Avionics Interface Device Multimodal Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current man-machine interfaces in aircraft cockpits offer limited modes of interaction between pilots and electronic equipment, restricting the ability to process diverse user signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
An avionics installation with an electronic interface device that connects avionics systems to sensors, enabling multimodal interactions by interpreting various signals and activating appropriate sensors based on predefined rules, allowing for more comprehensive signal processing and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical interactive means (rotary switches, contactors, push buttons) are used in aircraft cockpits, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the modes of interaction between user and electronic equipment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic interface device serves multiple functions: it detects signals from various sensors (microphone, camera, touch screen, mechanical switches), processes different signal types, determines appropriate avionics systems based on predefined rules, and transmits signals accordingly. This multi-functional approach enables diverse interaction modes while consolidating complexity into a single versatile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic interface device acts as an intermediary between sensors and avionics systems. It receives signals from multiple sensor types, processes them according to predefined rules, and transmits appropriate signals to corresponding avionics systems. This mediator role enables flexible interaction modes without requiring direct complex connections between each sensor and avionics system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and signal processing capabilities are integrated to enable diverse interaction modes, then the adaptability and versatility of the system improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic interface device is organized into distinct functional modules: a detection module for receiving signals from various sensors, a determination module for processing signals and determining target avionics systems based on predefined rules, and a transmission module for sending signals to avionics systems. This segmentation manages complexity by dividing functions into manageable, specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a database storing predefined rules that are established in advance. These rules define the relationships between different signal types, sensors, and target avionics systems. By pre-configuring these rules, the system can handle diverse interaction modes without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic, thus managing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system processes only a limited set of predefined signals, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to interpret diverse user signals is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The determination module is designed to handle multiple signal types from different sensors (audio from microphone, visual from camera, touch from touch screen, mechanical from switches). It processes these diverse signals through a unified approach using predefined rules stored in a database, enabling versatile signal interpretation without requiring separate complex processing logic for each signal type.
Data Source
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AI summary
This electronic interface device (20) between at least one avionics system (14) and a set (16) of sensors (18), each avionics system and the sensors being suitable for connection to the interface device, is intended to be installed on board an aircraft (12). It comprises a module (30) for detecting a first signal emitted by a user (26) or electronic equipment (28) and received by a first sensor of the set; a module (32) for activating at least one second sensor of the set, for receiving a second signal from the user or electronic equipment, each second sensor being determined based on the first signal and predefined determination rules; a module (34) for acquiring the second signal received by each second sensor; and a module (36) for generating a message corresponding to the second signal and transmitting said message to one or more avionics systems.