FR3018348A1 - METHOD OF ACCESSING OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS OF AN AIRCRAFT VIA A CENTRAL CALCULATOR AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

This method (60) for centralized access to operational functions of an aircraft through means forming human-machine interfaces, the aircraft being driven at least in part by at least one on-board operational computer implementing operational functions via operational commands entered by an operator through the means forming human-machine interfaces; comprises the following steps: - receiving (61) an input data input by the operator through the means forming human-machine interfaces; - send (63) this data to the or each operational calculator; receive (65) from this or these operational computers, all the operational commands that this or these operational computers are able to execute in relation to this input data; - communicate (69) the orders received to the operator to enable him to choose at least one to run.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for centralized access to operational functions of an aircraft and an associated centralized access system. More particularly, the invention relates to such a method of accessing operational functions of an aircraft through means forming human-machine interfaces, the aircraft being driven at least in part by at least one on-board operational computer implementing operational functions via operational commands entered by an operator through the means forming human-machine interfaces. The cockpit of the current aircraft generally comprises a control organ for each operational function of the aircraft. Such a control member is operable by a pilot or by any other operator operating the aircraft.

This action then presents an operational command given by the operator to access a particular operational function of the aircraft. For its part, such an operational function allows the operator to pilot at least part of the aircraft. Thus, for example, to change a radio communication frequency with the air controller, the pilot must actuate a control organ provided for this purpose and located for example on a communication panel. This control member and the corresponding communication panel may optionally be made in the form of an independent device or in the form of software implemented by an operational computer and operable for example from a human-machine interface (HMI ) dedicated to this calculator. Similarly, for example to check the performance of the aircraft during a mission, the pilot must operate a control organ associated with a Flight Management System (FMS) and presented for example by a touch screen, in order to obtain necessary information displayed on this screen. The number of control organs thus increases considerably with the increase in the number of operational functions of the aircraft. It is understood that a large amount of various control organs in a cockpit, poses a number of difficulties for the operator during the piloting of the aircraft.

In particular, it may be difficult for the pilot to find a good control organ to access a good operational function of the aircraft in the case of an emergency for example. This then decreases the overall safety of the aircraft. To overcome this problem, modern cockpits offer more and more virtual control elements integrated into onboard computers and operable via eg display screens using the appropriate manipulators. However, these display screens generally have a limited display area and can not fully meet the need for quick and easy access to all operational functions of the aircraft. In addition, the use of these screens with the corresponding human-machine interfaces is laborious and impractical. The object of the present invention is to provide a method of centralized access to operational functions of a fast and simple aircraft. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a centralized access method comprising the following steps: receiving an input data input by the operator through the means forming human-machine interfaces; send this data to the or each operational computer connected to these means forming human-machine interfaces; receive from this or these operational computers, all the operational commands that this or these operational computers are able to execute in relation to this input data; communicating the commands received to the operator through the means forming human-machine interfaces, to enable him to choose at least one to execute.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the centralized access method comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination: the input data is a sequence of alphanumeric symbols ; the method further comprises a step of classifying each command received in a class of a plurality of predetermined classes of commands; the means forming human-machine interfaces comprise at least one display screen; each class of commands has an icon associated with this class; the step of communicating the commands received to the operator consists in displaying each command received on the or each display screen with the icon corresponding to the class of this command; the or each display screen comprises a plurality of display zones, each display zone being associated with a class of commands and able to display operational commands belonging to this class with the corresponding icon; - The method further comprises a step of searching a search data entered by the operator in the operational commands already displayed on the corresponding display screen; each class of commands is chosen from the group comprising at least: commands related to the piloting of the aircraft; - commands related to the management of the trajectory of the aircraft; commands relating to the management of the means of communication of the aircraft; - orders related to the management of the means of navigation; and commands relating to the management of the systems for monitoring the operational functions of the aircraft; operational commands associated with a predetermined set of operational functions of the aircraft are capable of being executed after additional confirmation by the operator; the method also comprises a step of searching for a data item entered by the operator in operational data, the operational data being selected from the group comprising at least: technical information of the aircraft stored locally in suitable storage means; - aeronautical regulations information stored locally in suitable storage facilities; and the information accessible via an Internet connection, and the method further comprises the following steps: sending the input data input by the operator to an on-board central computer connected to at least one operational computer and to the means forming interfaces man-machine; receiving from the central computer, all the operational commands that the connected operational calculator (s) are able to execute in relation to this input data item. The invention also relates to a system for centralized access to operational functions of an aircraft through means forming human-machine interfaces, the aircraft being driven at least in part by at least one on-board operational computer implementing operational functions via operational commands entered by an operator through the means forming human-machine interfaces; the system comprising: first reception means able to receive an input data input by the operator through the man-machine interface means; emission means able to transmit this input data to the or each operational computer connected to the means forming human-machine interfaces; second reception means able to receive from this or these operational computers, all the commands that this or these operational computers are able to execute in relation to this input data; communication means capable of communicating the commands received to the operator through the means forming human-machine interfaces, to allow him to choose at least one to execute. According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the centralized access system comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination: the transmission means are also capable of sending the input data input by the operator to an on-board central computer connected to at least one operational computer and the means forming human-machine interfaces; the second reception means are furthermore capable of receiving from the central computer all the operational commands that the connected operational calculator (s) are able to execute in relation to this input data item; the first reception means, the transmission means, the second reception means and the communication means are integrated at least in part into a single component forming a centralized access computer connected to the means forming human-machine interfaces and to less an onboard operational calculator; and the means forming human-machine interfaces are integrated at least partly into the centralized access computer. These features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of a centralized access system according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the man-machine interface means connected to the system of FIG. 1, these means operating in a first mode of operation; - Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, the means operating in a second mode of operation; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a centralized access method according to the invention, the method being implemented by the system of FIG. 1; and FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a centralized access system according to the invention. Indeed, it has been shown in Figure 1, a centralized access system to operational functions of an aircraft according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. This system is designated by the general reference 10 in this FIG.

