SYSTEM FOR REMOTE INTERACTION WITH A POINTING MEANS OF AN AIRCRAFT COCKPIT DISPLAY SYSTEM

Abstract

A system for remote interaction with a pointing means of an aircraft cockpit display system, equipped with HMIs, includes three layers: a lower layer configured so as to receive wired electric power supply and data exchange connections; an upper layer comprising a hand-rest knob, at least one physical interaction means configured so as to interact on the pointing means for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit, and a module with a touch-sensitive flat surface configured so as to interact on the pointing device for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit and arranged in the extension of the hand-rest knob; and an intermediate layer configured so as to make it possible to modify the position of the upper layer.

Claims

1. A system for remote interaction with a pointing means of an aircraft cockpit display system equipped with HMIs, comprising three layers: a lower layer configured so as to receive wired electric power supply and data exchange connections; an upper layer comprising a hand-rest knob, at least one physical interaction means configured so as to interact on the pointing means for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit, and a module with a touch-sensitive flat surface configured so as to interact on the pointing device for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit and arranged in the extension of the hand-rest knob; and an intermediate layer configured so as to make it possible to modify the position of the upper layer.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface configured so as to interact on the pointing device for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit comprises a multi-contact capacitive touch pad, or a touch screen configured so as to implement an alphanumeric keypad, or a touch surface associated with an infrared sensor.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the upper layer has a V-shaped structure and the hand-rest knob has an inverted-V-shaped structure.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the V has an angular aperture of between 65° and 250°.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the inverted V has an angular aperture of between 110° and 160°.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the inverted V has an angular aperture of 145°.

7. The system according to claim 3, wherein the front part of the inverted-V-shaped hand-rest knob is parallel to the rear part of the V-shaped structure.

8. The system according to claim 3, wherein the gap between the upper surface of the rear part of the V-shaped structure and the lower surface of the front part of the inverted-V-shaped hand-rest knob is greater than or equal to 20 mm.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a baseplate configured so as to be adapted to its installation position in the cockpit and to the fastening required by the aircraft.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a rotary adaptor, configured so as to rotate the upper layer about a horizontal axis, for example configured so as to tilt up to 45° with respect to the horizontal.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a translatory adaptor, configured so as to move the upper layer in translation with respect to the intermediate layer.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a rotary adaptor, configured so as to rotate the elements arranged above the baseplate jointly about a vertical axis.

13. The system according to claim 3, wherein the upper layer comprises a device configured so as to modify the angular aperture of the V-shaped structure.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the upper layer comprises a device configured so as to make it possible to retract the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the upper layer comprises an ambient light device.

16. The system according to claim 9, wherein the baseplate comprises fastening screw cover devices.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The invention will be better understood on studying a few embodiments, which are described by way of wholly non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0060] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system for remote interaction with a pointing means of an aircraft cockpit display system equipped with HMIs, according to the prior art;

[0061] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a trackball of a system from FIG. 1, according to the prior art;

[0062] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a system for remote interaction with a pointing means of an aircraft cockpit display system equipped with HMIs, according to one aspect of the invention,

[0063] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exploded view of the system from FIG. 3, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0064] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates angles of the system from FIG. 3, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0065] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the intervals of possible values of the angles from FIG. 4, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0066] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the hand-rest knob of the system from FIG. 3, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0067] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the hand-rest knob of the system from FIG. 3, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0068] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the system from FIG. 3, allowing a rotation of the upper layer, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0069] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the system from FIG. 3, allowing a translational movement of the upper layer, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0070] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the system from FIG. 3, allowing a translational movement of the upper layer, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0071] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the system from FIG. 3, allowing a rotation of the upper layer, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0072] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the system from FIG. 3, allowing a modification of the incline of the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0073] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the system from FIG. 3, allowing a retraction of the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface, according to one aspect of the invention;

[0074] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the system from FIG. 3, comprising a backlighting module; and

[0075] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates one embodiment in which the baseplate comprises fastening screw cover devices.

[0076] Throughout the figures, elements having identical references are similar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] In the present description, the embodiments that are described are not limiting, and features and functions well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail.

[0078] FIG. 3 shows, according to one aspect of the invention, a system for remote interaction with a pointing means of an aircraft cockpit display system equipped with HMIs, comprising three layers:

a lower layer 2 configured so as to receive wired electric power supply and data exchange connections;
an upper layer 3 comprising a hand-rest knob 4, at least one physical interaction means 5 configured so as to interact on a pointing device for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit, and a module 6 with a touch-sensitive flat surface configured so as to interact on the pointing means for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit and arranged in the extension of the hand-rest knob 4; and
an intermediate layer 7 configured so as to make it possible to modify the position of the upper layer 3.

