Aircraft Vision System Automatic Weather Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional enhanced vision systems in aircraft have limited ability to adjust to varying environmental conditions, requiring manual mode switching by pilots during high workload periods, which is less precise and less effective in low visibility situations.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically adjusts camera parameters and display settings based on weather data received from reports, using processing electronics to optimize image quality for different weather, light, and runway conditions, incorporating multispectral vision systems and blending data from various sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual mode switching is used for day/night visible flight rules conditions and low visibility conditions, then the system can be operated with simple controls, but the precision of camera optimization is insufficient and the system cannot distinguish between wide varieties of environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects environmental conditions using sensors (visibility sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors) and self-adjusts camera parameters without requiring manual pilot intervention. The processing electronics analyze sensor data and autonomously optimize camera settings for the detected conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mode switching with an automated electronic control system that uses sensor data and processing electronics to dynamically adjust camera parameters. This substitutes the mechanical pilot action with an electronic automation system.
2Reliability
If conventional enhanced vision systems are used with limited adjustment capabilities, then the device complexity is low, but the system effectiveness in challenging low visibility conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple sensor types (visibility sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors) into a single multi-functional vision system. These sensors work together to detect various environmental conditions and enable the camera to adapt to diverse weather scenarios including fog, rain, snow, and different lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts camera parameters in real-time based on changing environmental conditions. The processing electronics continuously monitor sensor data and automatically modify camera settings to maintain optimal performance as conditions vary during flight operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automatic adjustment systems are implemented to optimize camera parameters for various weather conditions, then the system adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from environmental sensors (visibility, light, temperature, humidity) to continuously monitor conditions and automatically adjust camera parameters. The processing electronics analyze sensor feedback and modify camera settings to optimize performance for the current environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces processing electronics as an intermediary between the environmental sensors and the camera system. This intermediary component analyzes sensor data and translates it into appropriate camera parameter adjustments, managing the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors with camera controls.
4Measurement precision
If pilots manually tune the enhanced vision system during high workload periods, then the system can be adjusted for specific conditions, but the time required for adjustment increases when pilots have very little time to tune
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic adjustment of camera parameters based on pre-flight weather reports and real-time sensor data. By the time the pilot needs the system during high workload periods, the camera is already optimized for current conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual tuning.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system automatically detects environmental conditions and self-adjusts camera parameters without requiring pilot intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain optimal performance during high workload periods when pilots have minimal time for adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method or apparatus can be used with an aircraft or other vehicle. The apparatus can include or the method can use processing electronics configured to receive weather and airfield data associated with a weather report and configured to: 1. adjust at least one operational parameter of the vision system in response to the received weather report and airfield data; 2. adjust a display of an image derived from vision system data from vision system and synthetic vision data from a synthetic vision system in response to the data associated with the weather report detect; or 3. perform both operations 1 and 2.