Cockpit Color Calibration Using Real-Time Projected Image Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Flight simulators struggle with accurately replicating cockpit colors due to differences between projected and desired colors, which are often corrected through tedious and inefficient periodic calibrations that interrupt simulation exercises.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for color calibration in flight simulators that calibrate the headset display in real-time using sensors mounted on or near the headset, adjusting colors based on chromaticity and luminance differences between the projected and expected images, allowing calibration during use without interrupting the simulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If periodic calibration is performed to correct color differences, then color accuracy is improved, but simulation exercise continuity deteriorates due to interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidsimulation exercise continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system transitions from static periodic calibration to dynamic real-time calibration. Sensors continuously monitor color output and the controller dynamically adjusts calibration parameters during operation, allowing calibration to occur without interrupting simulation exercises. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable and responsive to color drift as it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous color calibration during simulation exercises through real-time sensor monitoring and controller adjustment. Rather than stopping calibration during use, the system performs calibration continuously in the background, ensuring both color accuracy and uninterrupted simulation flow. The useful action of calibration becomes continuous rather than periodic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual calibration procedures are used to achieve color fidelity, then color accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor fidelityVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system becomes self-service through automatic sensor-based detection and controller-driven adjustment. The sensors autonomously monitor color output and the controller automatically applies corrections without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates the time-consuming manual calibration process while maintaining high color fidelity, as the system calibrates itself in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor actual color output and feed this information back to the controller, which then adjusts calibration parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid automatic calibration, dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual procedures while achieving superior color accuracy through iterative real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If real-time calibration is implemented using sensors and controllers, then calibration efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces sensors as intermediary components that mediate between the projection device and the calibration controller. These sensors automatically capture color data and transmit it to the controller, which then processes the information and applies corrections. This intermediary approach streamlines the calibration process, improving efficiency while keeping the added complexity manageable through modular sensor and controller integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures accurate color reproduction in flight simulators, meeting certification standards while minimizing disruption to the simulation process by dynamically adjusting colors based on measured properties of the headset.

Implementation Method 1

A calibration controller calibrates a color of the simulated image based on the sensed projected image while the projected image is displayed to the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChromaticity detection:

Implementation Method 2

perform calibration based on differences in chromaticity and luminance between the expected image and the projected image actually visible to the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLuminance detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250384797A1Fidelity of cockpit colors with automatic color calibration

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 LOFT DYNAMICS AG

AI summary

A system and method for color calibration in a visual simulation includes a simulator having a projection device. A simulation computer provides a simulated image to the projection device. The projection device converts the simulated image to a projected image, and displays the projected image to a user. At least one sensor receives the projected image displayed to the user. A calibration controller calibrates a color of the simulated image based on the sensed projected image while the projected image is displayed to the user.