EP1347412B1 - Apparatus for visualizing an airport - Google Patents

Apparatus for visualizing an airport Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1347412B1
EP1347412B1 EP03290405A EP03290405A EP1347412B1 EP 1347412 B1 EP1347412 B1 EP 1347412B1 EP 03290405 A EP03290405 A EP 03290405A EP 03290405 A EP03290405 A EP 03290405A EP 1347412 B1 EP1347412 B1 EP 1347412B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
airport
zoom
viewing
operator
actuating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03290405A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1347412A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Coldefy
Fabien Fetzmann
Frédéric Lemoult
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Airbus Operations SAS
Original Assignee
Airbus Operations SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Airbus Operations SAS filed Critical Airbus Operations SAS
Publication of EP1347412A1 publication Critical patent/EP1347412A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1347412B1 publication Critical patent/EP1347412B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G5/00—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC]
    • G08G5/0017—Arrangements for implementing traffic-related aircraft activities, e.g. arrangements for generating, displaying, acquiring or managing traffic information
    • G08G5/0021—Arrangements for implementing traffic-related aircraft activities, e.g. arrangements for generating, displaying, acquiring or managing traffic information located in the aircraft
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G5/00—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC]
    • G08G5/0004—Transmission of traffic-related information to or from an aircraft
    • G08G5/0013—Transmission of traffic-related information to or from an aircraft with a ground station
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G5/00—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC]
    • G08G5/02—Automatic approach or landing aids, i.e. systems in which flight data of incoming planes are processed to provide landing data
    • G08G5/025—Navigation or guidance aids
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G5/00—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC]
    • G08G5/06—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC] for control when on the ground
    • G08G5/065—Navigation or guidance aids, e.g. for taxiing or rolling

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for viewing an airport.
  • this system comprises a first camera that generates video images of the front landing gear and an area around it, a second camera that generates video images of the main landing gears and zones around the landing gear. these, and viewing means that are mounted in the cockpit and which visualize the video images generated by said first and second cameras (which are fixed on the fuselage).
  • This known system therefore provides the pilot with information that allows him to make maneuvers during taxi on the ground with increased security.
  • it can prevent a train from hitting an obstacle on the ground or leaving the runway or taxiway on which the aircraft is traveling.
  • this known system provides no information on all (or at least an extended area) of the track or taxiway.
  • a lack of information can be dangerous, especially poor visibility (fog, ).
  • another mobile in particular another aircraft, can be at the same time on the same track (or the same taxiway) and, for lack of information, it can happen that a collision can not be avoided, in particular if the other mobile has a very high speed as it exists at takeoff or landing of an aircraft for example.
  • This visualization system comprises, in particular, visualization means to present on a screen mounted in the cockpit of the aircraft a map of the airport showing the tracks, taxiways and various buildings, as well as the position of the aircraft and the traffic that exists on this airport.
  • This known system further comprises an actuating means allowing the pilot to choose between a global view of the airport in plan and various perspective views of a portion of the airport, which have different zoom levels (that is to say, different scales).
  • this known system has several disadvantages. In particular, it is fixed and is not adaptable to different airports. In addition, the presentation of information implemented by this system is not very readable.
  • the presentation of information is not very legible, especially because of the high number of elements (tracks, taxiways, buildings, traffic, ...) that are presented on the display screen, especially when the zoom level is low (full view of the airport for example).
  • Readability is also reduced by using views of different types: perspective views, plan view.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. It relates to a display device of an airport for viewing very readable and adaptable to different characteristics (size, complexity, ...) of the airport.
  • At least some of said scale values (relative to the different zoom levels) can be parameterized, which notably makes it possible to adapt these scale values to characteristics (size, complexity, etc.). ) from the airport to be viewed.
  • the level of the details that are displayed at the zoom level (or the scale value) selected it is possible to choose a level of detail which makes it possible to visualize as much detail as possible without to overload the display screen. This makes it possible to make the presentation of information very readable.
  • the zoom level increases (that is to say when the portion of the airport represented on the display screen becomes smaller)
  • the level of detail increases [it is ie new information (or details) are added on the viewing screen].
  • the readability is also increased by the presentation of the views (of a part or of the whole airport) exclusively in plan.
  • the pilot does not have to recognize a new type of presentation during a change of view.
  • a plan view makes it possible to easily evaluate the distances between the different elements of the airport and to understand the relative disposition of these elements, in particular with respect to a perspective view.
  • the return is made on the same part of the airport that was presented before viewing the entire airport.
  • said actuation system further comprises at least one sixth actuating means allowing (an operator) to select a point of the airport on which the part of the airport is centered. airport that is presented on the viewing screen.
  • the return at said first zoom level can be done on a new airport portion that has been previously selected, using this sixth actuating means.
  • the display device further comprises means for moving the part of the airport which is displayed on the display screen.
  • said central unit is formed so that, during a change of mode from a first mode to a second mode, it generates on said display screen successively at least the disappearance of a mask relating to said first mode, a displacement of the aircraft part that is displayed and the appearance of a mask relating to said second mode.
  • said display device further comprises means for loading in real time data (particularly those relating to traffic) in said database which is therefore of the dynamic type.
  • the figure 1 is the block diagram of a display device according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate similar views, but corresponding to different zoom levels.
  • the figure 3 schematically shows a particular embodiment of an actuating system.
  • the device 1 according to the invention and schematically represented on the figure 1 is intended to visualize at least part of an airport.
  • This device 1 is preferably installed in the cockpit of an aircraft. It can however also be mounted on another mobile running on the airport, such as a vehicle of a technical service on the ground (cleaning, maintenance, rescue, ...) for example. It can even be used by a pedestrian, especially to locate on the airport.
  • the scale values can be parameterized, these scale values can be adapted to the characteristics (size, complexity, etc.) of the scale. the airport that we want to visualize. It is understandable that it is not wise to use the same scale value (that is, the same ratio between the figured representation of a length and the corresponding actual length) for two airports, of which one is much larger (for example ten times larger) and more complex (more tracks, ...) than the other. Therefore, the display device 1 according to the invention can be adapted to any type of airport, regardless of its size or complexity, in particular.
  • an exclusive presentation of the airport in plan views provides visual comfort to the pilot and facilitates the reading of the views.
  • the Figure 2A illustrates the same situation as that of Figure 2B , after having zoomed (selection of a higher zoom level by means of said operating system 5). Thus, only a portion of the airport 12 (around the aircraft 20) is shown. In addition, as the zoom level increases, the level of detail also increases according to the invention so that elements 21 and 22 that were not visible on the overall view of the Figure 2B now appear on the Figure 2A . These elements 21 and 22 (for example panels or electrical cabinets) are shown schematically on this Figure 2A .
  • a level of detail is chosen for each level of zoom which, at the same time, allows a good reading of the information presented on the screen 3 and ensures an appropriate density of this information.
  • the scale values associated with these different zoom levels are parameterizable and can be adapted to the airport in particular.
  • the actuating system 5 may also include an actuating means, such as the means 36 shown on the figure 1 , which allows from the global view of the Figure 4B to select a portion 32 of the airport 12 so that actuation of the actuating means 30 then causes the visualization of the partial view represented on the figure 4C .
  • This partial view presents said first zoom level (relative to the Figure 4A ) but shows the selected part 32, and not the part initially viewed on the Figure 4A . From this partial view of the figure 4C , we come back to a global view ( Figure 4B ) by a new actuation of said actuating means 30.
  • This latter function may notably help the pilot, if he is lost, to be in the airport 12, to search for a specific point graphically, and to monitor the surrounding traffic, if the working zoom level does not allow the observe a reduced area of the airport (high zoom level).
  • the device 1 according to the invention is formed in such a way as to generate a continuous transformation of the information displayed without abrupt jump of information, for example during a zoom variation or a change of mode such that specified below, to make the presentation of information as legible as possible in such a situation.
  • the central unit 6 is also formed so as to generate a continuous transformation of the information displayed during a mode change, when said display means 2 comprises a plurality of modes, such as an ND type navigation screen. ("Navigation Display”) for example.
  • Masks are thus objects that inform the operator on the orientation of the aircraft while associating a notion of distance.
  • the device 1 furthermore comprises means 34 enabling the database 4 to be dynamically updated in real time, as illustrated by a phantom link 35 on the screen. figure 1 .
  • This allows in particular to be able to record in the database 4 in real time the traffic (other aircraft, technical vehicles, ...) which can thus be presented (also in real time) on the screen 3.
  • the presentation of the traffic consists of in particular to show on the plane of the airport which is visualized, the position of each mobile (aircraft, technical vehicles, ...) and, possibly, to identify each of these mobiles by a particular sign or a particular code or number.
  • the aforementioned update is performed by means of digital data transmission links of the usual type between said device 1 which is on board an aircraft for example and a station on the ground.
  • actuating system 5 which are fixed allow easy and precise actuation of one of said actuating means 23 to 31 and 36, in particular during aircraft vibrations and / or under conditions of flight. driver stress.
  • the ground plane does not constitute the whole of the database 4.
  • Dynamic elements are integrated, such as traffic, as well as information specific to the airlines using said device 1, by the intermediate means 34.

Abstract

The device comprises: a visualization means (2) with a screen (3); a database (4) containing airport data; an operating system (5) for selecting magnification; a central control unit (6) for controlling the visualization means so that the airport is displayed on screen at a selected magnification; and means (10) for parameterization of the scale values. The airport is presented purely in plan view with the control unit controlling presentation of details at a multitude of levels, the detail presented being a function of the selected magnification.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de visualisation d'un aéroport.The present invention relates to a device for viewing an airport.

La complexité de certains aéroports, l'augmentation du trafic aérien et l'existence d'installations souvent peu adaptées à des avions qui sont de plus en plus gros et nombreux, créent des difficultés de circulation sur les pistes et les taxiways des aéroports, ce qui entraîne souvent des allongements des durées de roulage, parfois des incidents plus ou moins graves et malheureusement également des accidents.The complexity of certain airports, the increase in air traffic and the existence of facilities that are often not well adapted to larger and larger airplanes, are creating traffic difficulties on airport runways and taxiways. which often leads to longer driving times, sometimes more or less serious incidents and unfortunately also accidents.

Dans ce contexte, on note un nombre de plus en plus élevé "d'incursions de piste", c'est-à-dire de situations où un avion non autorisé (ou un autre mobile tel qu'un véhicule technique du personnel au sol, par exemple) pénètre sur une piste qui est utilisée au même moment de façon régulière par un autre avion, pour atterrir ou décoller. Une telle incursion de piste est très dangereuse, puisqu'elle met en danger la vie des occupants des deux appareils.In this context, there is an increasing number of "runway incursions", that is to say situations where an unauthorized aircraft (or another mobile such as a technical vehicle ground staff , for example) enters a runway that is used at the same time on a regular basis by another aircraft, to land or take off. Such a runway incursion is very dangerous, since it endangers the lives of the occupants of both aircraft.

