018] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an example of the hardware architecture of each of the emitting devices of the embodiment described in [Fig.1];

[0019] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an example of the device's hardware architecture receiver of the embodiment described in [Fig.1];

[0020] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm executed by each of the emitting devices of the embodiment described in [Fig. 1], within the framework of a method for assisting in the handling of an aircraft; and

[0021] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm executed by the device receiver of the embodiment described in [Fig.1], within the framework of the aforementioned method of assisting in the handling of an aircraft.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

[0023] In relation to [Fig. 1], a handling assistance system for an aircraft 100, carried out by means of a vehicle 101 controlled by a control operator OC, comprises a receiver device R and one or more transmitter devices (two in this example, referenced E1 and E2). The control operator OC cooperates with one or more assistance operators (two in this example, referenced OA1 and OA2) who provide instructions in case of potential hazards.

[0024] The receiving device R is a portable (mobile) and autonomous (equipped) device (from a battery). In one variant, it is a device integrated into the vehicle 1 and is powered either by a battery or by being connected to an electrical power source in the vehicle 101. It is configured for use by the control operator OC. For example, it is placed or fixed, temporarily or permanently, inside the cab of the vehicle 101 (thus reducing external noise interference). It must be sufficiently close to the control operator OC, when the latter is seated in the driver's seat, so that the latter receives signals (visual and / or audible and / or tactile) emitted by an alert device DA included in the receiver device R (see the description of [Fig. 2] below).

[0025] Each transmitting device is a portable (mobile) and self-contained (battery-powered) device, configured for use by a separate support operator. In the example shown in [Fig. 1], support operator OA1 uses the device transmitter El and the assistance operator OA2 uses the transmitter device E2. Each transmitter device has, for example, a size and shape that allows the assistance operator to hold it in their hands and to be able to press a button B1 or B2 included in that transmitter device (see below the description of [Fig.2]).

[0026] In relation to [Fig. 2], the transmitter device El (respectively E2) comprises: - a button B1 (respectively B2), configured to assume an activated or deactivated state, depending on whether the assistance operator OA1 (respectively OA2) maintains pressure on the button, in order to continue handling, or releases the pressure, in order to stop handling (dead man's switch principle: simply releasing the button generates the deactivated state); and - a radio transmitting unit UE1 (respectively UE2), which is configured to receive from button B1 (respectively B2) a signal 201 (respectively 201') on the state ("on" or "off") of the latter, and to transmit a signal 202 (respectively 202') of activation or deactivation, depending on whether button B1 (respectively B2) is in the activated state or in the deactivated state.

[0027] The receiving device R comprises: - a radio receiving unit UR, configured to receive signals 202 and 202' (each being either an activation signal or a deactivation signal) emitted by the radio transmitting units UE1 and UE2 of the transmitting devices El and E2; and - an alert device DA, which is configured to receive from the radio receiving unit UR a signal 203 including information on the nature ("activation" or "deactivation") of the signals 202 and 202' received by the latter, and to emit at least one alert signal, with a view to stopping the handling by the control operator OC, if the radio receiving unit UR receives at least one deactivation signal (i.e. if at least one of the transmitting devices El and E2 has transmitted a deactivation signal).

[0028] To increase the likelihood that the OC control operator is informed of an alert, several alert signals of different types (audible, visual, or tactile) are transmitted, for example, simultaneously. For example, a first visual signal (e.g., a red indicator light) and a first audible signal.

[0029] In one embodiment, the DA warning device is configured to also emit the warning signal(s) if the radio receiving unit UR does not receive either the deactivation signal or the activation signal from a given transmitting device El or E2.

[0030] In one embodiment, the DA warning device is configured to also emit one or more "no problem" signals if the UR radio receiver receives an activation signal from either of the E1 and E2 transmitting devices. To increase the likelihood that the OC control operator is informed of a "no problem" alert, several "no problem" signals of different types (audible, visual, or tactile) are transmitted. For example, a second visual signal (e.g., a green indicator light) and simultaneously a second audible signal.

