U.S. patent application number 14/462197 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-18 for apparatus and method for allowing multi-mode use of an aircraft cockpit.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. Invention is credited to Carl Edward Wischmeyer.
Application Number | 20160046376 14/462197 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55275310 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160046376 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wischmeyer; Carl Edward |
February 18, 2016 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ALLOWING MULTI-MODE USE OF AN AIRCRAFT
COCKPIT
Abstract
In one embodiment, multi-mode use of an aircraft cockpit is
realized a processor in the aircraft determining whether the
aircraft is operating in a flight mode or a non-flight mode. When
operating in the non-flight mode, the processor deactivates
aircraft engines and permits wireless device access to one or more
aircraft systems. When operating in the flight mode, the processor
enables aircraft engines and prevents wireless device access to one
or more aircraft systems.
Inventors: |
Wischmeyer; Carl Edward;
(Savannah, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation |
Savannah |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55275310 |
Appl. No.: |
14/462197 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 45/00 20130101;
B64D 2045/0075 20130101; B64D 11/0015 20130101; B64D 31/02
20130101; B64F 5/60 20170101 |
International
Class: |
B64D 11/00 20060101
B64D011/00; B64D 31/02 20060101 B64D031/02 |
Claims
1. A method for operating an aircraft, comprising: determining, by
a processor in the aircraft, whether the aircraft is operating in a
flight mode or a non-flight mode; deactivating aircraft engines and
permitting wireless device access to one or more aircraft systems
when the aircraft is operating in the non-flight mode; and enabling
the aircraft engines and preventing wireless device access to the
one or more aircraft systems when the aircraft is operating in the
flight mode.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining comprises the
processor determining whether a switch is set to the flight mode or
the non-flight mode.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining comprises the
processor determining whether the switch is set to the flight mode,
the non-flight mode or an off-mode.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein permitting wireless device access
to the one or more aircraft systems comprises permitting wireless
access control of the one or more aircraft systems.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein permitting wireless device access
to the one or more aircraft systems comprises permitting wireless
device downloading or uploading of data of the one or more aircraft
systems.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein permitting wireless device access
to the one or more flight systems comprises permitting wireless
access testing of the one or more aircraft systems.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein permitting wireless device access
to the one or more flight systems comprises permitting wireless
device flight pre-check of the one or more aircraft systems.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising permitting wireless
device access to aircraft cabin systems when the aircraft is
operating in the flight mode.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein permitting wireless device access
to the one or more flight systems comprises permitting wireless
device flight pre-check of the one or more aircraft systems from
the exterior of the aircraft.
10. An aircraft, comprising: one or more engines to propel the
aircraft during flight; one or more aircraft systems to control the
aircraft during flight; a cabin including a cabin management
system; and a processor configured to: determine whether the
aircraft is operating in a flight mode or a non-flight mode;
deactivate the one or more aircraft engines and permitting wireless
device access to the one or more aircraft systems when the aircraft
is operating in the non-flight mode; and enable the aircraft
engines and prevent wireless device access to the one or more
aircraft systems when the aircraft is operating in the flight
mode.
11. The aircraft of claim 10, further comprising a switch to select
between the flight mode or the non-flight mode.
12. The aircraft of claim 10, wherein the switch is set to the
flight mode, the non-flight mode or an off-mode.
13. The aircraft of claim 10, wherein the wireless device controls
the one or more aircraft systems in the non-flight mode.
14. The aircraft of claim 10, wherein the wireless device is
configured to download or upload data from the one or more aircraft
systems in the non-flight mode.
15. The aircraft of claim 10, wherein the wireless device tests the
one or more aircraft systems in the non-flight mode.
16. The aircraft of claim 10, wherein the wireless device is
configured for flight pre-check of the one or more aircraft systems
when in the non-flight mode.
17. The aircraft of claim 10, wherein the wireless device is
configured for flight pre-check of the one or more aircraft systems
when in the non-flight mode from the exterior of the aircraft.
18. The aircraft of claim 10, further comprising a cabin including
a cabin management system, wherein wireless device access to the
cabin systems is permitted when the aircraft is operating in the
flight mode.
19. An aircraft, comprising: one or more engines to propel the
aircraft during flight; one or more aircraft flights systems to
control the aircraft during flight; a cabin including a cabin
management system; and a processor configured to: determine whether
the aircraft is operating in a flight mode or a non-flight mode;
deactivate the one or more aircraft engines and systems and
permitting wireless device access to the one or more aircraft
systems and the cabin management system when the aircraft is
operating in the non-flight mode; and enable the aircraft engines
and prevent wireless device access to the one or more aircraft
flight systems while permitting wireless access device access to
the cabin management system when the aircraft is operating in the
flight mode.
