Aerial Refueling Camera System for Reducing Boom Operator Judgment Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human error by the boom operator in judging the distance, closure rate, and position of the receiver aircraft during aerial refueling can lead to repeated attempts and inefficiencies in guiding the aircraft into the refueling envelope, potentially impacting mission timelines.
Innovation Solution
A system on the refueling aircraft that includes cameras for real-time imaging of the receiver aircraft, a processor to generate command signals based on the aircraft type and closure rate, and a visual indicator system to provide clear flight adjustments to the pilot, reducing operator judgment errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the boom operator uses judgmental distance and closure rate to provide visual commands, then the system can operate with simple equipment, but human error and misjudgment increase leading to repeated attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual judgment system with an automated image processing system. Cameras capture images of the receiver aircraft, and computer vision algorithms automatically measure distance and closure rate, eliminating human judgment errors while maintaining relatively simple hardware equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by having the receiver aircraft's own visual characteristics (as captured by cameras) automatically provide guidance information. The image processing system extracts guidance commands directly from visual data without requiring operator intervention in the measurement process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If repeated refueling attempts are made due to misjudgment, then the system can adapt to different conditions, but mission time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback through real-time image capture and processing. The system continuously monitors the receiver aircraft's position and closure rate, providing immediate guidance commands that prevent misjudgment and eliminate the need for repeated attempts, thereby saving mission time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and guidance generation before the actual refueling contact. By pre-calculating the appropriate guidance commands based on captured images, the system ensures the receiver aircraft enters the refueling envelope correctly on the first attempt, preventing time-consuming repetitions.
3Ease of operation
If the boom operator provides visual commands based on judgment, then the system remains simple to operate, but measurement precision of distance and closure rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual measurement with automated computer vision technology. Cameras capture precise positional data, and image processing algorithms calculate distance and closure rate with high accuracy, eliminating the imprecision inherent in operator judgment while keeping the overall system operationally simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A refueling system and method for use with a refueling tanker aircraft. The system and method involves the use of a camera system to provide imaging information concerning a receiver aircraft to the processor. The processor uses the imaging information to derive closure rate and distance information for the receiver aircraft as it approaches a refueling envelope prior to contact with a refueling boom. The processor also makes use of information from a look-up table to generate commands that are tailored to the specific type of aircraft being refueled. The commands are applied to a pilot's director lights display that generates visual commands or signals (e.g., “UP”, “DOWN”, “LEFT”, “RIGHT”) that assist the pilot of the receiver aircraft in guiding his/her aircraft toward and into the refueling envelope at a desired closure rate. The system and method eliminates potential error in the pre-contact phase of a refueling operation by eliminating judgment decisions by a boom operator when generating the commands for the pilot's director lights display.