Mission System Gripping Means for Operator Stability in Moving Carriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mission systems face challenges in constrained environments due to high inertia of trackballs and limitations of touch screens, which make it difficult for operators to perform precise actions amidst movements, vibrations, and reduced hand availability, leading to operator fatigue and reduced field of action.

Innovation Solution

A mission system with integrated gripping means and strategically positioned interaction objects, allowing operators to hold the device firmly and perform actions with precision using thumbs and other fingers, minimizing fatigue and maintaining balance in hectic conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a trackball is used as input device, then insensitivity to wearer movements is improved, but operator effort to move pointer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsensitivity to wearer movementsVSAvoidoperator effort to move pointer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical trackball system with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) based system. The IMU uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect carrier movements and automatically adjusts the pointer position on the display, eliminating the need for manual trackball manipulation while maintaining insensitivity to operator movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic pointer positioning by detecting carrier movements through the IMU and adjusting the display accordingly. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention, reducing operator effort while maintaining reliable operation in moving environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If touch screen with large interaction objects is used, then ease of operation in moving conditions is improved, but precision of action initiation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operation in moving conditionsVSAvoidprecision of action initiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the size and position of interaction objects on the touch screen based on detected carrier movements. During periods of high movement, interaction objects are enlarged and simplified for easier operation. When movements subside, the system restores finer control capabilities, thus adapting to changing operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of interaction objects (size, position, complexity) based on the dynamic state of the carrier. The IMU detects movement levels and automatically adjusts the graphical user interface parameters to optimize both ease of operation and precision according to current conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If operator must hold carrier structure, then stability of operator position is improved, but field of action deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of operator positionVSAvoidfield of action

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mission information display, serves as a touch interface for control, and acts as a handhold structure. By integrating these functions into a single device, the operator can maintain stability by holding the display while still having full access to all control functions through touch interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the display device with gripping elements, merging the information presentation function with the physical support function. This integration allows the operator to use one hand to hold the display steady while using the other hand for precise touch interactions, thereby maintaining both stability and field of action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Illumination intensity

If display device is positioned for optimal viewing, then visibility of information is improved, but accessibility of control elements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of informationVSAvoidaccessibility of control elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is positioned at an angle and elevated above the operator, utilizing the vertical and angular dimensions. Control elements are arranged in a circular pattern around the display, allowing operators to access controls from various angles while maintaining optimal viewing position. This spatial arrangement resolves the conflict between visibility and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2715507B1Mission system adapted for use in a strongly disturbed environment perturbed by movements of the carrier

Publication Date: 2018.07.04 THALES SA

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AI summary

Mission system (1) able to be fixed in a carrier, comprising at least a display device (10) displaying at least mission data, processing means allowing the execution of applications, and an interfacing with said display device (10) and with means of input, the mission system (1) furthermore comprising gripping means (16) disposed in proximity to the display device (10) so that an operator can with at least one of his hands deploy the means of input whilst grasping the mission system (1) via said gripping means (16).