Pour des raisons de sécurité, il est donc important, voire impératif, que chaque pilote puisse surveiller le plus efficacement possible l'environnement autour de son avion.For safety reasons, it is therefore important, if not imperative, that each pilot be able to monitor the environment around his aircraft as efficiently as possible.

Par le document EP-0 980 828 , on connaît un système qui est embarqué à bord d'un avion, pour assister le pilote de l'avion lors de manoeuvres au sol. A cet effet, ce système comporte une première caméra qui engendre des images vidéo du train d'atterrissage avant et d'une zone autour de ce dernier, une seconde caméra qui engendre des images vidéo des trains d'atterrissage principaux et de zones autour de ces derniers, et des moyens de visualisation qui sont montés dans le poste de pilotage et qui visualisent les images vidéo engendrées par lesdites première et seconde caméras (qui sont fixées sur le fuselage).By the document EP-0 980 828 , we know a system that is embedded on board an aircraft, to assist the pilot of the aircraft during ground maneuvers. For this purpose, this system comprises a first camera that generates video images of the front landing gear and an area around it, a second camera that generates video images of the main landing gears and zones around the landing gear. these, and viewing means that are mounted in the cockpit and which visualize the video images generated by said first and second cameras (which are fixed on the fuselage).

Ce système connu fournit donc au pilote des informations qui lui permettent de faire des manoeuvres lors d'un roulage au sol avec une sécurité accrue. En particulier, par l'observation des trains d'atterrissage et des zones autour de ces derniers, il peut éviter qu'un train ne heurte un obstacle au sol ou ne quitte la piste ou le taxiway, sur lequel circule l'avion.This known system therefore provides the pilot with information that allows him to make maneuvers during taxi on the ground with increased security. In particular, by observing the landing gear and the areas around the landing gear, it can prevent a train from hitting an obstacle on the ground or leaving the runway or taxiway on which the aircraft is traveling.

Toutefois, ce système connu ne fournit aucune information sur l'ensemble (ou tout au moins une zone étendue) de la piste ou du taxiway. Or, un tel manque d'informations peut être dangereux, notamment par mauvaise visibilité (brouillard, ...). En effet, un autre mobile, en particulier un autre avion, peut se trouver au même moment sur la même piste (ou le même taxiway) et, par manque d'informations, il peut arriver qu'une collision ne puisse être évitée, notamment si l'autre mobile présente une vitesse très élevée telle qu'elle existe au décollage ou à l'atterrissage d'un avion par exemple.However, this known system provides no information on all (or at least an extended area) of the track or taxiway. However, such a lack of information can be dangerous, especially poor visibility (fog, ...). Indeed, another mobile, in particular another aircraft, can be at the same time on the same track (or the same taxiway) and, for lack of information, it can happen that a collision can not be avoided, in particular if the other mobile has a very high speed as it exists at takeoff or landing of an aircraft for example.

Le système décrit dans le document EP-0 980 828 présente également d'autres inconvénients, notamment le fait que les angles de vue ne sont pas optimaux. Il en résulte que les vues en perspective affichées par ce système connu présentent des angles morts, par exemple sous les ailes où l'on ne voit pas le train principal de l'avion (la position de celui-ci étant seulement symbolisée), ni la bordure éventuelle du taxiway ou de la piste.The system described in the document EP-0 980 828 also has other disadvantages, in particular the fact that the viewing angles are not optimal. As a result, the perspective views displayed by this known system have blind spots, for example under the wings where we do not see the main gear of the aircraft (the position of the latter being only symbolized), nor the possible border of the taxiway or runway.

Par ailleurs, on connaît par un article de Beskenis, Green, Hyer et Johnson intitulé "Integrated Display System for Low Visibility Landing and Surface Operations" et paru dans la publication "NASA Langley Technical Report", juillet 1998, NASA/CR-1998-208446, un système de visualisation permettant de remédier partiellement aux inconvénients précités. Ce système de visualisation comporte, notamment, des moyens de visualisation permettant de présenter sur un écran monté dans le poste de pilotage de l'avion une carte de l'aéroport montrant les pistes, les taxiways et les différents bâtiments, ainsi que la position de l'avion et le trafic qui existe sur cet aéroport. Ce système connu comporte, de plus, un moyen d'actionnement permettant au pilote de choisir entre une vue globale de l'aéroport en plan et diverses vues en perspective d'une partie de l'aéroport, qui présentent des niveaux de zoom différents (c'est-à-dire des échelles différentes).In addition, there is an article by Beskenis, Green, Hyer and Johnson entitled "Integrated Display System for Low Visibility Landing and Surface Operations" and published in NASA Langley Technical Report, July 1998, NASA / CR-1998- 208446, a visualization system to partially overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. This visualization system comprises, in particular, visualization means to present on a screen mounted in the cockpit of the aircraft a map of the airport showing the tracks, taxiways and various buildings, as well as the position of the aircraft and the traffic that exists on this airport. This known system further comprises an actuating means allowing the pilot to choose between a global view of the airport in plan and various perspective views of a portion of the airport, which have different zoom levels ( that is to say, different scales).

Bien qu'il présente ainsi au pilote une vue de l'aéroport avec le trafic correspondant, ce qui permet audit pilote de se faire une idée de la situation réelle, ce système connu présente plusieurs inconvénients. En particulier, il est figé et n'est pas adaptable à des aéroports différents. De plus, la présentation d'informations mise en oeuvre par ce système n'est pas très lisible.Although it presents the pilot with a view of the airport with the corresponding traffic, which allows the pilot to get an idea of the real situation, this known system has several disadvantages. In particular, it is fixed and is not adaptable to different airports. In addition, the presentation of information implemented by this system is not very readable.

En effet, avec ce système connu, les différentes visualisations proposées sont toujours les mêmes quel que soit l'aéroport sur lequel on se trouve. Or, les aéroports peuvent bien entendu avoir des tailles très différentes, des complexités variables et comporter des bâtiments de nombre et taille différents. Par conséquent, une présentation d'informations qui est adaptée à un type d'aéroport particulier (taille réduite, et peu de pistes et de bâtiments par exemple) ne l'est généralement pas à un autre (très grand et complexe avec de nombreuses pistes par exemple), et rien dans ce système connu ne permet de tenir compte de telles caractéristiques différentes.Indeed, with this known system, the different visualizations proposed are always the same regardless of the airport on which one is located. However, airports can of course have very different sizes, different complexities and different types and sizes of buildings. Therefore, a presentation of information that is tailored to a particular type of airport (small size, and few tracks and buildings for example) is usually not to another (very large and complex with many runways). for example), and nothing in this known system makes it possible to take into account such different characteristics.

De plus, la présentation d'informations n'est pas très lisible, notamment en raison du nombre élevé d'éléments (pistes, taxiways, bâtiments, trafic, ...) qui sont présentés sur l'écran de visualisation, surtout lorsque le niveau de zoom est faible (vue complète de l'aéroport par exemple). La lisibilité est également réduite par l'utilisation de vues de types différents : vues en perspective, vue en plan. Ainsi, il faut toujours un certain temps au pilote pour bien comprendre la nouvelle visualisation lors d'un changement de type de vue, cette perte de temps pouvant bien entendu être gênante dans certaines situations.In addition, the presentation of information is not very legible, especially because of the high number of elements (tracks, taxiways, buildings, traffic, ...) that are presented on the display screen, especially when the zoom level is low (full view of the airport for example). Readability is also reduced by using views of different types: perspective views, plan view. Thus, it always takes a certain time for the pilot to understand the new visualization during a change of type of view, this loss of time can of course be troublesome in certain situations.

Par ailleurs, on connaît :

  • par le document US-6 314 370 , un système de navigation utilisant une carte d'aéroport. Ce système comporte, notamment, un moyen de visualisation comprenant un écran de visualisation, une base de données comprenant des données concernant l'aéroport, un système d'actionnement permettant à un opérateur de sélectionner un niveau de zoom pour l'aéroport à visualiser, et une unité centrale qui commande le moyen de visualisation pour qu'il présente sur l'écran au moins une partie d'aéroport ;
  • par un article de GARMIN INTERNATIONAL Inc : "GPSMAP 195" PILOT'S GUIDE & REFERENCE, juin 1999, un système d'aide à la navigation qui utilise un récepteur GPS. Cet article enseigne que le niveau de détail qui est affiché sur un écran dépend d'un niveau de zoom qu'un opérateur peut sélectionner ;
  • par le document US-6 163 749 , un dispositif d'affichage d'une carte, qui est destiné à être utilisé dans un système de navigation et qui comprend, notamment, un écran de visualisation et une base de données comprenant une carte d'une zone, sur laquelle peut se déplacer un mobile, en particulier une automobile, qui est muni dudit dispositif d'affichage ;
  • par le document US-5 904 727 , un procédé pour suivre la position d'un émetteur à l'aide d'un système. Ce système comporte notamment un écran de visualisation et une base de données. Ce document enseigne que le niveau de détail susceptible d'être affiché sur l'écran dépend du niveau de zoom qui est sélectionné ; et
  • par le document US-2001/0033332 , un système de contrôle de caméras engendrant des vidéos de surveillance.
Moreover, we know:
  • by the document US-6,314,370 , a navigation system using an airport map. This system comprises, in particular, a display means comprising a display screen, a database comprising data concerning the airport, an actuation system enabling an operator to select a zoom level for the airport to be viewed, and a central unit that controls the display means to display at least one airport portion on the screen;
  • by an article by GARMIN INTERNATIONAL Inc: "GPSMAP 195"PILOT'S GUIDE & REFERENCE, June 1999, a navigation aid system that uses a GPS receiver. This article teaches that the level of detail that is displayed on a screen depends on a zoom level that an operator can select;
  • by the document US-6,163,749 , a device for displaying a card, which is intended to be used in a navigation system and which comprises, in particular, a display screen and a database comprising a map of a zone, on which can move a mobile, in particular an automobile, which is provided with said display device;
  • by the document U.S. 5,904,727 , a method for tracking the position of a transmitter using a system. This system comprises in particular a display screen and a database. This document teaches that the level of detail that can be displayed on the screen depends on the zoom level that is selected; and
  • by the document US-2001/0033332 , a camera control system generating surveillance videos.

