Spectral Light Filter for Aircraft Canopy Reflection Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Canopy reflections in aircraft cockpits during nighttime operations obscure pilots' vision due to stray light from large reflective surfaces and liquid crystal displays, with existing methods like polarization or backlight modifications being insufficient for all cockpit geometries.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a light filter with a specified spectral output applied to a substrate in the cockpit, which blocks unwanted light while allowing other spectral outputs to pass through, employing chromatic separation techniques to manage light and reduce reflections, and can be applied to various substrates or eyewear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If polarization or backlight modification methods are used to manage canopy reflection, then reflection control is improved for some cockpit geometries, but the solution becomes insufficient for other cockpit geometries and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the light by using a light filter that blocks specific spectral outputs from the display while allowing other spectral outputs to pass through. This spectral separation approach effectively reduces canopy reflections across different cockpit geometries by targeting the specific wavelengths that cause reflections, making the solution universally applicable rather than geometry-dependent
Solution Approach 2:
The light filter acts as an intermediary element between the display and the external environment. It selectively interacts with the light from the display by blocking specific spectral outputs, thereby mediating the reflection problem without requiring changes to the display itself or the cockpit geometry
2Loss of information
If large liquid crystal displays are included in the cockpit to provide better visibility and information, then display functionality is improved, but stray light reflections increase and obscure pilot vision
Solution Approach 1:
The light filter applies local quality by selectively blocking specific spectral outputs from the display while allowing other spectral outputs to pass through. This localized spectral filtering targets the harmful reflections from the large display without compromising the overall visibility and information display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful stray light reflections into a beneficial selective filtering effect. By blocking specific spectral outputs that cause reflections, the system transforms the problematic stray light into a controlled filtering mechanism that reduces reflections while maintaining display visibility
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
This solution effectively reduces canopy reflections, maintaining pilots' situational awareness by blocking specific spectral outputs from displays while allowing ambient light to pass, and is compatible with Night Vision Imaging Systems and Short-Wave Infrared Systems, suitable for various operational conditions and covert applications.
Implementation Method 1
The light filter is configured to block light within a specified spectral output. The light filter is further configured to allow light outside of the specified spectral output to pass through the light filter.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a system for controlling light. The system may include a display. The display may include a light source configured to emit light having a specified spectral output. The system may also include a light filter applied to a substrate separate from the display. The light filter is configured to block light within the specified spectral output. The light filter is further configured to allow light outside of the specified spectral output to pass through the light filter.