LRU Display Calibration for Night Vision Harmonization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with multiple onboard displays from different manufacturers and technologies complicate cockpit integration and night vision operations due to varying performance characteristics, leading to potential saturation and impairment of night vision.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for harmonizing display characteristics across components using calibration information derived from curve fitting, stored in a data storage element, to automatically adjust display drivers based on input commands, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different manufacturers' LRUs are used with varying technologies, then device versatility and operator preferences are satisfied, but display performance characteristics vary causing cockpit integration complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting display output characteristics (brightness, contrast, color temperature) through software-based calibration parameters. Each LRU stores and applies specific calibration data to normalize its output, transforming the physical display parameters to achieve uniform appearance across different hardware platforms without requiring hardware modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration layer between the common control signal and the display output. This calibration data acts as a mediator that translates the universal control signal into manufacturer-specific adjustments, allowing different LRU technologies to respond uniformly to the same control commands while maintaining their inherent technological characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual calibration methods are used for each LRU, then display harmonization is achieved, but time consumption and manual overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calibrating each LRU type during manufacturing or initial setup. The calibration data is stored in the LRU's memory, so when the LRU is installed or powered on, it automatically applies the pre-determined calibration parameters without requiring real-time manual adjustment. This transforms a time-consuming manual process into an automated instantaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service calibration where each LRU automatically identifies itself, retrieves its specific calibration data from storage, and applies the appropriate parameters without external intervention. The control system automatically manages the calibration process by querying each LRU and applying the correct calibration profile, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional hardware components are added to standardize displays, then display uniformity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware-based calibration approach with a software/firmware solution. Instead of adding physical adjustment mechanisms, voltage regulators, or hardware equalization circuits, the invention uses digital calibration parameters stored in memory that are applied through software control. This substitution eliminates additional hardware while achieving the same uniformity goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves display uniformity by changing the operational parameters of existing display components through software control rather than modifying the hardware architecture. By adjusting parameters like brightness levels, contrast ratios, and color profiles through calibration data, the system achieves uniform output without adding hardware components.
4Reliability
If legacy LRUs are replaced with newer technologies, then display performance is improved, but performance variations across different LRU generations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a common calibration framework that works across multiple LRU generations and technologies. The same calibration methodology and data structure are applied universally to legacy and modern LRUs alike, allowing the system to manage diverse hardware platforms through a single unified approach without requiring technology-specific calibration procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, devices and systems are provided for harmonizing output display characteristics of one component with those of other components onboard a vehicle, such as an aircraft. A line-replaceable unit (LRU) suitable includes a display driver to be coupled to a display command bus, a data storage element to maintain calibration information for the display driver, and a control module coupled to the display driver and the data storage element to identify a current state of an input command signal from the display command bus, identify an adjustment for the display driver based on the calibration information using the current state of the input command signal, and automatically operate the display driver in accordance with the adjustment.