La présente invention a pour objet de remédier aux inconvénients précités. Elle concerne un dispositif de visualisation d'un aéroport permettant une visualisation très lisible et adaptable à différentes caractéristiques (taille, complexité, ...) de l'aéroport.The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. It relates to a display device of an airport for viewing very readable and adaptable to different characteristics (size, complexity, ...) of the airport.

Cet objet est atteint par un dispositif de visualisation d'un aéroport comme défini dans la revendication indépendante 1.This object is achieved by an airport display device as defined in independent claim 1.

Ainsi, grâce à l'invention, au moins certaines desdites valeurs d'échelle (relatives aux différents niveaux de zoom) peuvent être paramétrées, ce qui permet notamment d'adapter ces valeurs d'échelle aux caractéristiques (taille, complexité, ...) de l'aéroport à visualiser.Thus, thanks to the invention, at least some of said scale values (relative to the different zoom levels) can be parameterized, which notably makes it possible to adapt these scale values to characteristics (size, complexity, etc.). ) from the airport to be viewed.

De plus, par l'adaptation possible du niveau des détails que l'on visualise au niveau de zoom (ou à la valeur d'échelle) sélectionné, on peut choisir un niveau de détails qui permet de visualiser le plus de détails possibles, sans pour autant surcharger l'écran de visualisation. Ceci permet donc de rendre la présentation d'informations très lisible. Bien entendu, selon l'invention, lorsque le niveau de zoom augmente (c'est-à-dire lorsque la partie de l'aéroport représentée sur l'écran de visualisation devient plus réduite), le niveau de détails augmente [c'est-à-dire de nouvelles informations (ou détails) sont ajoutées sur l'écran de visualisation].Moreover, by the possible adaptation of the level of the details that are displayed at the zoom level (or the scale value) selected, it is possible to choose a level of detail which makes it possible to visualize as much detail as possible without to overload the display screen. This makes it possible to make the presentation of information very readable. Of course, according to the invention, when the zoom level increases (that is to say when the portion of the airport represented on the display screen becomes smaller), the level of detail increases [it is ie new information (or details) are added on the viewing screen].

La lisibilité est également augmentée par la présentation des vues (d'une partie ou de tout l'aéroport) exclusivement en plan. Ainsi, le pilote n'a pas à reconnaître un nouveau type de présentation lors d'un changement de vue. De plus, une vue en plan permet de facilement évaluer les distances entre les différents éléments de l'aéroport et de bien comprendre la disposition relative de ces éléments, notamment par rapport à une vue en perspective.The readability is also increased by the presentation of the views (of a part or of the whole airport) exclusively in plan. Thus, the pilot does not have to recognize a new type of presentation during a change of view. In addition, a plan view makes it possible to easily evaluate the distances between the different elements of the airport and to understand the relative disposition of these elements, in particular with respect to a perspective view.

Par ailleurs, de façon avantageuse, ledit système d'actionnement comporte :

  • au moins un premier moyen d'actionnement permettant (à un opérateur) de modifier (de façon continue ou par pas) le niveau de zoom sélectionné, dans les deux sens, entre deux niveaux limites ; et/ou
  • au moins un second moyen d'actionnement permettant (à un opérateur) de sélectionner directement l'un d'au moins trois niveaux de zoom différents, relatifs respectivement à :
    • . une navigation générale ;
    • . une navigation de proximité ; et
    • . un roulage de précision.
    Ainsi, l'opérateur peut accéder directement à des niveaux de zoom préférentiels ; et/ou
  • au moins un troisième moyen d'actionnement permettant (à un opérateur) de commander, par l'intermédiaire de l'unité centrale, ledit moyen de visualisation pour qu'il centre automatiquement la partie d'aéroport qu'il présente sur ledit écran de visualisation, sur un signe caractéristique illustrant la position d'un mobile, notamment un avion, pourvu dudit dispositif de visualisation ; et/ou
  • au moins un quatrième moyen d'actionnement permettant (à un opérateur) de commander, par l'intermédiaire de l'unité centrale, ledit moyen de visualisation pour qu'il centre la partie d'aéroport qu'il présente sur ledit écran de visualisation, sur des points prédéfinis de l'aéroport, de façon cyclique, en modifiant la vue à chaque nouvel actionnement dudit quatrième moyen d'actionnement.
Furthermore, advantageously, said actuation system comprises:
  • at least one first actuating means allowing (to an operator) to modify (continuously or stepwise) the selected zoom level, in both directions, between two limit levels; and or
  • at least a second actuating means allowing (an operator) to directly select one of at least three different zoom levels, respectively relating to:
    • . general navigation;
    • . local navigation; and
    • . a precision rolling.
    Thus, the operator can directly access preferential zoom levels; and or
  • at least a third actuating means allowing (to an operator) to control, via the central unit, said display means so that it automatically centers the part of the airport that it has on said display screen; viewing, on a characteristic sign illustrating the position of a mobile, including an aircraft, provided with said display device; and or
  • at least one fourth actuating means allowing (to an operator) to control, via the central unit, said display means so that it centers the airport part that it presents on said display screen at predetermined points of the airport, cyclically, changing the view at each new actuation of said fourth actuating means.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, ledit système d'actionnement comporte, de plus, au moins un cinquième moyen d'actionnement permettant (à un opérateur) :

  • à partir d'un premier niveau de zoom, d'accéder, par un premier actionnement dudit cinquième moyen d'actionnement, à un second niveau de zoom permettant une présentation de tout l'aéroport sur ledit écran de visualisation ; et
  • à partir de ce second niveau de zoom, de revenir, par un second actionnement dudit cinquième moyen d'actionnement, audit premier niveau de zoom.
In a preferred embodiment, said actuation system further comprises at least one fifth actuation means allowing (to an operator):
  • from a first zoom level, access, by a first actuation of said fifth actuating means, to a second zoom level allowing a presentation of the entire airport on said display screen; and
  • from this second zoom level, to return, by a second actuation of said fifth actuating means, to said first zoom level.

Généralement, le retour se fait sur la même partie d'aéroport que celle qui était présentée avant la visualisation de tout l'aéroport.Generally, the return is made on the same part of the airport that was presented before viewing the entire airport.

Toutefois, dans un mode de réalisation particulier, ledit système d'actionnement comporte, de plus, au moins un sixième moyen d'actionnement permettant (à un opérateur) de sélectionner un point de l'aéroport sur lequel est alors centrée la partie d'aéroport qui est présentée sur l'écran de visualisation. Ainsi, le retour (audit premier niveau de zoom) peut se faire sur une nouvelle partie d'aéroport que l'on a sélectionnée préalablement, à l'aide de ce sixième moyen d'actionnement.However, in a particular embodiment, said actuation system further comprises at least one sixth actuating means allowing (an operator) to select a point of the airport on which the part of the airport is centered. airport that is presented on the viewing screen. Thus, the return (at said first zoom level) can be done on a new airport portion that has been previously selected, using this sixth actuating means.

En outre, avantageusement, le dispositif de visualisation conforme à l'invention comporte, de plus, un moyen permettant de déplacer la partie d'aéroport qui est visualisée sur l'écran de visualisation.In addition, advantageously, the display device according to the invention further comprises means for moving the part of the airport which is displayed on the display screen.

Par ailleurs, dans un mode de réalisation préféré, ladite unité centrale est formée :

  • de sorte qu'une variation de zoom entre deux niveaux de zoom différents apparaisse continue à un opérateur regardant ledit écran de visualisation ; et/ou
  • de sorte qu'un déplacement de la partie d'aéroport qui est visualisée sur l'écran de visualisation apparaisse continu à un opérateur regardant ledit écran de visualisation.
Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, said central unit is formed:
  • so that a zoom variation between two different zoom levels appears continuous to an operator looking at said display screen; and or
  • so that a displacement of the airport portion which is displayed on the display screen appears continuous to an operator looking at said display screen.

Ainsi, on obtient une transformation (visuellement) continue de l'aéroport (ou de la partie d'aéroport) qui est visualisé sur l'écran, ce qui favorise bien entendu la lisibilité de la présentation d'informations.Thus, we obtain a transformation (visually) continuous of the airport (or the part of airport) which is visualized on the screen, which of course favors the legibility of the presentation of information.

En outre, dans le même but, lorsque ledit moyen de visualisation comprend au moins deux modes de visualisation différents, comme cela est le cas pour un écran de navigation du type ND ("Navigation Display") par exemple, avantageusement, ladite unité centrale est formée de sorte que, lors d'un changement de mode d'un premier mode à un second mode, elle engendre sur ledit écran de visualisation successivement au moins la disparition d'un masque relatif audit premier mode, un déplacement de la partie d'aéronef qui est visualisée et l'apparition d'un masque relatif audit second mode.In addition, for the same purpose, when said display means comprises at least two different viewing modes, as is the case for a navigation screen of the ND ("Navigation Display") type. for example, advantageously, said central unit is formed so that, during a change of mode from a first mode to a second mode, it generates on said display screen successively at least the disappearance of a mask relating to said first mode, a displacement of the aircraft part that is displayed and the appearance of a mask relating to said second mode.

Selon l'invention, on présente sur l'écran de visualisation notamment les éléments suivants de l'aéroport : les pistes, les taxiways, les bâtiments, ..., ainsi que le trafic (avions, ...). Aussi, pour pouvoir visualiser en temps réel le trafic, avantageusement ledit dispositif de visualisation comporte, de plus, des moyens permettant de charger en temps réel des données (notamment celles relatives au trafic) dans ladite base de données qui est donc du type dynamique.According to the invention, the following elements of the airport are presented on the display screen: runways, taxiways, buildings, etc., as well as traffic (aircraft, etc.). Also, to be able to view in real time the traffic, advantageously said display device further comprises means for loading in real time data (particularly those relating to traffic) in said database which is therefore of the dynamic type.

Par ailleurs, avantageusement :

  • dans un premier mode de réalisation, ledit dispositif de visualisation est intégré dans un ordinateur portable ; et
  • dans un second mode de réalisation, ledit moyen de visualisation est un système de visualisation d'un aéronef sur lequel est monté ledit dispositif conforme à l'invention, et les éléments dudit dispositif, autres que ledit moyen de visualisation, font partie d'un ensemble spécifique.
Moreover, advantageously:
  • in a first embodiment, said display device is integrated in a laptop; and
  • in a second embodiment, said display means is a display system of an aircraft on which is mounted said device according to the invention, and the elements of said device, other than said display means, are part of a specific set.

