Universal Remote Pilot Interface for Multi-Aircraft Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft control systems require individual training for each aircraft type due to differing operating systems and interfaces, leading to high training costs and potential operational errors from pilot confusion.
Innovation Solution
A remote human-machine interface system that is agnostic to multiple aircraft types, converting user input and aircraft output information through a processor to standardized formats, allowing a single interface to operate various aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate remote pilot controls are built for different aircraft types, then the controls can be optimized for each specific aircraft, but the cost and complexity of the control systems increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote pilot control system that can interface with multiple different aircraft types through a standardized architecture. The control system includes a generic control unit that can adapt to different aircraft through configuration rather than hardware redesign, allowing one control system to serve multiple functions across different aircraft platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication interface layer between the remote pilot controls and the aircraft systems. This intermediary layer handles the translation and adaptation between the standardized control inputs and the specific aircraft systems, eliminating the need for custom controls for each aircraft type while maintaining reliable control accuracy.
2Reliability
If pilots are trained on each specific aircraft type, then they can operate that aircraft safely, but the training time and cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control interface that provides consistent operational procedures across different aircraft types. Pilots are trained on this standardized interface rather than learning separate control systems for each aircraft, reducing training time while maintaining safety through consistent design principles and standardized communication protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single remote pilot control system is used for multiple aircraft types, then training costs are reduced, but the system must handle significant variability in aircraft operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into modular components: a standardized control interface layer, an adaptation layer that handles aircraft-specific variations, and the aircraft systems layer. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity at the user interface while managing complexity internally through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes and configuration settings to adapt the control system to different aircraft types rather than requiring structural changes. The system can be configured with different parameters and communication protocols to interface with various aircraft operating systems, maintaining hardware simplicity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote human-machine interface system (110) for piloting an aircraft (100). The interface system is agnostic to a plurality of aircraft, and is arranged to receive user input information from a user (118) and aircraft output information from a plurality of aircraft systems (102, 106) onboard the aircraft. The interface system includes a processor (114) arranged to convert the user input information to aircraft-readable input information, and convert the aircraft output information to interface-readable output information. The interface system outputs the interface-readable output information to the user, and outputs the aircraft-readable input information to the aircraft.