Transparent Photodetectors for Avionics Display Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Avionics display systems using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices face challenges in maintaining image integrity and compliance with aviation hazard classifications, particularly in low visibility operations, due to the lack of sufficient monitoring mechanisms for display path integrity and alignment across multiple camera cores in enhanced vision systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method employing transparent photodetectors or image sensors positioned in the optical path to monitor the brightness, orientation, and refresh rate of image streams generated by COTS display modules, ensuring alignment and integrity of images across multiple camera cores, using collimating optics and processing monitors to evaluate and correct any hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If COTS display devices are used to reduce cost and SWaP-C, then size, weight, power, and cost are improved, but image integrity and compliance with aviation hazard classifications deteriorate due to lack of monitoring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent photodetector array is positioned in the optical path between the COTS display device and the pilot's eye to monitor image integrity. The photodetector array acts as an intermediary that detects light from the display without obstructing the visual path, enabling compliance monitoring while maintaining use of lightweight COTS displays
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent photodetector array serves multiple functions: it monitors brightness levels, detects image inversion, verifies symbology alignment, and ensures compliance with aviation hazard classifications. This single component addresses multiple monitoring requirements that would otherwise require separate dedicated systems
2Reliability
If multiple independent monitoring schemes are implemented to ensure display integrity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple monitoring functions (brightness monitoring, inversion detection, symbology alignment verification) are merged into a single transparent photodetector array system. The photodetectors are arranged in specific patterns that enable simultaneous execution of multiple monitoring tasks, reducing the number of separate monitoring systems required
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wavelength-specific filtering and photodetector responses to different light wavelengths to encode multiple monitoring functions. By analyzing spectral characteristics of the displayed light, the system can simultaneously detect brightness levels, image orientation, and symbology positioning without requiring separate physical sensors for each function
3Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring methods are used for EVS camera cores, then alignment monitoring is provided, but the system cannot keep up with continually improving quality of EV systems
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent photodetector array system is designed to dynamically adapt to varying EVS qualities and resolutions. The monitoring algorithm can adjust its sensitivity and analysis methods based on the specific EVS configuration, enabling compatibility with continually improving EVS technologies while maintaining precise alignment monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors multiple parameters simultaneously (brightness, orientation, refresh rate, symbology position) and can adjust which parameters are monitored based on the specific EVS configuration. This parameter-based approach allows the same hardware to effectively monitor diverse EVS qualities without requiring hardware changes
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 the use of low-size, weight, and power (SWaP-C) COTS display devices in avionics systems, maintaining compliance with aviation safety standards by ensuring image integrity and preventing misleading or incoherent images, even in complex multi-stream/multi-band systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transparent photodetectors or image sensors positioned in the optical path for capturing the generated image stream
Implementation Method 2
collimating optics defining an optical path from the COTS display module to the display element or surface of the HUD/HWD
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and a related method for monitoring commercial off the shelf (COTS) display devices in an avionics display system ensure that the COTS display devices are compliant with hazard classifications by positioning transparent photodetectors in the optical path to monitor the images and components generated and projected by the COTS display devices. Transparent photodetectors are positioned downstream in the optical path to monitor image orientation, refresh rate, or brightness of displayed images and image elements. The system may include transparent image sensors for capturing scene content and monitoring image integrity by comparing the captured scene content to the displayed images. Transparent image sensors positioned proximate to camera cores of an enhanced vision system (EVS) may verify the alignment of individual component image streams combined into an image stream displayed via HDD, HUD, HWD, or a like display element.