Les figures du dessin annexé feront bien comprendre comment l'invention peut être réalisée. Sur ces figures, des références identiques désignent des éléments semblables.The figures of the appended drawing will make it clear how the invention can be realized. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

La figure 1 est le schéma synoptique d'un dispositif de visualisation conforme à l'invention.The figure 1 is the block diagram of a display device according to the invention.

Les figures 2A et 2B illustrent des vues similaires, mais correspondant à des niveaux de zoom différents.The Figures 2A and 2B illustrate similar views, but corresponding to different zoom levels.

La figure 3 montre schématiquement un mode de réalisation particulier d'un système d'actionnement.The figure 3 schematically shows a particular embodiment of an actuating system.

Les figures 4A à 4C illustrent différentes vues permettant d'expliciter une caractéristique particulière de la présente invention.The Figures 4A to 4C illustrate different views for explaining a particular feature of the present invention.

Le dispositif 1 conforme à l'invention et représenté schématiquement sur la figure 1 est destiné à visualiser au moins une partie d'un aéroport. Ce dispositif 1 est, de préférence, installé dans le poste de pilotage d'un avion. Il peut toutefois également être monté sur un autre mobile circulant sur l'aéroport, tel qu'un véhicule d'un service technique au sol (nettoyage, maintenance, secours, ...) par exemple. Il peut même être utilisé par un piéton, en particulier pour se localiser sur l'aéroport.The device 1 according to the invention and schematically represented on the figure 1 is intended to visualize at least part of an airport. This device 1 is preferably installed in the cockpit of an aircraft. It can however also be mounted on another mobile running on the airport, such as a vehicle of a technical service on the ground (cleaning, maintenance, rescue, ...) for example. It can even be used by a pedestrian, especially to locate on the airport.

Ledit dispositif 1 est du type comportant :

  • au moins un moyen de visualisation 2 comprenant au moins un écran de visualisation 3 de type usuel ;
  • au moins une base de données 4 munie de données concernant l'aéroport, qu'elle peut recevoir par exemple par une liaison 37 ;
  • un système d'actionnement 5 permettant à un opérateur de sélectionner un niveau de zoom pour l'aéroport à visualiser, à partir d'une pluralité de niveaux de zoom ; et
  • une unité centrale 6 qui est reliée par l'intermédiaire de liaisons 7, 8 et 9 respectivement audit moyen de visualisation 2, à ladite base de données 4 et audit système d'actionnement 5 et qui commande ledit moyen de visualisation 2 pour qu'il présente sur ledit écran de visualisation 3 au moins une partie d'aéroport selon une valeur d'échelle représentative d'un niveau de zoom qui a été sélectionné par l'intermédiaire dudit système d'actionnement 5.
Said device 1 is of the type comprising:
  • at least one display means 2 comprising at least one display screen 3 of the usual type;
  • at least one database 4 provided with data concerning the airport, which it can receive for example via a link 37;
  • an actuation system 5 enabling an operator to select a zoom level for the airport to be viewed from a plurality of zoom levels; and
  • a central unit 6 which is connected via links 7, 8 and 9 respectively to said display means 2, to said database 4 and to said actuating system 5 and which controls said display means 2 so that it present on said display screen 3 at least one airport part according to a scale value representative of a zoom level which has been selected via said operating system 5.

Selon l'invention :

  • au moins certaines desdites valeurs d'échelle sont paramétrables, et ledit dispositif de visualisation 1 comporte, de plus, un moyen 10 qui est relié par une liaison 11 à l'unité centrale 6 et qui permet à un opérateur de paramétrer lesdites valeurs d'échelle paramétrables. Ce moyen 10 peut être, par exemple, un clavier numérique permettant à un opérateur d'entrer de nouvelles valeurs d'échelle ;
  • le moyen de visualisation 2 présente sur l'écran 3 uniquement des vues en plan de l'aéroport (ou d'une partie de ce dernier) ; et
  • l'unité centrale 6 commande ledit moyen de visualisation 2 pour qu'il présente sur l'écran 3 un ensemble des détails qui est conforme à l'un d'une pluralité de niveaux de détails différents. Chacun de ces différents niveaux de détails est fonction au moins du niveau de zoom qui est sélectionné par l'intermédiaire du système d'actionnement 5. Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, ces niveaux de détail peuvent également dépendre d'autres facteurs tels que la position de l'avion par exemple. Ainsi, selon l'invention, si un opérateur sélectionne un nouveau niveau de zoom qui est tel que la zone visualisée devienne plus restreinte, le niveau de détails augmente sur l'écran de visualisation 3, c'est-à-dire de nouvelles informations non montrées précédemment sont alors visualisées, et inversement bien entendu.
According to the invention:
  • at least some of said scale values are parameterizable, and said display device 1 furthermore comprises a means 10 which is connected by a link 11 to the central unit 6 and which allows an operator to parameterize said values of scalable scale. This way 10 may be, for example, a keypad allowing an operator to enter new scale values;
  • the display means 2 has on the screen 3 only plan views of the airport (or part of it); and
  • the central unit 6 controls said display means 2 so that it presents on the screen 3 a set of details which is in accordance with one of a plurality of different levels of detail. Each of these different levels of detail is a function of at least the zoom level that is selected via the operating system 5. In a particular embodiment, these levels of detail may also depend on other factors such as position of the aircraft for example. Thus, according to the invention, if an operator selects a new zoom level which is such that the area displayed becomes more restricted, the level of detail increases on the viewing screen 3, ie new information. not shown previously are then visualized, and conversely of course.

Ainsi, comme au moins certaines des valeurs d'échelle (qui sont associées à différents niveaux de zoom que l'on peut sélectionner) sont paramétrables, on peut adapter ces valeurs d'échelle aux caractéristiques (taille, complexité, ...) de l'aéroport que l'on veut visualiser. On comprend aisément qu'il n'est pas judicieux d'utiliser la même valeur échelle (c'est-à-dire le même rapport entre la représentation figurée d'une longueur et la longueur réelle correspondante) pour deux aéroports, dont l'un est beaucoup plus grand (par exemple dix fois plus grand) et plus complexe (plus de pistes, ...) que l'autre. Par conséquent, le dispositif de visualisation 1 conforme à l'invention peut être adapté à tout type d'aéroport, quelle que soit sa taille ou sa complexité notamment.Thus, since at least some of the scale values (which are associated with different zoom levels that can be selected) can be parameterized, these scale values can be adapted to the characteristics (size, complexity, etc.) of the scale. the airport that we want to visualize. It is understandable that it is not wise to use the same scale value (that is, the same ratio between the figured representation of a length and the corresponding actual length) for two airports, of which one is much larger (for example ten times larger) and more complex (more tracks, ...) than the other. Therefore, the display device 1 according to the invention can be adapted to any type of airport, regardless of its size or complexity, in particular.

En outre, une présentation exclusive de l'aéroport en vues en plan apporte un confort visuel au pilote et facilite la lecture des vues.In addition, an exclusive presentation of the airport in plan views provides visual comfort to the pilot and facilitates the reading of the views.

Il en est de même de l'adaptation des niveaux de détails aux niveaux de zoom (et donc aux valeurs d'échelles) sélectionnés, comme on peut le voir en référence aux figures 2A et 2B qui représentent deux vues de l'aéroport 12 sur l'écran de visualisation 3, correspondant à deux niveaux de zoom différents pour la même situation réelle.It is the same for the adaptation of the levels of detail to the zoom levels (and thus to the scale values) selected, as can be seen in reference to Figures 2A and 2B which represent two views of the airport 12 on the viewing screen 3, corresponding to two different zoom levels for the same actual situation.

La figure 2B illustre une vue globale de l'aéroport 12, qui montre :

  • des pistes 13 et 14 ;
  • un taxiway 15 ;
  • des bretelles d'accès 16, 17, 18 et 19 ; et
  • un signe particulier 20 illustrant la position de l'avion (équipé dudit dispositif 1) qui se trouve sur la piste 13 au niveau de la bretelle 16.
The Figure 2B illustrates a global view of the airport 12, which shows:
  • tracks 13 and 14;
  • a taxiway 15;
  • access straps 16, 17, 18 and 19; and
  • a particular sign 20 illustrating the position of the aircraft (equipped with said device 1) which is on the runway 13 at the ramp 16.

La figure 2A illustre la même situation que celle de la figure 2B, après avoir zoomé (sélection d'un niveau de zoom plus élevé au moyen dudit système d'actionnement 5). Ainsi, uniquement une partie de l'aéroport 12 (autour de l'avion 20) est représentée. De plus, comme le niveau de zoom augmente, le niveau de détails augmente également conformément à l'invention de sorte que des éléments 21 et 22 qui n'étaient pas visibles sur la vue globale de la figure 2B apparaissent à présent sur la figure 2A. Ces éléments 21 et 22 (par exemple des panneaux ou des armoires électriques) sont représentés schématiquement sur cette figure 2A.The Figure 2A illustrates the same situation as that of Figure 2B , after having zoomed (selection of a higher zoom level by means of said operating system 5). Thus, only a portion of the airport 12 (around the aircraft 20) is shown. In addition, as the zoom level increases, the level of detail also increases according to the invention so that elements 21 and 22 that were not visible on the overall view of the Figure 2B now appear on the Figure 2A . These elements 21 and 22 (for example panels or electrical cabinets) are shown schematically on this Figure 2A .

Selon l'invention, on choisit, pour chaque niveau de zoom, un niveau de détails qui, à la fois, permet une bonne lecture des informations présentées sur l'écran 3 et assure une densité appropriée de ces informations.According to the invention, a level of detail is chosen for each level of zoom which, at the same time, allows a good reading of the information presented on the screen 3 and ensures an appropriate density of this information.