The system 10 is embraqué for example in an aircraft and allows an operator flying this aircraft to obtain quick and easy access to its operational functions from an input data DE as will be explained later. Such a system 10 is for example in the form of a single component forming a centralized access computer. This computer is designated in Figure 1 by the general reference 12. The computer 12 is embraqué in the aircraft which is driven at least in part by at least one onboard operational computer. Each operational calculator implements operational functions of the aircraft via operational commands entered by the operator.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the aircraft comprises, for example, three operational computers connected to the centralized access computer 12. These operational computers are designated respectively by the general references 14, 16 and 18 in this FIG. The computer 14 is for example associated with a flight management system FMS (English "Flight Management System"). Thus, the operational functions implemented by this calculator mainly concern the tracking of a global trajectory of the aircraft. In addition, the operational commands given by the operator to this calculator may for example include the introduction of an aircraft flight plan, waypoints, etc.

The computer 16 is for example associated with a communication system. This system allows for example the operator to communicate with the air controller which represents its main operational function. The operator can then change for example the radio frequency of this communication by giving an appropriate operational control.

Finally, the computer 18 is for example associated with a system implementing the operational functions of an autopilot of the aircraft. Thus, the operational commands given by the operator to this computer may comprise, for example, an altitude or a set speed, a type of piloting to a predefined point, etc.

Of course, many other examples of onboard operational computers as well as commands and operational functions associated with these computers are also possible. The centralized access computer 12 is further connected to means forming human-machine interfaces (HMI). These means are designated by the general reference 20 in Figure 1 and allow for example the operator to communicate with the computer 12. Alternatively, the means 20 are integrated at least in part in the single component forming the access computer. These means 20 further allow the operator to communicate with each of the operational computers 14, 16 or 18 via the centralized access computer 12. For this purpose, the computer 12 comprises first means for receiving the digital data. from the means 20. These receiving means are designated by the general reference 22 in FIG. 1. The calculator 12 further comprises a processor and a memory designated respectively by the general references 23 and 24 in FIG. 1. The processor 23 is then able to control the operation of the computer 12 via a plurality of software stored in the memory 24. The computer 12 further comprises means for transmitting digital data to operational computers. These means are designated by the general reference 25 in FIG.

Finally, the computer 12 comprises second data reception means from each operational computer for, for example, communicating them through communication means to the man-machine interface means 20.