[0079] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a system from FIG. 3.

[0080] The upper layer 3 comprises a V-shaped structure 8, for example with a lower base and an upper receptacle, allowing better comfort and perfect legibility of its touch zone, possibly comprising the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface, such as a multi-contact capacitive touch pad, or a touch screen configured so as to implement an alphanumeric keypad, or a touch surface associated with an infrared sensor.

[0081] This V-shaped structure 8 may be made of aluminium alloy or even of (fibreglass or carbon) reinforced thermoplastic, possibly with a metallization in order to shield it. These materials are preferably chosen since they make it possible to achieve a low mass, good rigidity, complex shapes or even personalization (colour, pleasant touch or ergonomic). Various textures, embossings or cavities may be added to the V-shaped structure, around the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface or physical interaction means, so as to be able to locate the position of the fingers with respect to the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface or with respect to the physical interaction means (buttons) blind (in the head-up position). The aperture angle or gap of the V is denoted 180°−α−β in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0082] According to assessments of human factors, to satisfy the various installation positions conceivable on the pedestal, it is preferable for −70°≤α≤70° and typically has the value 20.7°, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0083] The hand-rest knob 4, situated at the rear of the V-shaped structure 8, allows a firm attachment and makes it possible to use the system in the event of turbulence. The knob 4 may be made of aluminium alloy or even of (fibreglass or carbon) reinforced thermoplastic. These materials are preferably chosen to ensure a low mass, good rigidity, complex shapes or even personalization (colour, pleasant touch, easy gripping, etc.).

[0084] The knob 4 may be broken down into two components, with a main body and an upper cover on which the palm of the hand rests. The cover material may be adapted and personalized depending on the client. The upper cover may be made of thermoplastic with a pleasant touch or easy gripping. It is therefore possible to make it from noble wood such as mahogany or ebony for business aircraft.

[0085] A module with a touch-sensitive flat surface 9 configured so as to interact on the pointing means for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit is situated in front of the hand-rest knob 4 with a settable or non-settable ergonomic incline.

[0086] The module with a touch-sensitive flat surface 9 may comprise a multi-contact capacitive touch pad, or a touch screen configured so as to implement an alphanumeric keypad, or a touch surface associated with an infrared sensor.

[0087] In the case of a touch screen, this layout allows it to be read by the pilot (this not being possible with a bulb structure from the prior art from FIG. 1). Specifically, in this embodiment, the angle of the V is between 65° and 180° and allows the user to see the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface, which may thus be a touch screen configured so as to implement an alphanumeric keypad. In the case of a bulb-shaped structure (which does not correspond to the embodiment from FIG. 4), the angular angle of the V is greater than 180°, and it does not make it possible to see the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface. In the case of a bulb shape, the integration of a touch screen is irrelevant as it is not seen by the user, unless he leans forward in an uncomfortable manner.

[0088] Buttons 10 situated on each side towards the rear of the hand-rest knob 4 allow fast access to functions (for example: button for communicating a message to passengers) and make it possible, in some cases, to have a higher security level than that of the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface 9. These physical interaction means preferably have blind detection means (embossing or cavity on the buttons or finger protector or groove between the buttons) so as to allow the user to locate them through touch while keeping his head up.

[0089] The intermediate layer 7 comprises a baseplate 11 (a plate that fills the allocated space in the cockpit of the carrier and that has fastening elements compatible with the carrier) configured so as to be adapted to its installation position in the cockpit and to the fastening required by the aircraft. This baseplate 11, which is able to be adapted in terms of finish (colour and texture equivalent to the rest of the cockpit), in terms of dimensions and in terms of fastening means, makes it possible to offer a flexible and modular product range. This plate 11 has at least one hole at its centre so as to allow the passage of cables between the upper layer and the lower layer.

[0090] The baseplate 11 is adapted to the carrier and to the installation position in the cockpit. This baseplate 11 makes it possible to fill the hole allocated to the installation of the remote CCD interaction system and to adapt to the fastening required by the carrier (screw centre distances, screw type, number of screws, etc.).

[0091] The intermediate layer 7 may also comprise an incline adaptor 12, arranged on the baseplate 11, for adapting the incline of the upper layer 3. To adjust the product to the carrier and to the user, the incline angle β, shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, is between 0° and 45°, and typically has the value 11.4°.

[0092] The materials used for the intermediate layer 7 and the lower layer 2 may be identical to that (or those) used for the V-shaped structure 8.

