Handheld Cockpit Controller With Integrated Keyboard for Mission Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial vehicles face challenges in efficiently and effectively operating under various aerial circumstances due to the complexity of modern missions, which requires improved input devices for pilots to control and manage mission functions.
Innovation Solution
A handheld cockpit mission controller with integrated keyboard, scroll wheel, joystick, and other input devices that can be wirelessly or wiredly interfaced with the aerial vehicle, allowing operators to enter data and control functions from a single portable device, including camera and weapon systems, while providing a display for real-time information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate input devices are used to control aerial vehicle functions, then control capability is comprehensive, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate input devices (keyboard, scroll wheel, joystick, buttons) into a single handheld controller unit. This merging approach maintains comprehensive control capability for camera and weapon systems while reducing the number of separate devices the pilot must manage, thereby decreasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld controller is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: data entry via keyboard, menu navigation via scroll wheel, camera control via joystick, and weapon system control via buttons. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate input devices are used to control aerial vehicle functions, then control capability is comprehensive, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple input devices into one handheld controller, the patent eliminates the weight of separate devices and their mounting structures. The single integrated unit weighs less than the cumulative weight of multiple separate devices while providing equivalent or superior control capability.
3Reliability
If traditional fixed input devices are used in the aerial vehicle, then control stability is good, but operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed, stationary input devices to a dynamic handheld controller that can be moved, repositioned, and operated in various orientations. This dynamic design improves operational flexibility while maintaining control stability through consistent responsive feedback from the aerial vehicle systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate devices are used for data entry and control functions, then functional separation is clear, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data entry functions (keyboard) and control functions (joystick, buttons) into a single handheld device, allowing pilots to perform both tasks without switching between devices. This integration significantly improves operational efficiency by enabling seamless transition between data input and system control.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld controller serves as a universal interface that handles both data entry and control functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the inefficiency of using separate devices for different tasks while maintaining clear functional differentiation through dedicated input mechanisms for each task type.
Data Source
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AI summary
A handheld device and method for entering data and controlling functions of an aerial vehicle are disclosed. The handheld device includes an interface that communicates with a processor and a memory of the aerial vehicle; input devices that receive input from an operator of the handheld device, a display device that displays information related to the input received from the operator via the input devices, and one or more processors. The one or more processors can receive input data from the input devices to modify a field value maintained in the memory of the aerial vehicle. The one or more processors can present, at the display device, an output data corresponding to the input data, and periodically transmit one or more signals to modify the field value maintained in the memory of the aerial vehicle via the interface based on the input data.