Helideck Compass Path Tool for Obstacle-Aware Approaches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots face challenges in navigating helidecks due to surrounding obstacles and adverse weather conditions, which can interfere with helicopter takeoff and landing, and existing systems lack real-time obstacle visualization and path planning tools.
Innovation Solution
A Helideck Flight Path Tool (HFPT) that provides a graphical user interface with a compass ring and obstacle indicators, allowing pilots to visualize obstacles and plan approach and escape paths using enhanced marine object depiction capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pilots rely on visual observation to detect obstacles, then no additional equipment is needed, but obstacle detection capability is insufficient especially in adverse weather and low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of obstacle detection sensors (radar, LIDAR, cameras) and a processing unit that mediates between the environment and the pilot. This intermediary system enhances obstacle detection capability by providing processed obstacle information and flight path recommendations, resolving the contradiction between improved detection and system complexity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual observation system with electronic sensing and computational systems. Sensors detect obstacles electronically, and algorithms compute safe flight paths, substituting human visual processing with automated electronic systems that provide superior detection capability in adverse conditions.
2Reliability
If pilots plan flight paths without real-time obstacle information, then system simplicity is maintained, but flight safety is compromised due to inability to avoid obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-computing multiple potential flight paths and storing obstacle data before flight operations. The system prepares contingency paths in advance, so when obstacles are detected during flight, pre-calculated alternative paths can be immediately deployed without complex real-time computation, thus improving safety while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where obstacle detection sensors continuously monitor the environment, the processing unit analyzes the data, and flight path recommendations are provided to the pilot. This closed-loop feedback system improves flight safety by enabling dynamic path adjustment based on real-time obstacle information.
3Loss of information
If detailed obstacle information is provided to pilots, then situational awareness is improved, but information processing load on pilots increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most critical obstacle information and flight path recommendations from the complete dataset and presents them to the pilot through a simplified interface. The processing unit filters and prioritizes information, extracting essential data such as obstacle location, type, and recommended avoidance paths, thereby reducing information overload while maintaining situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual coding (color changes) to represent different obstacle types, priorities, and flight path options. Critical obstacles are highlighted with distinct colors and symbols, allowing pilots to quickly comprehend obstacle information and system recommendations without processing detailed numerical data, thus reducing operational burden while improving information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a helideck approach path tool. One example system includes an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to determine a helideck identifier and retrieve, from a database storing data on a plurality of helidecks, helideck data corresponding to the helideck identifier. The helideck data includes a helideck azimuth and at least one obstacle characteristic. The electronic processor is configured to generate a graphical user interface including a helideck approach indicator object, which includes a compass ring, a graphical representation of the helideck aligned to the compass ring based on the helideck azimuth, and an obstacle indicator overlaid on the compass ring based on the at least one obstacle characteristic. The electronic processor is configured to present the graphical user interface on a display within the aircraft.