Aircraft Image Processing With Multi-Detail Perspective Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for data transmission to display devices in aircraft operations only address partial aspects of the operation, failing to accommodate the multifaceted tasks of pilots, such as controlling their own aircraft and remote-controlled UAVs, by effectively switching between egocentric and exocentric views under unpredictable conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method for providing image data sets with at least two levels of detail, allowing simultaneous reproduction of image elements on display devices, with the ability to switch between egocentric and exocentric perspectives and adjust levels of detail dynamically, using sensor modules, database modules, and receiving modules to adapt to the operator's needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple data subsets with different levels of detail are transmitted to display devices, then the operator receives comprehensive information for complex tasks, but the data transmission complexity and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different operational scenariosVSAvoidcomplexity of data transmission system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image data set into multiple data subsets, each representing a different level of detail (e.g., first data subset with high detail, second data subset with low detail). This segmentation allows the system to transmit only the necessary portion of data based on operational needs, reducing overall transmission complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which data subsets to transmit based on operational context. The image processing unit can adaptively adjust the level of detail transmitted for different image elements, switching between high-detail and low-detail representations depending on the operational scenario, thus balancing adaptability with system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If high-resolution image data is transmitted for all image elements, then the operator receives detailed information, but the data transmission time and bandwidth requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetail of image informationVSAvoiddata transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting high-detail data only for specific image elements that require it (e.g., critical flight parameters or areas of interest), while transmitting low-detail data for other image elements. This selective approach maintains measurement precision where needed while significantly reducing overall data transmission time and bandwidth requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system transmits only the necessary portion of data rather than complete high-resolution data for all image elements. By providing partial detail (low-detail data) for non-critical elements and full detail only where required, the system reduces transmission time while maintaining sufficient information quality for operational decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the system provides multiple perspectives (egocentric and exocentric views) simultaneously, then the operator maintains comprehensive situation awareness, but the information processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesituation awareness continuityVSAvoidcomplexity of image processing unit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple perspectives (egocentric and exocentric views) into a unified image data set that is processed and transmitted as integrated information. The image processing unit combines data from different sensor modules and perspectives, presenting a cohesive view that maintains situation awareness while managing processing complexity through unified data structures and processing pipelines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260100032A1Method, Control Programme, Computer-Readable Data Carrier And Image Processing Unit For Providing An Image Dataset And Apparatus With Same
Publication Date: 2026.04.09 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • US20260100032A1 patent drawing
  • US20260100032A1 patent drawing
  • US20260100032A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for providing an image data set from an image processing unit of an apparatus, such as an aircraft, to at least one display device for operators (P) of the apparatus, a control program, a computer-readable data carrier, an image processing unit for an apparatus, in particular an aircraft, are proposed, wherein the image data set includes at least two levels of detail of at least one image element obtained from a sensor module, a database module and/or a receiving module.