Simulator Control Loading Compensation for Realistic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control loading systems in simulators face issues with unrealistic rebounds and failure to account for mechanical effects like friction and damping, leading to biased behavior and increased costs due to the need for multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control loading system with a desired response model and system response model, using force and motion sensors to generate control signals that compensate for inertia, friction, and damping effects, ensuring authentic simulation by accurately modeling the mechanical behavior of the control stick and simulator components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional inertia compensation is applied using actuator acceleration multiplied by mass, then simulator control inertia is removed and high dynamics are improved, but unrealistic rebounds occur when hitting mechanical stops or control instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control loop that continuously measures the actual force exerted by the pilot using a force sensor, and uses this measurement to adjust the compensation in real-time. The feedback signal from the force sensor is combined with the desired response model to generate the control command, ensuring that the compensation adapts to actual operating conditions rather than relying solely on theoretical acceleration-based calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for inertia compensation from acceleration-based (traditional method) to force-based (measured by force sensor). This parameter change allows the system to compensate for mechanical effects more accurately by using actual force measurements rather than calculated acceleration, thereby eliminating unrealistic rebounds while maintaining high dynamics performance.
2Device complexity
If traditional inertia compensation is applied, then simulator control inertia is removed, but mechanical effects like friction and damping are not accounted for leading to biased behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides continuous feedback on the actual mechanical effects occurring in the system, including friction and damping. This feedback signal is used to adjust the compensation in real-time, allowing the system to account for these mechanical effects dynamically rather than relying on static or calculated values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach to compensation (based on acceleration and mass calculations) with a sensor-based measurement approach. The force sensor directly measures the mechanical effects, substituting theoretical calculations with empirical measurements, thereby improving accuracy without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a force sensor is used to measure pilot exerted force, then realistic force feedback is achieved, but the mechanical effects of the simulator system itself are not compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor measurement is fed back into the control loop where it is combined with the desired response model. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between forces exerted by the pilot and forces generated by the simulator's own mechanical effects, enabling accurate compensation of the latter while preserving the former.
Solution Approach 2:
The desired response model acts as an intermediary that processes the force sensor signal and separates the pilot's input from the simulator's mechanical effects. This intermediary model enables the system to compensate for its own mechanical behavior while maintaining accurate measurement of the pilot's exerted force.
4Reliability
If multiple force sensors are used to account for mechanical effects, then compensation accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single force sensor serves multiple functions: it measures the pilot's exerted force, provides feedback on the actual mechanical effects occurring in the system, and enables the desired response model to calculate the compensation needed. This multi-functional use of a single sensor achieves accurate compensation without requiring multiple sensors, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The desired response model acts as an intermediary that processes the single force sensor's signal to extract multiple pieces of information needed for accurate compensation. This intermediary processing allows one sensor to provide the equivalent information that would traditionally require multiple sensors, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining compensation accuracy.
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
The system provides a precise and realistic simulation of control stick behavior, reducing unwanted rebounds and accurately replicating the mechanical effects of a real aircraft, thereby enhancing training fidelity without the need for additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor adapted for detecting a force applied on the simulated control instrument and generating a force sensor signal
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensor adapted for detecting motion parameters relative to a neutral position of the control instrument
Implementation Method 3
an actuator adapted for moving the control instrument according to a control signal generated by the control system
Data Source
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AI summary
Method, System and Computer Program Product for compensation of simulator control loading mechanical effects The invention provides a method and system for controlling a control instrument of a simulation system reproducing a desired system, in response to a force applied onto said control instrument. The method allows detecting a force applied onto the control instrument by a pilot of the simulation system, and generating a force sensor signal representing the detected force; detecting a motion of the control instrument and generating motion parameters; generating a desired response force signal from the motion parameters, the desired response force signal representing the forces that would be exerted by the desired system to reproduce; generating a system response force signal from the force sensor signal and the motion parameters, the system response force signal representing the forces exerted by the behaviour of mechanical parts of the simulation system; generating a force sum signal from the desired response force signal, the system response force signal and the force sensor signal; and generating control signals from the force sum signal.