Aircraft Image Data Layout for Multi-Detail Perspective Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for data transmission to display devices in aircraft operations only address one aspect of the operator's tasks, failing to accommodate the multifaceted responsibilities of pilots, particularly in combat situations where quick switching between egocentric and exocentric perspectives is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A method for providing image data sets with at least two levels of detail from an image processing unit to display devices, allowing simultaneous display of different sections with selectable levels of detail, and enabling seamless switching between egocentric and exocentric views using a control program and computer-readable data carrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple image data sets with different levels of detail are transmitted to display devices, then the operator's situational awareness and perceptual speed are improved, but the data transmission complexity and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesituational awarenessVSAvoiddata transmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments image data into multiple levels of detail (LOD), where different sections of the image data set are provided with selectable levels of detail. This allows the system to transmit only the necessary amount of data for each region, improving situational awareness without overwhelming the transmission system with unnecessary detail everywhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different sections of the image data set to have different levels of detail. Critical areas can be transmitted with high detail while less critical areas use lower detail, optimizing the balance between information quality and transmission complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If egocentric and exocentric image data sets are transmitted simultaneously to different display devices, then the operator can switch between perspectives quickly, but the system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperspective switching speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the same image processing unit to generate and transmit both egocentric and exocentric image data sets through a unified system. This allows quick switching between perspectives without requiring separate dedicated systems for each view type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the system to adaptively switch between different perspective types (egocentric/exocentric) and different levels of detail based on operational requirements. The control program dynamically determines which data sets to transmit to which display devices, enabling flexible perspective switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4664074A1Method, control program, computer-readable storage medium and image processing unit for providing an image data set and apparatus having same
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP4664074A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4664074A1 patent drawingFigure 3I~3III
  • EP4664074A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A device for providing an image data set (D) from an image processing unit (2) of an apparatus (1), such as an aircraft, to at least one display device (11, 12) for operators (P) of the apparatus (1), a control program (30), a computer-readable data carrier (31, 32, 33), an image processing unit (2) for an apparatus (1), in particular an aircraft, are proposed, wherein the image data set (D) comprises at least two levels of detail (H, I, L) of at least one image element (E) obtained from a sensor module (23), a database module (22), and/or a receiver module (24).