[0031] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of the hardware architecture of each of the transmitting devices E1 and E2. For the sake of simplicity, the transmitting device E1 is considered as an example. It comprises, connected by a communication bus 310: a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301; a random access memory (RAM) 302; a read-only memory (ROM) 303, for example, Flash memory; a data storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or a storage media reader, such as an SD card reader (Secure Digital) 304; at least one communication interface 305 enabling the transmitting device E1 to interact with external entities; the button B1 taking an activated or deactivated state (as discussed above in relation to Figure 3).2]); and the radio transmitting unit UE1 307 capable of exchanging signals, depending on the state of the Bl button, with the radio receiving unit UR of the receiving device R (as also discussed above in relation to [Fig.2]).

[0032] The processor 301 is capable of executing instructions loaded into RAM 302 from ROM 303, external memory (not shown), a storage medium such as an SD card, or a communication network (not shown). When the transmitting device El is powered on, the processor 301 is able to read instructions from RAM 302 and execute them. These instructions form a computer program causing the processor 301 to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithm described herein (see [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 5]).All or part of the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described here can be implemented in software form by executing a set of instructions by a programmable machine, such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a microcontroller, or implemented in hardware form by a dedicated machine or component (chip) or a dedicated set of components (chipset), such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Generally, the transmitting device El comprises electronic circuitry arranged and configured to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described here.

[0033] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of the hardware architecture of the receiver device R. It comprises, connected by a communication bus 410: a processor or CPU 401; a random access memory RAM 402; a read-only memory ROM 403; a data storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or a storage media reader, such as an SD card reader 404; at least one communication interface 405 enabling the receiver device R to interact with external entities; the radio receiving unit UR 407 capable of receiving the signals transmitted by the radio transmitting units UE1 and UE2 of the transmitting devices E1 and E2 (as discussed above in relation to [Fig.2]); and the warning device DA 406 capable of emitting warning signals according to the signals received by the radio receiving unit UR 407 (as also discussed above in relation to [Fig.2]).

[0034] The processor 401 is capable of executing instructions loaded into RAM 402 from ROM 403, external memory (not shown), a storage medium such as an SD card, or a communication network (not shown). When the receiving device R is powered on, the processor 401 is able to read instructions from RAM 402 and execute them. These instructions form a computer program causing the processor 401 to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithm described herein (see [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 6]).All or part of the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described here can be implemented in software form by executing a set of instructions by a programmable machine, such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a microcontroller, or implemented in hardware form by a dedicated machine or component (chip) or a dedicated set of components (chipset), such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Generally, the receiving device R comprises electronic circuitry arranged and configured to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described here.

[0035] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm executed by each of the transmitting devices El and E2, within the framework of a method for assisting in the handling of an aircraft. For the sake of simplicity, the transmitting device El is considered as an example.

[0036] In a step 501, the transmitting device El detects whether the button B1 is in the activated state.

[0037] In the event of a positive response to the test in step 501, the transmitting device El proceeds to step 502 in which it transmits, through its radio transmitting unit UE1, the activation signal (towards the receiving device R).

[0038] In the negative (i.e. if button B1 is in the deactivated state), the transmitting device El proceeds to step 503 in which it transmits, by means of its radio transmitting unit UE1, the deactivation signal (to the receiving device R).

[0039] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm executed by the receiving device R, within the framework of the aforementioned method of assisting in the handling of an aircraft.

[0040] In a step 601, the receiving device R receives, through its radio receiving unit UR, the activation and deactivation signals emitted by the radio transmitting units UE1 and UE2 of the transmitting devices El and E2.

[0041] In a step 602, the receiving device R detects whether it has received, with its radio receiving unit UR, at least one deactivation signal from the transmitting devices El and E2 (i.e. whether at least one of the transmitting devices El and E2 has transmitted a deactivation signal).

[0042] In the event of a positive response to the test in step 602, the receiving device R proceeds to step 603 in which it emits, with its alerting device DA, at least one alert signal (for example, a first light signal (red color indicator for example) and a first sound signal), with a view to stopping the handling by the control operator.

[0043] In case of a negative response to the test in step 602, the receiving device R proceeds to step 604 in which it detects whether, for at least one of the transmitting devices El and E2, it has received, with its radio receiving unit UR, no signal (i.e. neither the deactivation signal nor the activation signal).

[0044] If there is a positive response to the test in step 604, the receiving device R proceeds to step 603 described above (emission of at least one warning signal with the warning device DA).

