EVS Overlay Transparency for Pilot Workload Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots face challenges in determining the reliability of Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) during aircraft approach phases, particularly in transitioning from reliance on Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) to EVS, which can lead to increased workload and attention demand due to the need for intuitive evaluation of image reliability under varying visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically determine the reliability of EVS by comparing image flow velocities between EVS and SVS images, allowing the EVS image to fade in or out based on predefined intensity levels, ensuring accurate and reliable presentation to the pilot without compromising pilot attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the EVS image is overlaid on the SVS image, then the pilot can see both real-time sensor data and synthetic vision information, but the portion of the SVS image below the EVS image may not be visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency adjustments to the EVS image overlay, dynamically modifying its opacity based on reliability metrics. When EVS reliability is high, the overlay becomes more transparent to reveal more SVS information below; when reliability is low, the overlay becomes more opaque to maintain visibility of the EVS data itself. This resolves the contradiction by using visual property changes (transparency) to balance information visibility against reliability.
2Reliability
If the pilot manually evaluates image reliability, then the pilot can determine when to transition from SVS to EVS, but the pilot workload and attention demand increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs reliability evaluation by comparing image flow velocities between EVS and SVS feeds, eliminating the need for manual pilot assessment. The processor computes reliability metrics and dynamically adjusts the EVS image transparency based on these computed values, allowing the system to serve itself in the evaluation process rather than requiring pilot intervention. This resolves the contradiction by automating the reliability determination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors image flow velocity differences between EVS and SVS and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the overlay transparency. The reliability metric serves as feedback that automatically controls the display characteristics, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing visibility conditions without increasing pilot workload. This resolves the contradiction by implementing automated feedback-based control.
3Illumination intensity
If the EVS image is displayed at high intensity, then the real-time topography is clearly visible, but the underlying SVS image information becomes obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of EVS image transparency based on computed reliability metrics derived from image flow velocity comparisons. Rather than using a fixed intensity or transparency level, the system continuously adapts the EVS overlay properties according to real-time reliability assessments. This resolves the contradiction by making the transparency dynamic rather than static, allowing optimal balance between EVS visibility and SVS information preservation under varying conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments for displaying first and second images to a pilot of an aircraft are presented. The embodiments include, but are not limited to, obtaining a first image signal and a second image signal, commanding a display unit to display a first image on a display screen corresponding to the first signal, and computing an image moving velocity of the first image. The method further comprises estimating an image flow velocity for the second image based on the second image signal and comparing the image moving velocity of the first image to the image flow velocity of the second image. After the comparison, the display unit is commanded to display the second image overlaid on the first image, and commanding the display unit to establish an intensity of the second image within a predefined range based upon the comparison.