Aircraft Obstacle Detection Using Sight Angle Guard Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low altitude piloting of aircraft is challenging, especially in poor visibility conditions, as existing systems rely on visual observation and lack effective distance information, leading to difficulties in identifying and avoiding obstacles, and existing guard curve methods may not accurately determine the most dangerous obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines a 'main' guard curve based on aircraft maneuvering capabilities, compares obstacles' sight angles to this curve, and communicates the most dangerous obstacle to the pilot, prioritizing sight angle over height differences to ensure accurate obstacle identification and avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pilot relies on visual observation and external aids to detect obstacles, then the pilot can identify potential obstacles, but the pilot lacks accurate distance information and has difficulty evaluating obstacle danger under poor visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pilot's visual observation system with an electronic detection system comprising telescopic cameras and telemeter detectors. These electronic devices provide automated obstacle detection and measurement, eliminating the limitations of human visual perception under poor visibility conditions and providing precise distance information without requiring good visual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a piloting assistance device as an intermediary between the obstacle detection systems and the pilot. This device processes data from multiple sensors, calculates guard curves, determines dangerous obstacles, and presents processed information to the pilot, thereby transforming raw sensor data into actionable safety information.
2Reliability
If the piloting assistance device uses traditional guard curve methods comparing obstacle height to the curve, then obstacles above the curve are identified as dangerous, but the method may not accurately determine the most dangerous obstacle when multiple obstacles are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the traditional guard curve method by incorporating the sight angle dimension. Instead of solely comparing obstacle height to the guard curve, the system evaluates obstacles in three dimensions: height above the curve, angular position, and sight angle. This multi-dimensional assessment provides a more accurate determination of the most dangerous obstacle by considering the aircraft's maneuvering geometry and the pilot's field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the assessment parameters from simple height comparison to a composite evaluation including height difference, angular position, and sight angle. By varying these parameters and their weights, the system can dynamically determine which obstacle poses the greatest danger based on the aircraft's current state and maneuvering capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the pilot follows the procedure to keep the speed vector on the safety curve, then the aircraft can avoid obstacles above the curve, but the pilot may still encounter dangerous obstacles during turning maneuvers or when not complying with the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of multiple potential guard curves corresponding to different maneuvering scenarios and obstacle configurations. By pre-computing these curves and having them ready for display, the system provides the pilot with advance guidance for various possible situations, enabling proactive obstacle avoidance rather than reactive responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the aircraft's position relative to the displayed guard curve and the identified most dangerous obstacle. The system provides real-time feedback to the pilot through visual displays, alerting the pilot when the aircraft deviates from the safe path or when new dangerous obstacles appear, thereby maintaining continuous situational awareness and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assisting low altitude piloting of an aircraft and comprising determining at least one main guard curve, determining all of the obstacles present in at least one search zone, and performing a comparison between a top of each obstacle of a search zone and the main guard curve. In order to perform the comparison, if at least one “potentially dangerous” obstacle is situated above the main guard curve in a search zone, then, for each potentially dangerous obstacle, a sight angle (α) is determined for the top of the potentially dangerous obstacle, and it is considered that the most dangerous obstacle is the potentially dangerous obstacle presenting the greatest sight angle (α).