Independently integrable head up display upgrade device for combat aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for upgrading the head-up display (HUD) systems of combat aircraft. The device comprises an image analysis unit that can analyze the projected image projected reflected on the existing HUD screen, an image integrator unit, and a transparent display screen used instead of the existing final display reflector. The proposed device detects graphical and alphanumeric displays projected onto the existing head-up display screen via the graphical display reader, combines them with the incoming data coming from its own calculator, and transfers the results to its own transparent display screen.

Description

[0001] INDEPENDENTLY INTEGRABLE HEAD UP DISPLAY UPGRADE DEVICE FOR COMBAT AIRCRAFT

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to aircraft avionics systems. The invention more particularly relates to avionics systems used in military combat aircrafts. The invention relates to upgrading combat aircrafts, which have reflective head up displays with equivalent modem transparent displays.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] Head-Up Displays (HUDs) are a technology that projects information onto the front windshield to help pilots control the aircraft and focus on targets. They are used in combat jets to increase situational awareness by projecting important information directly onto the pilot's line of sight during flight. These systems usually project information onto a reflective surface of the windshield, allowing the pilot to focus on important data during flight. HUDs are often used to display the aircraft's speed, altitude, heading, location of targets, and other important information. This information is visible independently of the pilot's perspective during flight, allowing the pilot to access important data without having to look down. This also allows the pilot to control the aircraft and observe their surroundings without distracting themselves from the cockpit displays. HUDs are used on a variety of aircraft types, from fighter jets to commercial aircrafts, and are considered an important tool for pilots to increase safety and flight efficiency.

[0006] HUD systems generally consist of the following basic parts:

[0007] Projection Unit: An optical system used to project information. This unit is designed to accurately project information onto a reflective surface of glass.

[0008] Data Source: A data source that provides the information to be projected onto the HUD. This source comes from the aircraft’s avionics systems, flight computers, or external sources. Information such as speed, altitude, compass heading, and location of targets come from this data source.

[0009] Display Data: The set of information that HUD reflects. These sets of data can be information such as flight speed, altitude, compass direction, and location of targets displayed graphically or as a text. This information can usually be in the form of symbols, numbers, or text. Optical Reflector: An optical reflector that allows information to be accurately reflected on the glass surface. This reflector allows information to be seen regardless of the pilot's perspective. Control Electronics: An electronic system that controls the operation of the HUD. This system processes the information from the data source, creates appropriate images, and transfers them to the projection unit.

[0010] In the state of the art, there are studies on improving and modernizing HUD systems. However, there is no existing application that allows the display of external payload information on a head-up display using an equivalent indicator without causing a loss in the existing display content.

[0011] In the state of the art, document US7603209B2 describes a display system and a method for aircrafts. The terrain under the flight plan or the terrain under the current route of the aircraft is displayed simultaneously as both a two-dimensional lateral situation view image and a perspective vertical situation view image. The display device is connected to a processor, which receives image formation display commands, and in response to these commands, a two- dimensional lateral situation view image and a perspective vertical situation view image are simultaneously generated.

[0012] In the state of the art, document EP2818910A1 discloses a display device used for displaying an image to a viewer and a device comprising an optical waveguide. The device reflects the image-carrying light and the external light to the viewer simultaneously, allowing the imagecarrying light to be superimposed on the external light for viewing by the viewer. The coupler and waveguide are directed towards each other to efficiently cover the area, despite the restriction of the degree exit angle of the light from the waveguide. The coupler is constructed with wavelength-selective coating to increase efficiency by increasing the reflection of wavelengths used by an imaging device, while still allowing the external scene to be transmitted.

[0013] In the state of the art, document WO2011018655 A2 discloses a head up display device designed using simple optical devices. The device includes a beam steering arrangement for directing the projected image at the output of a signal processing system, and a pupil tracking arrangement for following the pupil of the user. The pupil tracking arrangement includes a light detector and a mirror arrangement. The mirror actuator repositions the mirror arrangement in response to signals from the light detector, so that the projected image is directed to the pupil of the user as the user adjusts their eye line.

[0014] Technical Problem That the Invention Aims to Solve

[0015] The invention displays all the symbologies that the pilot needs on the head up display for combat aircraft, while providing the opportunity to implement national payload display requirements without causing any loss in the existing display content.

[0016] Explanation of the Figures

[0017] Figure 1 : A representative display of the operation process of the device inside the aircraft.

[0018] Explanation of References in the Figures

[0019] (1). HUD Unit

[0020] (2). Cathode Ray Tube

[0021] (3). Lenses

[0022] (4). Image Analysis Unit

[0023] (5). Image Integrator Unit

[0024] (6). Head Up Transparent Display Unit

[0025] Description of the Invention

[0026] The invention is a device for updating the head up display (HUD) systems of combat aircraft. The invention processes the optical image transmitted to the head up display of the aircraft and listens to the internal data communication path. The invention creates an indicator for the situational awareness of the pilot. The device analyzes the projection image projected on the existing HUD screen via an image analysis unit. It transfers the image created by the device’s own calculator and data routing unit to the transparent display screen, which is used instead of the existing final display reflector.

[0027] The device includes, an Image Analysis Unit (4), Image Integrator Unit (5) and a Head Up Transparent LCD Display Unit (6), placed on the existing HUD unit. The device fulfills the MIL-STD 1760 power and MIL-STD-1553 data requirements of military standards for combat aircrafts. The device processes and analyzes all flight and tactical situation symbols in the images created on the cathode ray tube (2) and lenses (3) currently used in the HUD and through the camera and processor located on the Image Analysis Unit (4). The device has the ability to display all elements in the image on its own transparent screen (6) by combining them with the external payload requirements and additional information from the aircraft with the Image Integrator Unit (5). The device has the ability to delete and / or modify conflicting elements / symbols in the image analyzed by the Image Analysis Unit (4) based on the information received from an external load, using the Image Integrator Unit (5). Image Integrator Unit (5) is responsible for computation and data routing. The device has the ability to display original symbols for flight and tactical situation awareness on its transparent screen. The indicator symbols created on the reflective display screen can be repeated on the device's own transparent screen.

[0028] The device obtains power and data requirements via the military standard data bus of the combat aircraft.

[0029] With the innovation this device introduces to existing HUD systems, it can be integrated into combat aircraft with reflective head-up displays, enabling the incorporation of external information through its own components while performing the same function. This will make it possible to add the desired flexibility and customization to HUD systems. In this way, pilots will be able to customize the visibility and layout of the symbols according to their own preferences.

[0030] Industrial Applicability

[0031] The invention could be applied to combat aircraft with reflective head up displays, which would perform the same function by adding external information through their own components.

Claims

CLAIMS1. It is a head-up display upgrade device that can be integrated into combat aircraft comprising, at least one Image Analysis Unit (4) that processes and analyzes all flight and tactical status symbols in the images created on the cathode ray tube (2) and lenses (3) through the camera and processor on it, at least one Image Integrator Unit (5) that combines all elements in the image of the external payload requirements with additional information coming from the aircraft, at least one Head Up Transparent Display Unit (6) which can display the image coming from the Image Integrator Unit (5), places on the existing HUD unit.

2. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it uses the Image Integrator Unit (5) to delete / modify conflicting elements / symbols in the image analyzed by the Image Analysis Unit (4) based on information received from the external payload.

3. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it fulfills its power and data requirements through the military standard power and data bus of the combat aircraft.

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