Aircraft Image Projector With Ambient-Brightness Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior aircraft lighting systems are not satisfactory in terms of functionality and efficiency for illuminating portions of the ground below the aircraft, particularly in adjusting light intensity based on ambient conditions to provide clear visibility and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An exterior aircraft image projector with a light source, optical system, photo detector, and controller that adjusts light intensity based on detected brightness levels, using a shutter or transparent image generating element to project images onto the ground, optimizing energy use and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light intensity is increased to improve visibility of projected images on the ground, then the illumination quality improves, but the energy consumption increases and the light source lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a photo detector that continuously monitors the brightness level of the ground and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the light source intensity dynamically based on the detected ambient brightness, ensuring optimal image visibility while minimizing energy consumption. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by automatically adapting light output to actual viewing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from a static fixed-intensity design to a dynamic adjustable-intensity system. The controller modifies the light source intensity in real-time based on ambient light conditions detected by the photo detector, allowing the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions and optimize both visibility and energy efficiency throughout operation.
2Reliability
If the light intensity is increased to provide clear visibility of projected images, then the image recognition improves, but the light source longevity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The photo detector continuously monitors ground brightness and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts light source intensity accordingly. This ensures that the projected images maintain sufficient brightness for reliable recognition without consistently operating at maximum intensity, thereby reducing stress on the light source and extending its operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operating parameters of the light source based on ambient light conditions. By adjusting intensity levels according to the photo detector's measurements, the system maintains reliable image visibility when needed while operating at lower intensities during brighter conditions, thus preserving light source longevity.
3Reliability
If a fixed high intensity light output is used to ensure visibility in all conditions, then the visibility reliability improves, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a photo detector to monitor ambient brightness levels and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the light source intensity dynamically, using high intensity only when necessary (in dark conditions) and reducing intensity when ambient light is sufficient, thereby eliminating energy waste while maintaining visibility reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from a static fixed-high-intensity operation to a dynamic adaptive operation. The controller continuously adjusts light output based on real-time environmental conditions detected by the photo detector, ensuring reliable visibility when needed while minimizing energy consumption during periods when natural light provides adequate illumination.
4Illumination intensity
If the light source operates at maximum intensity continuously, then the illumination coverage improves, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photo detector continuously monitors ground brightness levels and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts the light source intensity accordingly. This ensures that maximum illumination is provided only when ambient light conditions require it, reducing operational energy costs while maintaining adequate ground illumination for safe operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts light output based on ambient lighting conditions rather than operating continuously at maximum intensity. The controller modifies the light source operation in real-time based on photo detector input, optimizing the balance between ground illumination quality and operational energy expenditure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Efficiently projects recognizable images onto the ground with adjustable intensity, reducing energy consumption and extending light source lifespan, while providing clear visibility under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a photo detector arranged to detect a brightness level of said at least one of the ground portion below the aircraft and configured to provide a corresponding brightness signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical system configured for transforming the light output of the at least one light source into a light beam and projecting said light beam onto said at least one of the ground portion below the aircraft
Data Source
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AI summary
An exterior aircraft image projector (2), which is configured to be installed on an aircraft (100) for projecting an image onto at least one of a ground portion below the aircraft (100) and an exterior surface portion of the aircraft (100), comprises at least one light source (4), providing a light output in operation; an optical system (6) configured for transforming the light output of the at least one light source (4) into a light beam (7) and projecting said light beam (7) onto said at least one of the ground portion below the aircraft (100) and the exterior surface portion of the aircraft (100); a photo detector (10) arranged to detect a brightness level (lambient) of said at least one of the ground portion below the aircraft (100) and the exterior surface portion of the aircraft (100) and configured to provide a corresponding brightness signal; and a controller (12), coupled to the photo detector (10) and the at least one light source (4), the controller (12) being configured to control an intensity of the light output of the at least one light source (4) as a function of the brightness level (lambient), as provided by the photo detector (10) via the brightness signal.