The second reception means and the communication means are designated respectively by the general references 26 and 27 in FIG. 1. Other embodiments of the centralized access computer 12 may of course be envisaged. The means 20 forming man-machine interfaces are shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 2, these means 20 are for example in the form of a display screen designated by the general reference 30 in this figure. The display screen 30 is controlled for example by the centralized access computer 12 and may also be associated with means for handling and / or pointing and / or input of suitable data such as a mouse or a keyboard. According to an exemplary embodiment, the display screen 30 comprises a touch screen allowing the operator to perform manipulations directly on the surface of the screen. The display screen 30 comprises at least one normal operating mode MN illustrated in FIG. 2 and a search operating mode MR illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in the normal operating mode. MN, the screen 30 comprises an information display area from one of the operational computers 14, 16 or 18 and linked for example to the control of the aircraft, Thus, in this FIG. The display is designated by the general reference 32 and associated with the computer 14 of the FMS system via the computer 12. This display area 32 is suitable for example to display the current flight plan of the aircraft. In the normal operating mode MN, the screen 30 further comprises a display area allowing the operator to change the normal operating mode for the MR search operation mode. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 2, such a display zone is designated by the general reference 34 and situated for example in a corner of the screen 30. A "search" type icon may also be associated with this zone. 34.

Thus, a click or a pointing of the operator on this zone 34 is able to launch the MR search operation mode of the screen 30 illustrated in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the operating mode of FIG. MR lookup, the screen 30 includes a display area having a search field.

This search field is designated by the general reference 40 and allows for example the operator to enter an input data DE via a suitable keyboard, possibly displayed on the touch screen. This input data DE comprises for example a sequence of alphanumeric symbols. This sequence presents for example a word or a text having a meaning in the aeronautical language and / or a digit supplemented optionally by a unit of measurement. The display screen 30 further comprises a display area having, for example, a search launch button for the input data input. This display area is designated by the general reference 42 in FIG.

Thus, a click or a pointing on this button 42 allows the operator to start a search of the input data DE by the computer 12. In turn, the computer 12 is able to send this input data DE to each operational calculator 14, 16 or 18 through the means 25. Each operational calculator is then able to receive this input data DE and to generate for example a list of operational commands that this calculator is able to execute in relation to this data item. DE entry. These commands are for example related directly or indirectly to the control of the aircraft. Thus, for example, the digital data DE having a digital sequence can be associated with commands for changing a communication radio frequency or a current and / or following altitude of the aircraft, etc. Each list of commands is able to be received by the computer 12 through the means 26. The computer 12 is also able to classify each command received in a class of a plurality of predetermined CL classes of commands. Each class CL commands is chosen for example in the group comprising at least: - commands related to the piloting of the aircraft; - commands related to the management of the trajectory of the aircraft; commands relating to the management of the means of communication of the aircraft; - orders related to the management of the means of navigation; and - commands related to the management of the surveillance systems of the operational functions of the aircraft. Thus, for example, for an input data item DE having the sequence "5000", the set of commands received from the computers 14, 16 and 18 respectively associated with the FMS, automatic control and communication systems comprises, for example, the following commands: - "SET ALT SEL 5000 ft" - "SET ALT CONSTRAINT 5000 ft AT xxx - ADD WAYPOINT" - "PREDICTIONS AT 5000 ft" - "SET XPDR 5000". These commands can be classified according to the classes defined above as follows: Aircraft control: - "SET ALT SEL 5000 ft" Management of the aircraft trajectory: - "SET ALT CONSTRAINT 5000 ft AT xxx - ADD WAYPOINT »-« PREDICTIONS AT 5000 ft »Management of the means of communication of the aircraft: - NIL Management of the means of navigation: - NIL Management of the surveillance systems: -« SET XPDR 5000 », where« NIL »means an empty class . Similarly, for an input data DE having the sequence "LFPG", the operational commands received by the computer 12 can be classified as follows: Aircraft control: - NIL Management of the aircraft trajectory: - "SET NEW DESTINATION LFPG" - "INITIATE ALTERNATIVE FLIGHT PLAN LFPG" - Management of the aircraft communication means: - "ACCESS LPFG FREQUENCY LIST" Management of the means of navigation: - NIL Management of the surveillance systems: - NIL.

Of course, many other examples of an input data DE, associated operational commands and their classification are possible. In the MR search operation mode, the display screen 30 is able to display each command received by the computer 12 as a function, for example, of the belonging of this command to one of the classes defined above.

Thus, for example, in the MR mode, the display screen 30 further comprises five display areas each corresponding to one of the classes defined above. These display zones thus correspond to the classes "Aircraft control", "Aircraft trajectory management", "Aircraft communication management", "Navigation means management" and "Management". monitoring systems ", and are designated in FIG. 3 by the references 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55 respectively. The number and the content of these classes may be variable and / or configurable depending on the aircraft, aeronautical systems on this aircraft, phases of flight, etc. In addition, each display area 51, 52, 53, 54 or 55 is for example associated with an icon graphically representing the corresponding CL class. This allows in particular the operator to visually recognize each CL class of commands to quickly find the required operational control. In addition, the position of these display zones 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55 on the screen 30 does not change as a function of the input data DE, which reduces the risk of confusion between the different classes. An operational command thus displayed on the screen 30 is able to be executed by the corresponding operational computer after being chosen by the operator. Thus, for example, after clicking on this command from the operator, it is sent to the corresponding computer by the centralized access computer 12.