Par ailleurs, comme représenté sur la figure 3, ledit système d'actionnement 5 comporte :

  • des moyens d'actionnement 23 et 24 qui permettent à un opérateur de modifier le niveau de zoom sélectionné, dans le sens des niveaux de zoom décroissants pour le moyen d'actionnement 23 et, dans le sens des niveaux de zoom croissants pour le moyen d'actionnement 24, et ceci entre deux niveaux de zoom limites. Les valeurs d'échelle correspondant respectivement à ces deux niveaux de zoom limites peuvent être paramétrées et donc être adaptées aux caractéristiques de l'aéroport à visualiser. Dans le cadre de la présente invention, lesdits moyens d'actionnement 23 et 24 peuvent modifier le niveau de zoom, soit de façon continue, soit par pas ;
  • un moyen d'actionnement 25 pour centrer automatiquement la partie d'aéroport 12 qui est visualisée, autour de la position effective 20 de l'avion. On peut également prévoir que ledit système d'actionnement 5 comporte de plus au moins un moyen d'actionnement, par exemple le moyen 31 représenté de façon schématique sur la figure 1, permettant de commander l'unité centrale 6 pour que le moyen de visualisation 2 centre la partie d'aéroport qu'il présente sur ledit écran 3, sur des points prédéfinis de l'aéroport, et ceci de façon cyclique, en modifiant la vue à chaque nouvel actionnement dudit moyen d'actionnement 31 ; et
  • un moyen 26 permettant de déplacer la partie d'aéroport qui est visualisée sur l'écran de visualisation 3, dans toutes les directions.
Moreover, as represented on the figure 3 said actuating system 5 comprises:
  • actuating means 23 and 24 which allow an operator to change the selected zoom level in the direction of decreasing zoom levels for the actuating means 23 and, in the direction of increasing zoom levels for the actuating means 24, and this between two zoom levels limits. The scale values corresponding respectively to these two zoom levels limits can be set and therefore be adapted to the characteristics of the airport to view. In the context of the present invention, said actuating means 23 and 24 can modify the zoom level, either continuously or in steps;
  • an actuating means 25 for automatically centering the displayed airport portion 12 about the actual position of the aircraft. It can also be provided that said actuating system 5 further comprises at least one actuating means, for example the means 31 shown schematically on the figure 1 , making it possible to control the central unit 6 so that the display means 2 center the airport part that it has on said screen 3, on predefined points of the airport, and this in a cyclic manner, by modifying the view at each new actuation of said actuating means 31; and
  • means 26 for moving the airport portion which is displayed on the display screen 3, in all directions.

En outre, le système d'actionnement 5 comporte trois moyens d'actionnement 27, 28 et 29 associés, qui permettent d'accéder directement à des niveaux de zoom préférentiels qui ont notamment été définis en fonction des besoins opérationnels des pilotes. Les visualisations obtenues respectivement par l'actionnement desdits moyens d'actionnement 27, 28 et 29 sont particulièrement bien appropriées pour assister le pilote respectivement lors :

  • d'une navigation générale. Le niveau de zoom correspondant permet une bonne visualisation de l'ensemble de l'aéroport 12 pour pouvoir, d'une part, mieux comprendre sa complexité et, d'autre part, visualiser n'importe quel cheminement dans son intégralité. Il s'agit donc d'une navigation d'ordre stratégique ;
  • d'une navigation de proximité. Le niveau de zoom correspondant permet au pilote de naviguer à court terme et de surveiller de nombreux paramètres concernant sa position, et son environnement proche. Il s'agit ici d'une navigation d'ordre tactique ; et
  • d'un roulage de précision, permettant de répondre aux problèmes de manoeuvrabilité et de positionnement de l'avion 20 sur une piste 13, 14, un taxiway 15, un parking, à l'approche d'un terminal ("gate" en anglais) ou pour effectuer une manoeuvre sur une raquette (généralement située en bout de piste, pour permettre aux avions de grandes dimensions de se retourner).
In addition, the actuating system 5 comprises three actuating means 27, 28 and 29 associated, which provide direct access to preferential zoom levels which have been defined in particular according to the operational needs of pilots. The visualizations obtained respectively by the actuation of said actuating means 27, 28 and 29 are particularly well suited to assist the pilot respectively when:
  • a general navigation. The corresponding zoom level allows a good visualization of the entire airport 12 to be able, on the one hand, to better understand its complexity and, on the other hand, to visualize any path in its entirety. It is therefore a navigation of a strategic order;
  • proximity navigation. The corresponding zoom level allows the pilot to navigate in the short term and monitor many parameters concerning his position and his immediate environment. This is a tactical navigation; and
  • a precision rolling, to address the problems of maneuverability and positioning of the aircraft 20 on a runway 13, 14, a taxiway 15, parking, approaching a terminal ("gate" in English) ) or to perform a maneuver on a racket (usually located at the end of the runway, to allow large planes to turn around).

Bien entendu, comme indiqué précédemment, les valeurs d'échelle associées à ces différents niveaux de zoom sont paramétrables et peuvent être adaptées à l'aéroport notamment.Of course, as indicated above, the scale values associated with these different zoom levels are parameterizable and can be adapted to the airport in particular.

Par ailleurs, ledit système d'actionnement 5 comporte également un moyen d'actionnement 30 qui permet :

  • à partir d'une première vue conforme à un premier niveau de zoom, par exemple la vue représentée sur la figure 2A (ou la figure 4A), d'accéder directement à une vue globale de l'aéroport 12, comme représenté sur la figure 2B (ou la figure 4B), sans avoir à réaliser d'autres actions ; et
  • à partir de cette vue globale (figure 2B), de revenir automatiquement à une vue, par exemple la vue initiale (figure 2A), qui présente ledit premier niveau de zoom.
Moreover, said actuation system 5 also comprises an actuating means 30 which allows:
  • from a first view conforming to a first zoom level, for example the view represented on the Figure 2A (or the Figure 4A ), to directly access a global view of the airport 12, as shown on the Figure 2B (or the Figure 4B ), without having to carry out other actions; and
  • from this global view ( Figure 2B ), to automatically return to a view, for example the initial view ( Figure 2A ), which has said first zoom level.

Dans ce cas, dans un mode de réalisation particulier illustré sur les figures 4A à 4C, le système d'actionnement 5 peut également comporter un moyen d'actionnement, tel que le moyen 36 représenté sur la figure 1, qui permet à partir de la vue globale de la figure 4B de sélectionner une partie 32 de l'aéroport 12 de sorte qu'un actionnement du moyen d'actionnement 30 entraîne alors la visualisation de la vue partielle représentée sur la figure 4C. Cette vue partielle présente ledit premier niveau de zoom (relatif à la figure 4A) mais montre la partie 32 sélectionnée, et non pas la partie visualisée initialement sur la figure 4A. A partir de cette vue partielle de la figure 4C, on revient à une vue globale (figure 4B) par un nouvel actionnement dudit moyen d'actionnement 30.In this case, in a particular embodiment illustrated on the Figures 4A to 4C , the actuating system 5 may also include an actuating means, such as the means 36 shown on the figure 1 , which allows from the global view of the Figure 4B to select a portion 32 of the airport 12 so that actuation of the actuating means 30 then causes the visualization of the partial view represented on the figure 4C . This partial view presents said first zoom level (relative to the Figure 4A ) but shows the selected part 32, and not the part initially viewed on the Figure 4A . From this partial view of the figure 4C , we come back to a global view ( Figure 4B ) by a new actuation of said actuating means 30.

Cette dernière fonctionnalité pourra notamment aider le pilote, s'il est perdu, à se situer dans l'aéroport 12, à rechercher un point précis de façon graphique, et à surveiller le trafic environnant, si le niveau de zoom de travail ne permet d'observer qu'une zone réduite de l'aéroport (niveau de zoom élevé).This latter function may notably help the pilot, if he is lost, to be in the airport 12, to search for a specific point graphically, and to monitor the surrounding traffic, if the working zoom level does not allow the observe a reduced area of the airport (high zoom level).

On notera que conformément à l'invention, en augmentant le niveau de zoom pour passer de la figure 4B à la figure 4C, il apparaît de nouveaux détails tels que l'élément 33 (par exemple un panneau), qui n'étaient pas montrés précédemment pour ne pas surcharger la vue.Note that according to the invention, by increasing the zoom level to move from the Figure 4B to the figure 4C new details such as item 33 (eg a panel) appear, which were not shown previously so as not to overload the view.

Par ailleurs, le dispositif 1 conforme à l'invention est formé de manière à engendrer une transformation continue de l'information visualisée sans saut brusque d'information, par exemple lors d'une variation de zoom ou d'un changement de mode tel que précisé ci-dessous, pour rendre la présentation d'informations la plus lisible possible dans une telle situation.Moreover, the device 1 according to the invention is formed in such a way as to generate a continuous transformation of the information displayed without abrupt jump of information, for example during a zoom variation or a change of mode such that specified below, to make the presentation of information as legible as possible in such a situation.

Pour ce faire, selon l'invention, ladite unité centrale 6 est formée :

  • de sorte qu'une variation de zoom entre deux niveaux de zoom différents apparaisse continue à un opérateur regardant ledit écran de visualisation 3. Pour ce faire, il suffit de paramétrer un nombre suffisant de crans, associé à un délai d'autorépétition de la fonction suffisamment court pour maintenir l'illusion visuelle de la continuité. De façon pratique, si la cadence de répétition dépasse un certain seuil (10 Hz par exemple), on considère que l'image est suffisamment fluide ; et
  • de sorte qu'un déplacement de la partie d'aéroport qui est visualisée sur l'écran de visualisation 3 apparaisse continu à un opérateur regardant ledit écran de visualisation 3.
To do this, according to the invention, said central unit 6 is formed:
  • so that a zoom variation between two different zoom levels appears continuous to an operator looking at said display screen 3. To do this, it suffices to set a sufficient number of notches, associated with a self-repeat delay of the function short enough to maintain the visual illusion of continuity. In practice, if the repetition rate exceeds a certain threshold (10 Hz for example), it is considered that the image is sufficiently fluid; and
  • so that a displacement of the part of the airport which is displayed on the display screen 3 appears continuous to an operator looking at said display screen 3.

L'unité centrale 6 est également formée de manière à engendrer une transformation continue de l'information visualisée lors d'un changement de mode, lorsque ledit moyen de visualisation 2 comprend une pluralité de modes, tel qu'un écran de navigation de type ND ("Navigation Display") par exemple.The central unit 6 is also formed so as to generate a continuous transformation of the information displayed during a mode change, when said display means 2 comprises a plurality of modes, such as an ND type navigation screen. ("Navigation Display") for example.

On sait qu'un tel écran de navigation ND comprend les modes suivants :

  • un mode dit "Rose", pour lequel l'avion se trouve au centre de l'écran de visualisation 3. Il est fixe et a le nez orienté vers le haut. Plusieurs cercles concentriques donnent une échelle de référence pour mesurer rapidement et visuellement les distances. Le pilote peut ainsi situer facilement son avion sur la carte de l'aéroport, laquelle tourne et glisse en fonction des déplacements effectués ;
  • un mode dit "Arc", pour lequel l'avion se trouve au bas de l'écran de visualisation 3, au centre de plusieurs arcs de cercle, dont l'écartement correspond au niveau de zoom sélectionné. La carte tourne et glisse en fonction des déplacements de l'avion, qui lui reste fixe, comme dans le mode "Rosé" ; et
  • un mode dit "Plan". Il s'agit d'une vue de dessus de l'aéroport, orientée vers le Nord. L'avion se déplace sur cette carte, qui est fixe. Le mode "Plan" comprend également un masque qui ressemble à celui du mode "Rose" (il est constitué de cercles), mais il est un peu plus dépouillé et désolidarisé du symbole avion.
It is known that such an ND navigation screen comprises the following modes:
  • a mode called "Rose", for which the aircraft is in the center of the display screen 3. It is fixed and has the nose facing upwards. Several concentric circles give a reference scale to quickly and visually measure distances. The pilot can thus easily locate his plane on the map of the airport, which rotates and slides according to the movements made;
  • a mode called "Arc", for which the aircraft is at the bottom of the display screen 3, in the center of several arcs, whose spacing corresponds to the selected zoom level. The map rotates and slides according to the movements of the plane, which remains fixed, as in the "Rosé"mode; and
  • a mode called "Plan". This is a top view of the airport, facing north. The plane moves on this map, which is fixed. The "Plan" mode also includes a mask that resembles that of the "Rose" mode (it is made up of circles), but it is a little more stripped and disassociated from the airplane symbol.

