Zone-Based Sensor Control for Combat Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling sensors in combat aircraft become complex and difficult for pilots to manage effectively in time-critical situations due to the increasing number of tools and sensors, each with unique characteristics requiring separate interfaces and control functions, limiting the pilot's ability to react mission-oriented in both defensive and offensive scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically determines and manages defensive and offensive zones around a combat aircraft based on enemy aircraft parameters, allowing sensors to be switched between zones based on probabilistic criteria, with automated or manual weighting of emission levels and detection capacity to prioritize resource allocation and generate situation pictures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and tools are supplied to enhance combat aircraft capabilities, then detection capacity and sensor coverage are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the operational environment into distinct zones (defence zone, offence zone, interest zone) and assigns specific sensors to each zone based on their characteristics and purposes. This segmentation allows the pilot to control sensors by zone rather than managing each sensor individually, reducing control complexity while maintaining comprehensive sensor coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a decision support system that acts as an intermediary between the pilot and the multiple sensors. This system automatically manages sensor allocation and control within each zone, shielding the pilot from the complexity of individual sensor control while preserving the versatility of the sensor suite.
2Measurement precision
If each sensor has its own interface and control functions, then sensor-specific capabilities are optimized, but ease of operation decreases due to multiple interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal zone-based control interface that can manage multiple different sensor types through a single standardized method. Each sensor retains its specialized capabilities for precise measurement, but the pilot interacts with all sensors through the common zone management system, eliminating the need to learn multiple separate interfaces.
3Quantity of substance
If comprehensive sensor control is implemented to manage all tools and sensors, then detection capacity is improved, but reaction time increases due to control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures sensor assignments to zones based on sensor characteristics and operational requirements. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for real-time decision-making about which sensor to use for each zone, allowing the pilot to react immediately to threats by simply selecting the appropriate zone rather than managing individual sensor controls.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a sensor in a combat aircraft (1) comprising the steps of: a) determining (3) direction and size of a defence zone around the combat aircraft (1) based on a plurality of characteristic parameters of an enemy combat aircraft (2), b) determining (4) direction and size of at least one offence zone around the combat aircraft (1) based on the plurality of characteristic parameters of the enemy combat aircraft (2), and c) controlling (5) the sensor in the combat aircraft (1) according to emission level and detection capacity within at least one of the defence zone and the at least one offence zone. In this way, the sensors are controlled reliably and thus the pilot can act and react mission-oriented.