Aircraft Vision Sensor Synchronization to Reduce Back Scatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft and vehicle lights cause back scatter interference with sensor-based vision systems, leading to reduced image quality and potential blinding effects during enhanced vision applications, particularly in low visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that synchronize the operation of sensor-based display systems with the on and off periods of aircraft lights, adjusting sensing operations to avoid back scatter effects by controlling sensor arrays and processing units to exclude data collected during light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If aircraft lights are used to illuminate the environment, then visibility is improved, but back scatter interference occurs that degrades sensor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array operates in periodic synchronization with the aircraft light cycles, performing sensing operations during off periods when lights are not illuminating. This periodic coordination eliminates back scatter interference while maintaining visibility during required illumination periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sensing operations in advance during the off periods before the lights turn on again. By completing image acquisition during the brief intervals when lights are off, the system prepares clean image data before illumination begins, preventing contamination from back scatter.
2Reliability
If sensor operations continue during light exposure, then continuous monitoring is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to back scatter
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array alternates between sensing operations during off periods and non-sensing operations during on periods. This periodic pattern maintains continuous operational status while ensuring high-quality images are captured during interference-free intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by performing non-sensing operations (such as data processing, transmission, or preparation for next cycle) during the on periods when lights are illuminated. This ensures the system remains active and productive without compromising image quality.
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 solution effectively reduces back scatter interference, enhancing image quality and preventing blinding effects, allowing for clear and accurate enhanced vision images during approach and landing operations.
Implementation Method 1
Aircraft lights (e.g., anti-collision lights) can provide light that can back scatter when illuminating the fog and can therefore blind or adversely affect the operation of the EVS
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method can provide an enhanced or other sensed image on a display. The system and method can sense an environment using an enhanced vision sensor or other sensor and provide an enhanced vision image or other image in response to data from the enhanced vision sensor. The enhanced vision or other vision system adjusts the sensing operation when an aircraft light is on to reduce back scatter effects.