Aircraft Ground Visualization System Using 220-Degree Camera Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots face challenges in visualizing the landing area and obstacles during aircraft landing and takeoff, especially in unprepared areas with limited visibility due to the partial view of the ground and obscured landing gear contact points.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an image capture device, attitude measuring device, height measuring device, and display unit that provides a 360° horizontal and 180° vertical representation of the area flown over, including a horizon circle and symbol representing the aircraft, allowing pilots to visualize their position and attitude relative to the landing area and obstacles in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a transparent area is installed at the pilot's feet to allow viewing the ground, then the pilot can see the ground, but the view remains partial and the observable area dimensions reduce as the aircraft approaches the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the ground area and displays it on a screen in the cockpit. This creates a visual copy of the ground environment that the pilot can view, replacing the limited direct visual perspective through the transparent area with a comprehensive captured image that maintains full ground area visibility regardless of aircraft height.
2Loss of information
If a landing point indication system with camera and screen is used, then the pilot can visualize the area below, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single system: the camera captures ground images, the attitude measuring device determines aircraft orientation, the computer processes both inputs to calculate projected positions, and the display screen presents combined information. This multi-functional integration achieves comprehensive landing area visualization while managing system complexity through unified processing.
3Measurement precision
If the aircraft symbol position is calculated based on both first and second reference points, then the accuracy of position representation improves, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary processing unit that receives data from both the camera (second reference point) and the attitude measuring device (first reference point), then calculates and determines the accurate projected position of the aircraft symbol. This intermediary approach consolidates multiple data sources into a single accurate position representation, managing calculation complexity through centralized processing.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for assisting the piloting of an aircraft near an overflying area. The method comprises steps for determining the attitude and altitude of the aircraft, capturing an image of the overflying area using a camera positioned beneath the aircraft, and displaying on a display device (15) a representation (20) of the overflying area covering an angular field of at least 220° in a vertical plane. The method also includes steps for calculating a first position (33) and a second position (113) on the representation (20) of vertical projections of reference points of the aircraft and the camera onto the overflying area as a function of the attitude and altitude.Finally, steps are taken to display a symbol (21) representing said aircraft and positioned on said first position (33), as well as a horizon circle (25) representing an artificial horizon line and centered on said second position (113).