Selective Visual Occlusion Visor for Pilot IMC Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for training pilots to operate in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) lack the ability to simulate a gradual transition from visual to instrument flight, leading to spatial disorientation due to unexpected loss of visual references, which is particularly dangerous for helicopters.
Innovation Solution
A controlled selective visual occlusion system with a visor that includes occlusion areas covered by a controllable occlusion device, powered by a connected source and operated by a controller, allowing progressive restriction or allowance of light in selected areas, enabling simulation of varying visibility conditions without advance indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hood or glasses that obscure vision are used for IMC training, then total lack of visual cues is simulated, but the transition from visual to instrument flight cannot be accurately simulated and spatial disorientation occurs due to unexpected loss of visual references
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device transitions from a static obscuring state to a dynamic, controllable system that can progressively adjust light transmission. The controller enables gradual transition from clear vision to complete occlusion, accurately simulating the dynamic conditions of IMC entry and allowing controlled practice of the visual-to-instrument flight transition without sudden spatial disorientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of light transmission from fully transparent to fully opaque in a controlled, progressive manner. By adjusting the degree of occlusion continuously, the system replicates varying visibility conditions encountered during IMC transitions, enabling realistic training scenarios that were impossible with fixed obscuring devices.
2Reliability
If traditional occlusion devices are used, then visual cues are completely blocked, but gradual and selective loss of visual references cannot be simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device is divided into multiple independently controllable occlusion areas across the visor. Each area can be controlled separately to simulate different visibility conditions in different visual fields, such as partial cloud cover or selective instrument panel visibility, providing nuanced training scenarios that replicate real IMC conditions more accurately than uniform occlusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The single occlusion device integrates multiple functions: it can provide complete occlusion, partial occlusion, selective area occlusion, and gradual transition modes. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate training devices while enhancing training versatility and realism.
3Reliability
If occlusion areas cover the entire visor, then full visual occlusion is achieved, but selective control of different visual fields is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The visor is divided into multiple occlusion areas that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complete occlusion when needed while also enabling selective control of specific visual fields, such as obscuring only the peripheral vision or leaving certain instrument panel areas visible, thereby providing both complete and selective occlusion capabilities within a single system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate simulation of IMC conditions by allowing gradual and controlled loss of visual cues, reducing the risk of spatial disorientation and improving pilot training by replicating the transition from visual to instrument flight safely.
Implementation Method 1
the occlusion device is operable to progressively restrict or allow light in selected occlusion areas
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled selective visual occlusion system and method includes a visor where the visor includes occlusion areas. An occlusion device covers the occlusion areas and the occlusion device is operable to progressively restrict or allow light in selected occlusion areas. A power source is connected to the occlusion device and a controller is connected to the power source for operation of the occlusion device in the selected occlusion areas.