[0093] FIG. 5 schematically shows the angles α and β, referenced with respect to the horizontal corresponding to the upper surface of the baseplate 11, the angles of which, which are optimized based on human factors, are respectively 20.7° and 11.4°, thus with a gap in the V-shaped structure 8 equal to 180°−α−β, i.e. 147.9°.

[0094] FIG. 6, in short broken lines, additionally shows the ranges of possible values for the angles α and β, which are as follows: −70°≤α≤70° and 0°≤β≤45°, taking the horizontal as reference, and a positive measurement starting from the horizontal and going towards the upper part of the system.

[0095] The angle Alpha at −70° may be reached if the elements arranged above the baseplate 11 are moved forwards with respect to the adaptation baseplate 11 (so as to avoid mechanical interference).

[0096] These angles are defined in the factory if there is no adjustment device and based on the carrier (for example: incline of the central console) and the needs of the client.

[0097] If the CCD system has an adjustment device, α and β may be adjusted independently or non-independently in line with the ergonomic amplitudes recommended above. These amplitudes may be exceeded in order to reach rest or storage (or even transport) positions.

[0098] FIG. 7 schematically shows one embodiment of the hand-rest knob 4, with two zones, corresponding to two positions of the user's hand.

[0099] In FIG. 8, a rear zone Zone1 corresponds to a rest position of the user, in which the hand is more at the rear of the knob 4. The angle γ between the rear part of the inverted V, i.e. between the rear zone Zone1 and the rear part of the V-shaped structure 8, is 34.85° for reasons of optimizing ergonomics.

[0100] A front zone Zone2 corresponds to a position in which the user's hand is at the front so that the user's fingers are able to interact with the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface 9 forming the front of the V-shaped structure 8.

[0101] The aperture of the inverted V of the knob 4, for ergonomic reasons linked to human factors, has the value 145.15°.

[0102] The hand-rest knob 4 is designed (shape/size/fastening) to be interchangeable and/or personalizable in order to be compatible with the carriers and with the needs of the client, and to ensure firm gripping by the hand in the event of turbulence. For these purposes, a free space underneath the knob 4 is present (minimum height preferably 20 mm, see FIG. 8) for the passage of the fingers. This free space is also an opportunity to install a presence sensor (a capacitive one underneath the knob) that makes it possible to activate additional functions of the system.

[0103] It is possible to place presence sensors in the hand-rest knob 4 (above and/or below and/or on the sides of the knob 4) in order to activate additional functions (such as a shift for the buttons) or detect the presence of the user's hand (pilot or co-pilot depending on the detection of the thumb on the right or on the left).

[0104] It is also possible to place haptic actuators in the knob 4 in order to improve the haptic sensation for the user (better than that resulting from a haptic actuator in the module 9 with a touch-sensitive flat surface).

[0105] Specifically, haptic feedback could occur after a validation task. The haptic feedback may also be used to indicate an anomaly or a usage error.

[0106] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates one embodiment in which the intermediate layer 7 comprises a rotary adaptor 12 configured so as to rotate the upper layer about a horizontal axis, arranged on the baseplate 11, configured so as to adapt the incline of the upper layer 3, allowing the upper layer to rotate about a horizontal axis with a degree of freedom, as shown by the double-headed arrow.

[0107] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates one embodiment in which the intermediate layer 7 comprises a translatory adaptor, for example the incline adaptor 12, which might also be configured so as to perform this function, i.e. configured so as to adapt the translational movement of the upper layer 3 with respect to the intermediate layer 7.

[0108] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates one embodiment in which the intermediate layer 7 comprises a translatory adaptor, for example the baseplate 11, which might also be configured so as to perform this function, i.e. configured so as to adapt the translational movement of the intermediate layer 7 with respect to the lower layer 2.

[0109] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates one embodiment in which the intermediate layer 7 comprises a rotary adaptor, configured so as to rotate the elements arranged above the baseplate jointly about a vertical axis.

[0110] These rotary and translatory adaptors make it possible to perform personalized setting of the position of the CCD system based on the desired ergonomics and the location of the user's seat, and to have access to the equipment situated in front of the system, since the unfolded V shape is able to partially mask the equipments situated in front of the system.

[0111] These rotary and translatory adaptors have the advantage of keeping the upper layer 3 constant and fully functional. Specifically, the position of the hand between the knob 4 and the touch zone 9 does not change regardless of the setting of these adaptors.

[0112] In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the rotation gives better access to the apparatus situated in front of the CCD system. The rotation may be achieved using a guide or a rail of rolling elements, or using a friction guide.

[0113] In the embodiments of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the horizontal or oblique translational movement may be achieved using a guide or a rail of rolling elements, or using a friction guide.

[0114] In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the rotation may be achieved using a roller or a smooth friction bearing.