Operational commands corresponding to the sensitive and / or high-risk operational functions may be executed after, for example, additional confirmation by the operator. In addition, the computer 12 is able to perform an additional search in the operational commands already displayed on the screen 30. For this, the operator enters a search data in the search field 40.

In addition, the computer 12 is furthermore connected to storage means comprising operational data such as, for example, technical information of the aircraft and / or information on the aeronautical regulations, etc. In this case, the search field 40 can also be used to search in relation to the input data DE in this information. The search field 40 can also be used to perform a search for operational data on the Internet or any other global or local network to which the computer 12 has access. Finally, the display screen 30 in the search operation mode MR, further comprises a display area allowing the operator to start the normal operating mode MN of the screen 30. This area is designated by the general reference 58 in Figure 3 and for example comprises an adapted icon. Of course, other forms of man-machine interface means for communicating to the operator the commands received (visually, vocally or tactilely) can be envisaged. In particular, man-machine interface means can be imagined presented in the form of a plurality of display screens displaying the operational commands according to a content or a different order, as a function, for example, of the physical positions of these screens in the display. cockpit.

A method 60 of centralized access to operational functions of the aircraft according to the invention implemented by the centralized access system will now be explained with reference to FIG. 4. It is indeed presented in FIG. flow chart of the centralized access method to operational functions of the aircraft according to the invention.

Thus, according to this flowchart, during an initial step 61, the centralized access computer 12 receives the input data DE input by the operator through the means 20 forming human-machine interfaces. In particular, during this step, the reception means 22 receive the input data input entered by the operator for example in the search field 40 of the display screen 30. In a subsequent step 63, the centralized access computer 12 sends this data DE to the operational computers 14, 16 or 18 connected, via the transmission means 25. On receipt of this data DE, each operational computer 14, 16 or 18 generates a list of commands it is able to execute in relation with this input data DE and transmits this list to the centralized access computer 12. In a next step 65, the centralized access computer 12 receives all the command lists each from one of the operational computers via the means 26. In a subsequent step 67, the centralized access computer 12 classifies each command received in a class CL of a plurality of predetermined classes of commands.

During a next step 69, the centralized access computer 12 communicates via the communication means 27, the commands received by the operator through the means 20 forming human-machine interfaces, to allow him to choose at least one to execute. If the means 20 forming human-machine interfaces are presented in the form of one or more display screens, the operational commands are displayed according to their CL classes in the predetermined display areas. In the latter case, the method 60 may further comprise a step 71, during which the centralized access computer 12 performs a search for a search data item entered by the operator, in the operational commands already displayed on the screen. The method 60 may further comprise a step 73 in which the computer 12 performs a search for a search data entered by the operator in the operational data. A particular embodiment of the centralized access system 10 is shown in FIG. 5. Thus, according to this exemplary embodiment, the centralized access computer 12 is connected to the operational computer 14 and to a central computer designated in this FIG. by the general reference 80. The central computer 80 is connected on its side to the operational computers 16 and 18. Thus, the central computer 80 is adapted to receive the input data DE and to process it in order to generate a list of operational commands each operational command is capable of being executed by one of the two operational computers 16 or 18.

The computer 80 therefore comprises, for example, information capable of modeling the operation of the operational computers 16 and 18 and making it possible to generate lists of corresponding operational commands. Finally, the central computer 80 is able to order one of the connected operational computers 16 or 18, the execution of an operational command chosen by the operator. According to this exemplary embodiment, the method 60 further comprises a step 163 executed in parallel with the step 63, during which the centralized access computer 12 sends the input data input entered by the operator to the central computer 80.

In this step 163, the central computer 80 generates a list of operational commands for which each operational command is able to be executed by one of the two operational computers 16 or 18. Finally, the method 60 further comprises a step 165 executed in parallel with step 65, during which the centralized access computer 12 receives from the central computer 80 the generated command list. Of course, other modes and examples of embodiment may also be envisaged. It will be appreciated that the present invention has a number of advantages.

In particular, the method according to the invention gives quick and easy access to operational functions of the aircraft. In addition, this method allows the operator to access these functions using a simple and convenient search tool. In addition, this search tool makes it possible to search the documentation of the aircraft or on the Internet.