Lorsqu'il comporte plusieurs modes tels que les modes précités, le moyen de visualisation 2 est commandé, selon l'invention, par l'unité centrale 6, pour mettre en oeuvre les opérations successives suivantes, lors d'un changement de mode (passage d'un premier mode à un second mode) :

  • disparition du masque précisé ci-dessous, relatif au premier mode ;
  • glissement continu de la carte visualisant l'aéroport ;
  • apparition et disparition sur l'écran de visualisation 3 des différents éléments au fur et à mesure qu'ils entrent ou quittent l'affichage lors du glissé automatique de la carte ; et
  • apparition du nouveau masque relatif au second mode.
When it comprises several modes such as the aforementioned modes, the display means 2 is controlled, according to the invention, by the central unit 6, to implement the following successive operations, when a change of mode (transition from a first mode to a second mode):
  • disappearance of the mask specified below, relating to the first mode;
  • continuous sliding of the map showing the airport;
  • appearance and disappearance on the display screen 3 of the various elements as they enter or leave the display during the automatic slide of the card; and
  • appearance of the new mask relating to the second mode.

On sait qu'un masque relatif à un mode particulier comprend, de façon usuelle, une échelle circulaire (pour les masques des modes "Rose" et "Plan") ou semi-circulaire (pour le masque du mode "Arc") représentative des caps, et une échelle représentative des distances, située sur les différents arcs de cercle composant lesdits masques. Les arcs de cercle sont donc concentriques et répartis de façon régulière. Il se peut, par un réglage préférentiel, que l'opérateur choisisse :

  • soit de fixer les diamètres des arcs de cercle correspondant aux masques, ce qui implique une modification de la valeur affichée pour la distance suivant le niveau de zoom ;
  • soit de permettre aux différents arcs de cercle de se redimensionner pour que la valeur affichée de l'échelle des distances soit une valeur entière, plus simple à interpréter.
It is known that a mask relating to a particular mode comprises, in the usual way, a circular scale (for the masks of the "Rose" and "Plan" modes) or semi-circular (for the "Arc" mode mask) representative of caps, and a scale representative of the distances, located on the different arcs of circle forming said masks. The arcs of circle are thus concentric and distributed in a regular way. It is possible, by a preferential setting, that the operator chooses:
  • either to fix the diameters of the arcs of circle corresponding to the masks, which implies a modification of the displayed value for the distance following the level of zoom;
  • either to allow the different arcs to resize so that the displayed value of the distance scale is an integer value, easier to interpret.

Les masques sont donc des objets qui renseignent l'opérateur sur l'orientation de l'aéronef tout en lui associant une notion de distance.Masks are thus objects that inform the operator on the orientation of the aircraft while associating a notion of distance.

On notera que la fonction mise en oeuvre par l'actionnement du moyen d'actionnement 30 décrit précédemment, nécessite un traitement particulier, comprenant les étapes successives suivantes :

  • diminution du niveau de zoom jusqu'au niveau de zoom minimal ;
  • disparition du masque, s'il est différent du masque du mode "Plan" précité ;
  • apparition du masque du mode "Plan", si le mode précédent était différent ; et
  • déplacement continu de la carte visualisée sur l'écran 3 pour centrer l'aéroport au milieu de l'écran 3 et ainsi le visualiser dans sa globalité.
Note that the function implemented by the actuation of the actuating means 30 described above, requires a particular treatment, comprising the following successive steps:
  • decrease the zoom level to the minimum zoom level;
  • disappearance of the mask, if it is different from the mask of the "Plan" mode mentioned above;
  • appearance of the "Plan" mode mask, if the previous mode was different; and
  • continuous movement of the map displayed on the screen 3 to center the airport in the middle of the screen 3 and thus view it in its entirety.

A partir de là :

  • on peut refaire en sens inverse les opérations précédentes, si l'opérateur désire revenir à la visualisation initiale ;
  • on peut également réaliser les opérations suivantes :
    • . recentrage par déplacement continu de la carte sur un point sélectionné par l'opérateur ; et
    • . augmentation du niveau de zoom jusqu'au niveau de zoom initial (valeur enregistrée au moment de l'activation initiale de la fonction).
From here:
  • the previous operations can be redone in the opposite direction, if the operator wishes to return to the initial visualization;
  • the following operations can also be performed:
    • . recentering by continuous displacement of the map on a point selected by the operator; and
    • . increase the zoom level to the initial zoom level (value recorded at the time of the initial activation of the function).

En outre, si l'opérateur souhaite recentrer l'image sur l'avion (moyen d'actionnement 25) ou sur un point caractéristique de l'aéroport (moyen d'actionnement 31), le dispositif 1 effectue les opérations suivantes :

  • diminution du niveau de zoom jusqu'à l'apparition du symbole 20 illustrant l'avion ou du point caractéristique sur l'écran 3 ;
  • déplacement continu de la carte pour la centrer sur le symbole 20 ou sur le point caractéristique ; et
  • retour à la valeur initiale du niveau de zoom.
In addition, if the operator wishes to refocus the image on the aircraft (actuating means 25) or on a characteristic point of the airport (actuating means 31), the device 1 performs the following operations:
  • decreasing the zoom level until the appearance of the symbol 20 illustrating the aircraft or the characteristic point on the screen 3;
  • continuous movement of the map to center it on the symbol 20 or on the characteristic point; and
  • return to the initial value of the zoom level.

De plus, si l'affichage n'est pas centré sur le symbole 20 de l'avion et que l'opérateur désire revenir en mode "Arc" ou "Rose", le dispositif 1 réalise les opérations suivantes :

  • diminution du niveau de zoom jusqu'à l'apparition du symbole 20 sur l'écran 3 ;
  • disparition du masque du mode "Plan" ;
  • déplacement continu de la carte pour la centrer sur le symbole 20 (centrage relatif au mode désiré : au milieu pour le mode "Rose", en bas pour le mode "Arc") ;
  • apparition du nouveau masque ; et
  • retour à la valeur initiale du niveau de zoom.
In addition, if the display is not centered on the symbol 20 of the aircraft and the operator wishes to return to "Arc" or "Rose" mode, the device 1 performs the following operations:
  • decreasing the zoom level until the symbol 20 appears on the screen 3;
  • disappearance of the "Plan" mode mask;
  • continuous movement of the map to center it on the symbol 20 (centering relative to the desired mode: in the middle for the "Rose" mode, down for the "Arc"mode);
  • appearance of the new mask; and
  • return to the initial value of the zoom level.

Par ailleurs, le dispositif 1 conforme à l'invention comporte, de plus, des moyens 34 permettant de mettre à jour en temps réel, de façon dynamique, la base de données 4, comme illustré par une liaison en traits mixtes 35 sur la figure 1. Ceci permet notamment de pouvoir enregistrer dans la base de données 4 en temps réel le trafic (autres avions, véhicules techniques, ...) qui peut ainsi être présenté (également en temps réel) sur l'écran 3. La présentation du trafic consiste notamment à montrer sur le plan de l'aéroport qui est visualisé, la position de chaque mobile (avions, véhicules techniques, ...) et, éventuellement, à identifier chacun de ces mobiles par un signe particulier ou un code ou numéro particulier. De préférence, la mise à jour précitée est réalisée au moyen de liaisons numériques de transmission de données de type usuel, entre ledit dispositif 1 qui est embarqué sur un avion par exemple et un poste situé au sol.Furthermore, the device 1 according to the invention furthermore comprises means 34 enabling the database 4 to be dynamically updated in real time, as illustrated by a phantom link 35 on the screen. figure 1 . This allows in particular to be able to record in the database 4 in real time the traffic (other aircraft, technical vehicles, ...) which can thus be presented (also in real time) on the screen 3. The presentation of the traffic consists of in particular to show on the plane of the airport which is visualized, the position of each mobile (aircraft, technical vehicles, ...) and, possibly, to identify each of these mobiles by a particular sign or a particular code or number. Preferably, the aforementioned update is performed by means of digital data transmission links of the usual type between said device 1 which is on board an aircraft for example and a station on the ground.

Dans le cadre de la présente invention, le système d'actionnement 5 peut être de différents types. Il peut s'agir en particulier :

  • d'un écran tactile, chacun desdits moyens d'actionnement 21 à 31 et 36 correspondant alors à une zone (tactilement) sensible particulière ;
  • d'un clavier, chacun desdits moyens d'actionnement 21 à 31 et 36 représentant alors au moins une touche particulière ; ou
  • d'un ensemble formé d'un panneau de type informatique et d'un désignateur (en particulier une boule rotative) permettant de désigner et valider différentes zones sensibles dudit panneau informatique. De préférence, ledit désignateur est un moyen (boule rotative, pavé tactile, minimanche, ...) qui est solidaire d'un support fixe.
In the context of the present invention, the actuating system 5 can be of different types. It can be in particular:
  • a touch screen, each of said actuating means 21 to 31 and 36 then corresponding to a particular (tactile) sensitive area;
  • a keyboard, each of said actuating means 21 to 31 and 36 then representing at least one particular key; or
  • an assembly formed of a computer type panel and a designator (in particular a rotating ball) for designating and validating different sensitive areas of said computer panel. Preferably, said designator is a means (rotary ball, touchpad, minimap, ...) which is secured to a fixed support.

Ces différents types de système d'actionnement 5 qui sont fixes permettent de réaliser un actionnement facile et précis d'un desdits moyens d'actionnemnet 23 à 31 et 36, en particulier lors de vibrations de l'avion et/ou dans des conditions de stress du pilote.These different types of actuating system 5 which are fixed allow easy and precise actuation of one of said actuating means 23 to 31 and 36, in particular during aircraft vibrations and / or under conditions of flight. driver stress.