[0115] In the embodiments of FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the translational movement or the rotation may be associated with: [0116] a friction device or a device with a settable prestress. This friction may be produced by a runner that rubs on the rail and the prestress of which might be adjusted via a screw and a spring. Such a spring makes it possible to maintain the setting and the friction in spite of the wear of the runner; and/or [0117] a position indexing device. The indexed positions are at least the extreme positions of the CCD system and possibly intermediate positions. The indexing may be achieved: [0118] using a mechanical device comprising at least one ball prestressed by a spring on part of the rail, called ball path. The latter has pockets or cavities in which the ball is housed so as to reach a stable indexing position. The force for leaving this stable indexing position depends on the dimensions of the ball, of the cavities and of the spring; or [0119] using a magnetic system comprising at least one fixed magnet situated in front of a mobile part joined to the upper layer. This mobile part has teeth made from a ferromagnetic material or magnets that generate stable indexing positions when they are situated in front of the fixed magnet. This magnetic indexing system does not add any additional friction outside the indexing positions; and/or [0120] a position locking system that returns to the highest-strength friction system. [0121] The locking system may be controlled with a mechanism moved by a lever underneath the knob or an electro-mechanism (actuator or electromagnet) actuated by a button; and/or [0122] a spring return system for forcing the retracted location when the CCD system is located between indexed positions.

[0123] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates one embodiment in which the upper layer comprises a device configured so as to modify the angular aperture of the V-shaped structure.

[0124] The upper layer 3 thus consists of two parts. The first part consisting of the hand-rest knob 4 and the buttons 5 is fixed and joined to the other layers of the CCD system. The second part consisting of the module 6 with a touch-sensitive flat surface is able to pivot with respect to the first part along a horizontal axis. This pivot link may be achieved using rollers or smooth bearings to form a hinge. The incline of the touch zone 6 makes it possible to give better access to the apparatus situated at the front of the CCD system. This movement gives the user the possibility to choose the most comfortable incline of the touch zone 6. The touch zone 6 may be inclined by way of a settable friction device and/or an indexing system and/or a location locking system and/or a spring return system (equivalent to the systems described for the embodiments of FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12).

[0125] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates one embodiment in which the upper layer comprises a device configured so as to make it possible to retract the module with a touch-sensitive flat surface 9.

[0126] It is thus possible to obtain personalized setting of the position of the CCD system based on the desired ergonomics and the location of the user's seat, and access to the equipment situated in front of the system, since the unfolded V shape is able to partially mask the equipments situated in front of the system.

[0127] In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the upper layer 3 consists of two parts. The first part comprising the knob 4 and buttons 5 is fixed and joined to the other layers of the CCD system. The second part comprising the module 6 with a touch-sensitive flat surface is able to move in translation with respect to the first part along an oblique axis so that the second part is able to penetrate into the first part. This translational movement may be achieved using a guide with rolling elements or a friction guide. The translational movement of the touch zone 6 makes it possible to give better access to the apparatus situated in front of the CCD system. The translational movement of the touch pad 6 may comprise a settable friction device and/or an indexing device and/or a location locking device and/or a spring return device (equivalent to the systems described for the embodiments of FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12). In the retracted position, the touch zone 6 may be used in downgraded mode (essential function). The deployment of the touch zone 6 towards the normal usage position may be activated using the touch pad 6 and/or a lever (for example: unlocking of the indexing mechanism and extraction with a spring).

[0128] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates one embodiment in which the upper layer 3 comprises an ambient light device 13.

[0129] The presence of an ambient light, connected or not connected to the rest of the cockpit, makes it possible to create harmony, which may be added to improve appearance, identify the knob more easily or even illuminate the buttons. Specifically, light markings in an emergency or in the event of turbulence may constitute an advantage from a safety standpoint. This lighting may be connected and synchronized with the rest of the cockpit. In this case, it may change colour depending on the context during the flight (for example: flashing red in an emergency). Moreover, this lighting makes it possible to illuminate the side buttons and a button present at the rear. With this option, the internal backlighting of the buttons may be saved on (i.e. removed) in favour of a treatment or a reflective, photoluminescent or phosphorescent material.

[0130] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates one embodiment in which the baseplate 11 comprises fastening screw cover devices 14. The fastening screw cover devices 14 improve the perceived quality and constitute an advantage from a sanitary standpoint. The cover, such as a plate or a valve, may be repositioned above a fastening screw using a spring or a permanent return magnet. The movement of the cover may be a translational movement and/or a rotation optionally associated with a swaying movement. This system improves the cleaning of the system without impairing availability or maintainability. Specifically, access to the fastening screws does not require any specific tool or additional tool.