This allows the operator to save the access time to essential functions of the aircraft and for example reduces the risk of executing a bad order.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS 1. A method (60) for centralized access to operational functions of an aircraft through means (20) forming human-machine interfaces, the aircraft being driven at least in part by at least one operational computer (14; 16; 18) carrying out operational functions via operational commands entered by an operator through the means forming human-machine interfaces; characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - receiving (61) input data (DE) input by the operator through the means (20) forming human-machine interfaces; sending (63) this datum to the or each operational computer (14; 16; 18) connected to these means (20) forming man-machine interfaces; receiving (65) from this or these operational computers (14; 16; 18) all the operational commands that this or these operational computers (14; 16; 18) are able to execute in relation to this input data; (DE); communicating (69) the commands received to the operator through the means (20) forming man-machine interfaces, to enable him to choose at least one to execute. 2. Method (60) according to claim 1, characterized in that the input data (DE) is a sequence of alphanumeric symbols. 3. A method (60) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a step (67) of classifying each command received in a class (CL) of a plurality of predetermined classes of commands. 4. Method (60) according to claim 3, characterized in that: the means (20) forming human-machine interfaces comprise at least one display screen (30); in that each class (CL) of commands includes an icon associated with this class; and in that the step of communicating commands received to the operator consists in displaying each command received on the or each display screen with the icon corresponding to the class (CL) of this command. commande.35 5.- Method (60) according to claim 4, characterized in that the or each display screen (30) comprises a plurality of display areas (51 to 55), each display area (51 to 55) being associated with a class (CL) of commands and able to display operational commands belonging to this class (CL) with the corresponding icon. 6. A method (60) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it further comprises a step (71) for searching a search data entered by the operator, in the operational commands already displayed on the screen. corresponding display screen (30). 7.- Method (60) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that each class (CL) of commands is selected from the group comprising at least: - commands related to the control of the aircraft; - commands related to the management of the trajectory of the aircraft; commands relating to the management of the means of communication of the aircraft; - orders related to the management of the means of navigation; and - commands related to the management of the surveillance systems of the operational functions of the aircraft. 8.- Method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that operational commands associated with a predetermined set of operational functions of the aircraft are capable of being performed after additional confirmation of the operator. 9.- Method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a step (73) for searching a search data entered by the operator, in operational data, the operational data being selected from the group comprising at least: technical information of the aircraft stored locally in suitable storage means; - aeronautical regulations information stored locally in suitable storage facilities; and - information accessible via an Internet connection. 10.- Method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises the following steps: - send (163) the input data (DE) entered by the operator to a calculator embedded central station (80) connected to at least one operational computer (14; 16; 18) and to means (20) forming man-machine interfaces; and - receiving (165) the central computer (80), the set of operational commands that the operational calculator (s) (14; 16; 18) connected are able to execute in relation to this input data (DE). 11. System (10) centralized access to operational functions of an aircraft through means (20) forming human-machine interfaces, the aircraft being driven at least in part by at least one operational computer (14; 16; 18) carrying out operational functions via operational commands entered by an operator through the means (20) forming human-machine interfaces; characterized in that it comprises: - first receiving means (22) adapted to receive an input data (DE) input by the operator through the means (20) forming man-machine interfaces; emission means (25) able to transmit this input data (DE) to the or each operational computer (14; 16; 18) connected to the means (20) forming man-machine interfaces; second receiving means (26) able to receive from this or these operational computers (14; 16; 18), all the commands that this or these operational computers (14; 16; 18) are able to execute in relation with this input data (DE); - Communication means (27) able to communicate the commands received to the operator through the means (20) forming human-machine interfaces, to enable him to choose at least one to run. 12. System (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the transmitting means (25) are further able to send the input data (DE) input by the operator to a central computer ( 80) connected to at least one operational computer (14; 16; 18) and to means (20) forming human-machine interfaces; and in that the second reception means (26) are furthermore capable of receiving from the central computer (80), all the operational commands that the connected operational computers (14; 16; 18) are capable of executing. relationship with this input data (DE). 13. System (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the first reception means (22), the transmission means (25), the second reception means (26) and the communication means ( 27) are integrated at least in part into a single centralized access computer component (12) connected to the man-machine interface means (20) and to at least one on-board operational computer (14; 16; 18). 14.- System (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the means (20) forming human-machine interfaces are integrated at least in part in the centralized access computer (12).