Bien entendu, comme indiqué précédemment, le plan de masse ne constitue pas la totalité de la base de données 4. Des éléments dynamiques sont intégrés, tels que le trafic, ainsi que des informations spécifiques aux compagnies aériennes utilisatrices dudit dispositif 1, par l'intermédiaire des moyens 34.Of course, as indicated above, the ground plane does not constitute the whole of the database 4. Dynamic elements are integrated, such as traffic, as well as information specific to the airlines using said device 1, by the intermediate means 34.

Par ailleurs, avantageusement :

  • dans un premier mode de réalisation, ledit dispositif de visualisation 1 est intégré dans un ordinateur portable qui peut être installé dans le poste de pilotage d'un avion ; et
  • dans un second mode de réalisation, ledit moyen de visualisation 2 est un système de visualisation (par exemple un écran de navigation du type ND : "Navigation Display") de l'avion sur lequel est monté ledit dispositif 1, et les éléments 4, 5, 6, ... dudit dispositif 1, autres que ledit moyen de visualisation 2, font partie d'un ensemble spécifique.
Moreover, advantageously:
  • in a first embodiment, said display device 1 is integrated in a laptop that can be installed in the cockpit of an aircraft; and
  • in a second embodiment, said display means 2 is a display system (for example a navigation screen of ND type: "Navigation Display") of the aircraft on which said device 1 is mounted, and the elements 4, 5, 6, ... of said device 1, other than said display means 2, are part of a specific set.

Claims (13)

  1. A device for viewing an airport (12), including:
    - at least one viewing means (2) including at least one viewing screen (3);
    - at least one database (4) including data about the airport;
    - an actuating system (5) enabling an operator to select a zoom level for the airport to be viewed, from a plurality of different zoom levels;
    - a central unit (6) which is connected with said viewing means (2), to said database (4) and said actuating system (5) and which controls said viewing means (2) for displaying on said viewing screen (3) at least a part of the airport, and this according to one of a plurality of scale values that are associated to different zoom levels respectively that can be selected and which represent every time the ratio of the diagrammatic representation of a length to the corresponding actual length, the scale value taken into account by the central unit (6) thus being representative of the zoom level selected through said actuating system (5), said viewing means (2) showing only said part of the airport in plane view on said viewing screen (3), said central unit (6) controlling said viewing means (2) for displaying on the viewing screen (3) details of the airport, according to one of a plurality of different detail levels, each said detail level being a function of at least the zoom level selected; and
    - at least one means (10) enabling an operator to adapt said scale values which are associated to different zoom levels respectively that can be selected.
  2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said actuating system (5) includes actuating means (23, 24) enabling an operator to change the selected zoom level, in the decreasing zoom levels direction for a first actuating means (23) and in the increasing zoom levels direction for a second actuating means (24), and this in between two limit zoom levels, and in that the scale values corresponding to both limit zoom levels respectively are parameterisable.
  3. The device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the central unit (6) is formed so that the detail levels further depend on the position of an airplane which is equipped with said device (1).
  4. The device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said actuating system (5) includes at least a third actuating means (25) enabling an operator to control the viewing means (2) for automatically centring the part of the airport (12) it displays on said viewing screen (3), on a characteristic sign (20) illustrating the position of a travelling object provided with said device (1).
  5. The device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said actuating system (5) includes at least a fourth actuating means (31) enabling an operator to control the viewing means (2) for centring the part of the airport (12) it displays on said viewing screen (3), on predefined points of the airport, in a cyclic manner, by changing the view at every new actuation of said fourth actuating means (31).
  6. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said actuating system (5) includes at least a fifth actuating means (30) enabling an operator:
    - from a first zoom level, to access, through a first actuation of said fifth actuating means (30), to a second zoom level enabling the whole airport (12) to be displayed on said viewing screen (3); and
    - from this second zoom level, to come back, through a second actuation of said fifth actuating means (30), to said first zoom level.
  7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said actuating system (5) includes at least a sixth actuating means (36) enabling an operator to select a point of the airport (12) on which the part of the airport which is displayed on the viewing screen (3) is then centred.
  8. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further includes a means (26) for moving the part of the airport that is viewed on the viewing screen (3).
  9. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said central unit (6) is formed so that a zoom variation between two different zoom levels appears to be continuous to an operator looking at said viewing screen (3).
  10. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said central unit (6) is formed so that a movement of the part of the airport that is viewed on the viewing screen (3) appears to be continuous to an operator looking at said viewing screen (3).
  11. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further includes means (34) enabling data to be loaded in real time into said database (4).
  12. The device according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it is built in a laptop computer.
  13. The device according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that said viewing means (2) is a viewing system of an aircraft onto which is mounted said device (1), and in that the elements (4, 5, 6, 10) of said device (1) other than said viewing means (2), make part of a specific unit.
EP03290405A 2002-03-20 2003-02-19 Apparatus for visualizing an airport Expired - Lifetime EP1347412B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0203473A FR2837591B1 (en) 2002-03-20 2002-03-20 AIRPORT VISUALIZATION DEVICE
FR0203473 2002-03-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1347412A1 EP1347412A1 (en) 2003-09-24
EP1347412B1 true EP1347412B1 (en) 2009-12-09

Family

ID=27772246

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03290405A Expired - Lifetime EP1347412B1 (en) 2002-03-20 2003-02-19 Apparatus for visualizing an airport

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (3) US6927782B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1347412B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE451667T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2421105C (en)
DE (1) DE60330416D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2837591B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (59)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003071228A2 (en) * 2002-02-19 2003-08-28 Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. Airport taxway navigation system
FR2837591B1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2004-07-02 Airbus France AIRPORT VISUALIZATION DEVICE
US20040059474A1 (en) * 2002-09-20 2004-03-25 Boorman Daniel J. Apparatuses and methods for displaying autoflight information
US7133054B2 (en) * 2004-03-17 2006-11-07 Seadragon Software, Inc. Methods and apparatus for navigating an image
US7546419B2 (en) * 2004-06-01 2009-06-09 Aguera Y Arcas Blaise Efficient data cache
US7075535B2 (en) * 2003-03-05 2006-07-11 Sand Codex System and method for exact rendering in a zooming user interface
US7912299B2 (en) * 2004-10-08 2011-03-22 Microsoft Corporation System and method for efficiently encoding data
US7254271B2 (en) * 2003-03-05 2007-08-07 Seadragon Software, Inc. Method for encoding and serving geospatial or other vector data as images
US7930434B2 (en) * 2003-03-05 2011-04-19 Microsoft Corporation System and method for managing communication and/or storage of image data
US7042455B2 (en) * 2003-05-30 2006-05-09 Sand Codex Llc System and method for multiple node display
US7188007B2 (en) 2003-12-24 2007-03-06 The Boeing Company Apparatuses and methods for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information
US7460029B2 (en) 2003-12-24 2008-12-02 The Boeing Company Systems and methods for presenting and obtaining flight control information
US7577501B2 (en) 2004-02-26 2009-08-18 The Boeing Company Methods and systems for automatically tracking information during flight
US7751947B2 (en) 2004-03-31 2010-07-06 The Boeing Company Methods and systems for displaying assistance messages to aircraft operators
US7222017B2 (en) 2004-06-17 2007-05-22 The Boeing Company Method and system for entering and displaying ground taxi instructions
US20100001902A1 (en) * 2005-01-21 2010-01-07 The Boeing Company Situation awareness display
US20060235941A1 (en) * 2005-03-29 2006-10-19 Microsoft Corporation System and method for transferring web page data
US7706971B2 (en) * 2005-07-21 2010-04-27 The Boeing Company System and method for data mapping and map discrepancy reporting
FR2888927B1 (en) * 2005-07-22 2008-03-07 Airbus France Sas DEVICE FOR AIDING NAVIGATION ON THE GROUND OF AN AIRCRAFT ON AN AIRPORT
FR2888979B1 (en) * 2005-07-22 2010-11-19 Airbus France AIRPORT VISUALIZATION SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT
US7908078B2 (en) * 2005-10-13 2011-03-15 Honeywell International Inc. Perspective-view visual runway awareness and advisory display
US20070085860A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-19 Honeywell International Inc. Technique for improving the readability of graphics on a display
US7471214B2 (en) 2005-10-13 2008-12-30 Honeywell International Inc. Intuitive wind velocity and direction presentation
US7403133B2 (en) * 2005-10-13 2008-07-22 Honeywell International, Inc. Dynamic primary flight displays for unusual attitude conditions
US7432828B2 (en) 2006-02-14 2008-10-07 Honeywell International Inc. Dynamic lateral deviation display
US7696955B1 (en) 2006-02-17 2010-04-13 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Magnified display of head down information at optical infinity
FR2908218B1 (en) 2006-11-07 2014-08-15 Thales Sa DEVICE FOR AIDING NAVIGATION OF AN AIRCRAFT IN AN AIRPORT AREA
US8195383B2 (en) * 2006-11-29 2012-06-05 The Boeing Company System and method for electronic moving map and aeronautical context display
US7966125B2 (en) * 2006-11-29 2011-06-21 The Boeing Company System and method for terminal charts, airport maps and aeronautical context display
FR2910681B1 (en) 2006-12-20 2009-03-06 Thales Sa SELECTIVE DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT TRAFFIC INFORMATION
US7756637B2 (en) * 2006-12-21 2010-07-13 The Boeing Company Methods and systems for displaying electronic enroute maps
US8290642B2 (en) * 2007-03-02 2012-10-16 The Boeing Company Electronic flight bag having filter system and method
US8000854B2 (en) * 2007-04-30 2011-08-16 The Boeing Company System and method for transitioning maps on aeronautical display
US7908082B2 (en) 2007-05-04 2011-03-15 The Boeing Company Methods and systems for displaying airport moving map information
US7962279B2 (en) * 2007-05-29 2011-06-14 Honeywell International Inc. Methods and systems for alerting an aircraft crew member of a potential conflict between aircraft on a taxiway
US20090099771A1 (en) * 2007-10-12 2009-04-16 Patrick Wipplinger Method and System for Providing Awareness of a Vehicle's Location and Heading
US8095302B2 (en) * 2008-03-04 2012-01-10 The Boeing Company Discrepancy reporting in electronic map applications
US8180562B2 (en) * 2008-06-04 2012-05-15 The Boeing Company System and method for taxi route entry parsing
US20090322753A1 (en) * 2008-06-30 2009-12-31 Honeywell International Inc. Method of automatically selecting degree of zoom when switching from one map to another
US8386167B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-02-26 The Boeing Company Display of taxi route control point information
US7986249B2 (en) * 2008-11-24 2011-07-26 Honeywell International Inc. System and method for displaying graphical departure procedures
US8587617B2 (en) * 2009-02-04 2013-11-19 Raytheon Company Apparatus and method for map zooming
US8209122B2 (en) * 2009-03-27 2012-06-26 Honeywell International Inc. System and method for rendering visible features of a target location on a synthetic flight display
US9046369B2 (en) * 2009-04-29 2015-06-02 Honeywell International Inc. Methods and systems for updating a map in response to selection of content for display on the map
US9851219B2 (en) * 2009-07-09 2017-12-26 Honeywell International Inc. Methods and systems for route-based scrolling of a navigational map
FR2951006B1 (en) * 2009-10-06 2012-04-20 Thales Sa APPROACH PHASE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT
US8502701B2 (en) * 2009-10-16 2013-08-06 The Boeing Company Runway status indicator
US9822580B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2017-11-21 Guardian Glass, LLC Localized heating techniques incorporating tunable infrared element(s) for vacuum insulating glass units, and/or apparatuses for same
FR2976354B1 (en) 2011-06-10 2013-06-14 Thales Sa METHOD OF CREATING A RUNWAY ON AN AIRPORT AREA AND ASSOCIATED DEVICE.
US9223017B2 (en) * 2012-05-30 2015-12-29 Honeywell International Inc. Systems and methods for enhanced awareness of obstacle proximity during taxi operations
FR2993975B1 (en) * 2012-07-27 2016-02-05 Thales Sa METHOD FOR DISPLAYING THE GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION OF AN AIRCRAFT
US20140088857A1 (en) * 2012-09-14 2014-03-27 James Theodore Hollin, JR. Video-graphic runway activity monitoring system
EP2713180B1 (en) * 2012-09-27 2019-04-03 Honeywell International Inc. Systems and methods for performing vehicle collision-avoidance warning via sensor pulse
US9939271B1 (en) * 2013-09-23 2018-04-10 The Boeing Company Enroute distance measuring tool
US10431105B2 (en) 2014-01-07 2019-10-01 Honeywell International Inc. Enhanced awareness of obstacle proximity
US10963133B2 (en) * 2014-01-07 2021-03-30 Honeywell International Inc. Enhanced awareness of obstacle proximity
US10529240B2 (en) 2014-03-13 2020-01-07 Honeywell International Inc. System and method for intelligently mining information and briefing an aircrew on conditions outside the aircraft
FR3021401B1 (en) * 2014-05-23 2017-12-22 Thales Sa RECONFIGURATION OF THE DISPLAY OF A FLIGHT PLAN FOR THE PILOTAGE OF AN AIRCRAFT
EP3296978A1 (en) * 2016-09-20 2018-03-21 Honeywell International Inc. System and method for intelligently mining information and briefing an aircrew on conditions outside the aircraft