20. The aircraft of claim 19, wherein the wireless device is
configured for flight pre-check of the one or more aircraft systems
when in the non-flight mode.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The technical field relates generally to instrumentation for
aircraft and specifically to control of aircraft during non-flight
conditions.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As modern aviation advances, the demand for ever-increasing
capabilities grows. To help meet this demand on the aircraft and on
the pilots, modern aircraft include impressive arrays of displays,
instruments, and sensors designed to provide the pilot with menus,
data, and graphical options intended to enhance pilot performance
and overall safety of the aircraft and the passengers. While these
displays have been designed for use by pilots during flight, many
other personnel access the aircraft to perform various testing,
data collection, maintenance or flight preparation services. The
number of these displays and the complexity of the aircraft cockpit
may be daunting to non-flight personnel who nevertheless need to
access the cockpit and perform a requisite service.
[0003] As such, it is desirable to provide a simplified cockpit
access arrangement that does not require non-flight personnel to
operate the complex arrays of cockpit displays and controls. In
addition, other desirable features and characteristics will become
apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and
the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings and this background.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, an aircraft includes one or more engines
to propel the aircraft during flight and one or more aircraft
systems to control the aircraft during flight. The aircraft also
includes a cabin management system and a processor configured to
determine whether the aircraft is operating in a flight mode or a
non-flight mode. When operating in the non-flight mode, the
processor deactivates aircraft engines and permits wireless device
access to one or more aircraft systems. When operating in the
flight mode, the processor enables aircraft engines and prevents
wireless device access to one or more aircraft systems.
[0005] In one embodiment, a method for allowing multi-mode use of
an aircraft cockpit includes a processor in the aircraft
determining whether the aircraft is operating in a flight mode or a
non-flight mode. When operating in the non-flight mode, the
processor deactivates aircraft engines and permits wireless device
access to one or more aircraft systems. When operating in the
flight mode, the processor enables aircraft engines and prevents
wireless device access to one or more aircraft systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Other advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be
readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by
reference to the following detailed description when considered in
connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an aircraft in accordance with
an embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2A is an illustration of an overhead switch panel of
the aircraft of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2B is an illustration of a switch from the overhead
switch panel of the aircraft of FIG. 2A in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a maintenance technician
performing a service in the cockpit of the aircraft of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a flight attendant controlling
a cabin management system of the aircraft of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an illustration of flight personnel performing
pre-flight preparations for the aircraft of FIG. 1; and
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance
with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." The following detailed
description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to
limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention.
Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily
to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed
Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons
skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit
the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background or the following detailed
description.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft 100 that can be
used in accordance with the exemplary disclosed embodiments. In
accordance with one non-limiting implementation, the aircraft 100
includes a fuselage 105, two main wings 101-1, 101-2, a vertical
stabilizer 112, an elevator 109 that includes two horizontal
stabilizers 113-1 and 113-2 in a T-tail stabilizer configuration,
and two jet engines 111-1, 111-2. For flight control, the two main
wings 101-1, 101-2 each have ailerons 102-1, 102-2, aileron trim
tabs 106-1, 106-2, spoilers 104-1, 104-2 and flaps 103-1, 103-2,
while the vertical stabilizer 112 includes a rudder 107, and the
aircraft's horizontal stabilizers (or tail) 113-1, 113-2 each
include an elevator trim tab 108-1, 108-2. Although not shown in
FIG. 1, the aircraft 100 also includes an onboard computer,
aircraft instrumentation and various control systems and
sub-systems as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a view of aircraft overhead switch panel
200 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As can be
seen, the overhead switch panel 200 has a complex array of
switches, which may be intimidating or daunting to those not
trained to fly the aircraft. According to exemplary embodiments,
the overhead switch panel 200 includes a particular switch 202 that
is used to set an operating mode of the aircraft 100. As shown in
FIG. 2b, a first mode is a flight mode 204 in which all systems on
the aircraft are fully functioning for normal operation of the
aircraft. A second mode is a non-flight mode 206, in which the
engines (111-1 and 111-2 of FIG. 1) and selected flight systems are
deactivated so that engine start and other operations that could
potentially damage the aircraft or put personnel at risk are not
possible. However, a limited set of functionalities, (e.g.,
electrical and cabin control systems) are active and available to
be accessed by one or more wireless devices (e.g., a tablet
computer) used by non-flight personnel when performing a service on
the aircraft or flight personnel as the crew prepares the aircraft
for flight. In this way, the non-pilot personnel need only interact
with the service program operating the wireless device and can
access, control or test the various systems on the aircraft using
an interface via the wireless device that the non-pilot personnel
are comfortable with. This alleviates the need for the non-pilot
personnel to have the same aircraft instrumentation knowledge as
aircraft pilots. Additional non-flight modes may be implemented for
various maintenance needs. As a non-limiting example, pilots may
control particular functions externally when performing pre-flight
inspections or other external activities, or for wireless control
of limited systems to allow for various systems of the airplane to
made operational before required crew members arrive. Optionally, a
third Off mode 208 for the aircraft instrumentation may be
implemented.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a service technician 300 interacting with
a wireless device 302 (e.g., a tablet computer) to perform a
service in the cockpit 304 of the aircraft. The service person 300
need not have experience setting and operating the complex array of
instrumentation in the cockpit 304 as the wireless device can
access the flight control systems in the non-flight mode.