[0045] If the test in step 604 fails, the receiving device R proceeds to step 605, in which it transmits, with its alerting device DA, at least one "no problem" signal. It should be noted that a negative test in step 602 combined with a negative test in step 604 means that the receiving device R has received, with its radio receiver unit UR, a deactivation signal from each of the transmitting devices E1 and E2.

[0046] In one variant, the order of test steps 602 and 604 is reversed.

[0047] In another variant, step 604 is replaced by another test step during which the receiving device R detects whether it has received, with its radio receiving unit UR, a deactivation signal from each of the transmitting devices E1 and E2. Then step 605 is carried out if the response to this other test step is positive, and step 603 is carried out if the response to this other test step is negative.

[0048] In this description, "vehicle" means in particular, but not exclusively, a mobile vehicle on the ground (towing and / or towing vehicle), an overhead crane or a gantry.

Claims

Demands

1. System for assisting the handling of an aircraft (100) or part of an aircraft by means of a vehicle (101) controlled by a control operator (CO), the assistance system comprising: - one or more transmitting devices (E1, E2), configured for use by each of a separate assistance operator (OA1, OA2), each transmitting device comprising: • a button (B1, B2), configured to assume an on or off state, depending on whether the assistance operator (OA1, OA2) maintains pressure on the button, for the purpose of continuing handling, or releases pressure, for the purpose of stopping handling; and • a radio transmitting unit (UE1, UE2), configured to transmit an activation signal or a deactivation signal, depending on whether the button (B1, B2) is in the activated or deactivated state;and - a receiving device (R), configured for use by the control operator, and comprising: • a radio receiving unit (UR), configured to receive the activation and deactivation signals emitted by the radio transmitting unit(s) (UE1, UE2) of the transmitting device(s) (E1, E2); and • an alerting device (DA), configured to emit at least one alert signal, for the purpose of stopping the handling by the control operator (OC), if the radio receiving unit (UR) receives at least one deactivation signal.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the warning device (DA) is configured to emit said at least one warning signal if the radio receiving unit (UR) does not receive either the deactivation signal or the activation signal from a given transmitting device.

3. System according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the warning device (DA) is configured to emit at least one no-problem signal if the radio receiving unit (UR) receives the activation information from each transmitting device.

4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each signal emitted by the alerting device (AD) belongs to the group comprising visual signals, audible signals and tactile signals.

5. A method for assisting the handling of an aircraft (100) or part of an aircraft by means of a vehicle (101) controlled by a control operator (CO), the assistance method being implemented in a system comprising a receiving device (R), configured for use by the control operator (CO), and one or more transmitting devices (E1, E2), each configured for use by a separate assistance operator (OA1, OA2), the method comprising: - in each transmitting device (E1, E2), comprising a button (B1, B2) and a radio transmitting unit (UE1, UE2): • detecting (501) whether the button is in an on or off state, the button being configured to assume the on or off state depending on whether the assistance operator (OA1, OA2) maintains pressure on the button, for the purpose of continuing the handling, or releases pressure, for the purpose of of a halt to handling;and • transmit (502, 503), by means of the radio transmitting unit, an activation signal or a deactivation signal, depending on whether the button is in the activated or deactivated state; and - in the receiving device (R), comprising a radio receiving unit (UR) and an alerting device (DA): • receive (601), by means of the radio receiving unit, the activation and deactivation signals emitted by the radio transmitting unit(s) (UE1, UE2) of the transmitting device(s) (E1, E2); and; • emit (603), by means of the alert device, at least one alert signal, with a view to stopping the handling by the control operator, if (602) the radio receiving unit (UR) receives at least one deactivation signal.

6. Method according to claim 5, further comprising, in the receiving device (R): • transmitting (603), by means of the warning device, said at least one warning signal if (604) the radio receiving unit does not receive either the deactivation signal or the activation signal from a given transmitting device.

7. A method according to any one of claims 5 and 6, further comprising, in the receiving device (R): • transmitting (605), by means of the alerting device, at least one no-problem signal if (602, 604) the radio receiving unit receives the activation signal from each given transmitting device.

8. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein each signal emitted by the warning device belongs to the group comprising visual signals, audible signals and tactile signals.

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