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5904727A (en) * 1995-05-17 1999-05-18 Mobile Information Systems, Inc. Graphical fleet management methods
US6163749A (en) * 1998-06-05 2000-12-19 Navigation Technologies Corp. Method and system for scrolling a map display in a navigation application
US20010033332A1 (en) * 1997-06-10 2001-10-25 Eiji Kato Camera control system
US6927782B2 (en) * 2002-03-20 2005-08-09 Airbus France Airport display device

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS56119185A (en) * 1980-02-23 1981-09-18 Fujitsu Fanuc Ltd Picture display system
FR2579794B1 (en) * 1985-04-02 1989-06-02 Thomson Csf METHOD OF INSERTING AND MEDALLIONS INTO THE IMAGE PROVIDED BY A DIGITAL IMAGE TRANSFORMER AND DIGITAL IMAGE TRANSFORMER USING THE SAME
IL88511A (en) * 1988-11-27 1992-07-15 Elscint Ltd Image processing system
EP0529121A1 (en) * 1991-08-24 1993-03-03 International Business Machines Corporation Graphics display tool
US5654890A (en) * 1994-05-31 1997-08-05 Lockheed Martin High resolution autonomous precision approach and landing system
US6405975B1 (en) * 1995-12-19 2002-06-18 The Boeing Company Airplane ground maneuvering camera system
DE19635679A1 (en) * 1996-09-03 1998-03-05 Siemens Ag Man-machine interface (MMI) for airports and air traffic purposes
US6199015B1 (en) * 1996-10-10 2001-03-06 Ames Maps, L.L.C. Map-based navigation system with overlays
JPH1164010A (en) * 1997-08-11 1999-03-05 Alpine Electron Inc Method for displaying map of navigation system
US6112141A (en) * 1997-10-15 2000-08-29 Dassault Aviation Apparatus and method for graphically oriented aircraft display and control
US6462697B1 (en) * 1998-01-09 2002-10-08 Orincon Technologies, Inc. System and method for classifying and tracking aircraft vehicles on the grounds of an airport
US6567014B1 (en) * 1998-11-05 2003-05-20 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Aircraft head up display system
US6353794B1 (en) * 1999-10-19 2002-03-05 Ar Group, Inc. Air travel information and computer data compilation, retrieval and display method and system
AU2001249219A1 (en) * 2000-03-15 2001-09-24 Picsurf, Inc. System and method for efficient transmission and display of image details by re-usage of compressed data
KR100819370B1 (en) * 2000-10-10 2008-04-07 샌델 애비아닉스 엘엘씨 Method and apparatus for reducing false taws warnings and navigating landing approaches
US20020089549A1 (en) * 2001-01-09 2002-07-11 Munro James A. Image having a hierarchical structure
US20020149599A1 (en) * 2001-04-12 2002-10-17 Honeywell International Inc. Methods and apparatus for displaying multiple data categories
US6640185B2 (en) * 2001-07-21 2003-10-28 Alpine Electronics, Inc. Display method and apparatus for navigation system
US7003138B2 (en) * 2001-10-05 2006-02-21 Honeywell International Inc. System and method for geographically referencing an improvement image
US6789010B2 (en) * 2001-12-04 2004-09-07 Smiths Aerospace, Inc. Airport map display system and data interchange method
US20030160708A1 (en) * 2002-02-27 2003-08-28 Knoop Alan Richard Airport ground control system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5904727A (en) * 1995-05-17 1999-05-18 Mobile Information Systems, Inc. Graphical fleet management methods
US20010033332A1 (en) * 1997-06-10 2001-10-25 Eiji Kato Camera control system
US6163749A (en) * 1998-06-05 2000-12-19 Navigation Technologies Corp. Method and system for scrolling a map display in a navigation application
US6927782B2 (en) * 2002-03-20 2005-08-09 Airbus France Airport display device

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
GARMIN INTERNATIONAL INC.: "GPSMAP 195", PILOT'S GUIDE & REFERENCE, June 1999 (1999-06-01), Retrieved from the Internet <URL:www.stoffelaviation.ch/hb-sew/afm/gpsmap195_pilotsguide.pdf> [retrieved on 20070312] *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2837591A1 (en) 2003-09-26
US20040201596A1 (en) 2004-10-14
US20040160354A1 (en) 2004-08-19
US7345693B2 (en) 2008-03-18
US20030179215A1 (en) 2003-09-25
DE60330416D1 (en) 2010-01-21
ATE451667T1 (en) 2009-12-15
FR2837591B1 (en) 2004-07-02
EP1347412A1 (en) 2003-09-24
CA2421105C (en) 2010-05-25
CA2421105A1 (en) 2003-09-20
US6927782B2 (en) 2005-08-09
US7230632B2 (en) 2007-06-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1347412B1 (en) Apparatus for visualizing an airport
EP1460384B1 (en) Method and apparatus for constructing a synthetic image of the environment of an aircraft and displaying the image on a display of this aircraft
FR3046225B1 (en) DISPLAY OF WEATHER DATA IN AN AIRCRAFT
CA2374174C (en) Process and device for assisted piloting of an aircraft, in particular a transport plane
EP1473546B1 (en) Aircraft on-board display device for the displaying of information concerning surrounding traffic
FR3006050A1 (en) METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AIDING NAVIGATION OF AN AIRCRAFT
FR2937778A1 (en) SYSTEM FOR FLOOR MANEUVERING, MONITORING AND ALERT FOR AIRCRAFT
EP0826946A1 (en) Method for assisting the piloting of an aircraft
FR2744525A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AIDING AIR NAVIGATION
EP1866890A1 (en) Method and device for assisting the ground navigation of an aeroplane in an airport
FR2988510A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION ON AN AIRCRAFT SCREEN
FR2874371A1 (en) DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT
FR3026508A1 (en) CONTEXTUAL HELP WITH FLIGHT MANAGEMENT
FR2930363A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AIDING AIRPORT NAVIGATION.
EP3489931A1 (en) Mission computing system for an aircraft including a mission plate
FR2897839A1 (en) Navigation display`s image adjustment method for e.g. transport plane, involves automatically performing display change of display by applying new display configuration that permits to display detected dangerous event on display
WO2008142271A2 (en) Aircraft navigation aid device
FR3054314A1 (en) AVIONIC DATA DISPLAY SYSTEM ON AT LEAST ONE DISPLAY SPACE, AIRCRAFT COCKPIT HAVING SUCH A SYSTEM, DISPLAY METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT THEREFOR
FR3071092A1 (en) METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AIDING NAVIGATION OF AN AIRCRAFT ON AN AIRPORT
FR3016448A1 (en) AIRCRAFT INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
FR2981779A1 (en) Embedded optoelectronic system for assisting circulation of aircraft on taxiway of airport, has generation device generating graphic data representing visibility zone from cockpit, and superposition unit overlapping data on another data
EP3521765B1 (en) Method for viewing the attitude of an aircraft, associated computer program product and viewing system
EP1661117A2 (en) Display systems for a device
WO2020064956A1 (en) Head-up display system, associated displaying method and associated computer program product
CA2245246C (en) Air navigation assistance device and method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20031031

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SI SK TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20060307

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: AIRBUS OPERATIONS

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60330416

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20100121

Kind code of ref document: P

NLT2 Nl: modifications (of names), taken from the european patent patent bulletin

Owner name: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

Effective date: 20100106

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20091209

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100309

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100409

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100320

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: AIRBUS OPERATIONS

Effective date: 20100228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100301

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100228

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100228

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100310

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20100910

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 60330416

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS, FR

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: AIRBUS OPERATIONS, TOULOUSE, FR

Effective date: 20120326

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20120221

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100610

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100219

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 14

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140219

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20180219

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60330416

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190903

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20200219

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20200219

Year of fee payment: 18

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20210219

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210219

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210228