Accordingly, the service person 300 need only be trained on the
wireless device and the application (e.g., test, adjustment, data
collection) being used. During some service orders, a system or
sensor may be tested with by wireless device. Other service orders
may require the downloading or collection of aircraft performance
data for analysis. Some service orders may require the uploading of
data or software updates for the aircraft. Still other service
orders may require the activation of interior or exterior lighting
systems to assure performance. As will be appreciated, since the
service person can control the various aircraft systems via the
wireless device, the service person can exit and move around the
aircraft or re-enter the aircraft while in full wireless control of
the systems under test. In this way, it doesn't matter which
aircraft type or model the service person enters as the wireless
device is programed to access and present the requisite data or
controls needed to perform the ordered service provided that the
aircraft has incorporated the teachings of the present disclosure
to achieve the advantages thereof.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a flight attendant 400 interacting with a
wireless device 402 to access and control a cabin management
system. As will be appreciated, the cabin management system is a
separate system from the flight control systems operated by a pilot
during flight. The cabin management system controls the cabin
environment (e.g., temperature and humidity) and the cabin
entertainment features (e.g., movies or gaming) for the comfort and
enjoyment of the passengers. Since the cabin management system is a
separate system from the flight control systems, wireless devices
are permitted to access the cabin management systems both in the
flight mode and the non-flight mode of aircraft operation.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a pilot 500 and co-pilot 502 using
wireless devices 504 and 506 (respectively) during a pre-flight
check processes. The pilot 500 and co-pilot 502 can enter a flight
plan, get weather updates and destination airport features while
planning the flight. The pilot and/or co-pilot can also exit the
aircraft for the pre-flight walk-around while in full communication
with aircraft systems via the wireless device (504 or 506). When
ready for flight, the pilot 500 or co-pilot 502 would change the
switch (202 of FIG. 2) setting from non-flight to flight. When this
occurs, wireless device access is limited to those systems that
would be controllable by non-pilots in flight, and full
functionality is restored to the cockpit (e.g., since the cabin
management system is a separate system from the flight control
systems, wireless control of the cabin management system may
continue during flight for the comfort and entertainment of the
passengers). Upon arriving and parking the aircraft at the
destination airport, the switch (202 of FIG. 2) could once again be
set to the non-flight position to allow service personnel to
service the aircraft via wireless devices.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 600 in
accordance with an embodiment. The routine begins in block 602
which determines whether the flight mode or the non-flight mode is
selected. Assuming the aircraft is in the flight mode, block 604
disables access and communication between the wireless devices and
critical aircraft systems. Next, block 606 enables cockpit control
of all systems. The aircraft is now ready for flight. Block 608
determines whether the mode selection switch has been changed to
another mode. Ideally, this would occur after the aircraft arrives
at the destination airport, however, it is possible for the mode
selection switch to be inadvertently changed. Accordingly,
safeguards are implemented to prevent a mode change at
inappropriate times. To this end, block 610 determines whether the
aircraft is parked. This can be determined in a number of ways
including having a zero ground speed, engines off, key systems
powered down, and the like. If the aircraft is not parked, then
block 612 does not permit the mode change and the routine continues
to loop until block 610 determines that the aircraft is parked.
When the aircraft is parked, block 614 permits the mode change and
block 616 determines if the mode change has been from the previous
flight mode to the non-flight mode. If so, the routine branches to
block 618.
[0021] Block 618 is entered either by a determination by block 602
that the aircraft is in the non-flight mode or by decision 616
determining a mode change from the flight mode to the non-flight
mode. In any event, block 618 disables the cockpit controls so that
flight or powered movement of the aircraft is prevented. Next,
block 620 enables communication with wireless devices so that the
wireless devices can access and control the flight control systems
as need to service the aircraft. Block 622 determines whether a
mode change has occurred. If not, the routine loops until a mode
change does occur. At that point, block 624 determines whether the
mode change is from the non-flight mode to the flight mode. If so,
the routine branches to block 604 and proceeds as described above.
If the flight mode has not been selected, then the mode must have
been changed to the Off mode which is entered in block 626. Block
616 can also be entered if block 616 determines that a mode change
from the flight mode has not been a change to the non-flight mode.
In either case, the Off mode is entered and the routine ends in
block 628 until the mode is again changed and the routine begins
again at block 602.
[0022] Although the preferred embodiment is an aircraft, this
method and apparatus are applicable to other vehicles and systems
(other vehicles, industrial plants, sound control systems) in which
less-skilled operators need only some of the functionalities of the
system using this apparatus and method. The present invention has
been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be
understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to
be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention are
possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *