Searchlight Beam Axis Control for Direct Ground Slewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling a rotorcraft searchlight beam to move in a straight line is cognitively demanding due to the need for sequential pan and tilt movements, which results in arcs and lines on the ground rather than a direct path, increasing operational complexity and time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Cartesian control system that determines the initial position of the beam axis in a spherical reference frame, allows adjustments in a Cartesian coordinate frame, and transforms these adjustments back to the spherical frame to concurrently operate pan and tilt actuators for direct slewing of the beam axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pan and tilt control is used to maneuver the searchlight beam, then the beam direction can be changed independently of rotorcraft movement, but the beam moves in arcs and lines rather than direct paths, increasing operational complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the control system from spherical coordinates (pan/tilt angles) to Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z positions). This dimensional change allows the beam to move in straight lines along Cartesian axes rather than following curved spherical paths, directly resolving the contradiction by enabling both independent beam control and direct-path movement to targets
2Measurement precision
If sequential pan and tilt movements are made to reach a target, then the beam can be positioned accurately, but the operator experiences cognitive demand and disorientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate transformation intermediary that converts operator-friendly Cartesian control inputs into the spherical pan/tilt commands required by the searchlight actuators. This intermediary layer shields the operator from the complexity of sequential spherical movements while maintaining precise beam positioning, effectively resolving the contradiction between accuracy and cognitive load
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sequential movements are used to maneuver the beam from point A to point B, then the beam can reach the target, but the control process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from angular measurements (pan/tilt angles in spherical coordinates) to linear position measurements (x, y, z coordinates in Cartesian space). This parameter transformation simplifies the control logic by allowing direct computation of beam paths and enabling more intuitive programming of beam maneuvers, thereby reducing control system complexity while maintaining full maneuvering capability
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for slewing a light beam axis directly between points on the ground. One method involves determining a first position associated with a beam axis of a lighting arrangement (120) in a Cartesian reference frame based on an initial orientation of the lighting arrangement (120) in a spherical reference frame, determining an adjustment for the lighting arrangement (120) in the Cartesian reference frame in response to a user input, determining an updated position for the beam axis in the Cartesian reference frame based on the first position and the adjustment in the Cartesian reference frame, transforming the updated position for the beam axis in the Cartesian reference frame to an updated orientation of the lighting arrangement in the spherical reference frame, and concurrently commanding actuators (124,126) associated with the lighting arrangement (120) to slew the lighting arrangement (120) from the initial orientation to the updated orientation in the spherical reference frame.