DE102021111017A1 - Simulator and method for training an object to be trained - Google Patents

Abstract

A simulator (1) for training an object to be trained by a team, in particular by a team of a helicopter crew, is proposed, which has a simulator cabin (2) for accommodating the team, a projection system (3) for displaying a projection for the team and an instructor cabin (4) for at least one instructor to instruct the team in the simulator cabin (2), the simulator cabin (2) being rotated by a predetermined angle (6) about the vertical axis of the simulator (1) relative to the instructor cabin (4). is arranged, wherein the predetermined angle (β) is between 10 degrees and 50 degrees.

Description

The present invention relates to a simulator for training an object to be trained, for example a helicopter, by a team, in particular by a team of a helicopter crew. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a simulator for training an object to be trained by a team.

As is known, simulators are often used for training and education of users or people in teams, in which the people to be trained act in a virtual world or an augmented reality world. This can be done, for example, for crews of aircraft, land and sea vehicles. In order to train the handling of a complex system, a physical replica of a vehicle cabin, for example an aircraft cabin, is displayed in a virtual reality on a spherical projection, for example.

For example, in a helicopter cabin simulator, a large projection surface is required. From a training point of view, the field of vision should also horizontally cover the peripheral field of vision of a person, i.e. more than 180°. Vertically, from a training point of view, with a helicopter that lifts its nose, for example to brake, it is necessary to have the field of view so large that the ground can still be seen during typical maneuvers (e.g. 90°-+30°/-60 °). In addition, there are the requirements from the qualification of flight simulators according to standards such as EASA Level C or Level D or ICAO 9625 Vol. 1 and 2, where a field of view of at least 210° horizontally and 60° vertically is required.

The diameter of such a simulator can be 8 meters and 12 viewing channels seem to be necessary and realistic. The instruments to be operated are then simulated as an MMI (man-machine interface) corresponding to the original system, for example a weapon including force feedback or a rescue winch including cable forces.

This shows the 1 a schematic sectional view of a conventional simulator 1 for training a helicopter to be trained by a team.

The simulator 1 the 1 has a simulator cabin 2 for accommodating the team, a projection system 3 for displaying a projection for the team and an instructor cabin 4 for an instructor to instruct the team in the simulator cabin 2. The simulator cabin 2 of the 1 comprises a front part 2a for at least one pilot and a rear part (stern) 2b for a cabin crew. The cabin crew includes, for example, a hoist operator for winch operation and/or a door gunner. The projection system 3 of 1 is, for example, a front-light projection system. The simulator 1 after 1 has a dome 5, which integrates the simulator cabin 2, the projection system 3 and the instructor cabin 4. As the 1 shows, the simulator cabin 2 is arranged in a straight line with the instructor cabin 4 along the longitudinal axis L1 of the simulator 1 . One can say that the longitudinal axis of the simulator cabin 2, the longitudinal axis of the instructor cabin 4 and the longitudinal axis L1 of the simulator 1 are parallel.

With the arrangement according to 1 is achieved in that the crew in the front part 2a of the simulator cabin 2 has a maximum field of vision in the front-light projection. For example, in a flight simulator, a field of view necessary for qualification according to the highest standards is made available to the crew in the front part 2a of the simulator cabin 2. This shows the 2 the schematic sectional view of the 1 with marked field of view S1 of the pilot and marked field of view S2 of the cabin crew.

Furthermore, the 2 also that the cabin crew in the rear part 2b of the simulator cabin 2 has only a restricted field of view S2 available, since this field of view S2 is restricted by the instructor cabin 4. Such a restricted field of view according to S2 2 However, this is not sufficient for many educational and training purposes. For example, the tail of the simulated helicopter according to the 1 and 2 disadvantageously not seen.

Against this background, an object of the present invention is to improve the simulation for training an object to be trained by a team, in particular a team of a helicopter crew.

Accordingly, a simulator for training an object to be trained by a team, in particular a team of a helicopter crew, is proposed. The simulator includes a simulator cabin for accommodating the team, a projection system for displaying a projection for the team, and an instructor cabin for at least one instructor to instruct the team in the simulator cabin. The simulator cabin is at a predetermined angle around the vertical axis of the simulator in relation to the instructor rotated cabin. The predetermined angle is preferably between 10 degrees and 50 degrees.

The proposed rotation of the simulator cabin increases, in particular maximizes, the field of vision for the team members of the team, in particular in the rear part of the simulator cabin. Overall, this means that both the crew in the front part of the simulator cabin and the crew in the rear part of the simulator cabin have a maximum field of vision. By increasing the crew's viewing area in the rear of the simulator cabin, the crew in the rear can also see the rear of the simulated aircraft.

In the present case, the field of view is understood to mean in particular the area that the team member has when looking out of the simulator cabin.

The simulator can also be referred to as a simulation system or as a system trainer. The team member of the team can also be referred to as a trainee or user.

For the example of a helicopter as the object to be trained, the team may include a number of pilots and a cabin crew. The at least one pilot trains in particular in the front part of the simulator cabin, whereas the cabin crew is accommodated in the rear part (rear) of the simulator cabin. The team members train in particular on a number of training objects. The respective training object is, for example, a replica of a device to be trained, for example a weapon, a rescue hoist or an external load of a helicopter, reduced to its haptics. If several team members or crew members, for example members of a helicopter crew who work in a cabin (helicopter rear cabin crew - H/C crew), train together, each team member is assigned a workplace in the simulator cabin.

If, as explained above, the team members of a helicopter crew are to train with one another using the simulator, a rescue winch, an external load procedure and/or a weapon in the area of a door gunner must be simulated, for example. At least the safe handling of the systems (weapon and rescue hoist) and the effective and safe use of these systems in action must then be trained in the simulator. The individual work areas and training objects can be housed and used together in the simulator. The simulator is suitable for training at least one user or one person, but preferably several users or team members can train in the simulator cabin at the same time.

According to one embodiment, the predetermined angle is between 20 degrees and 40 degrees.

According to another embodiment, the predetermined angle is between 20 degrees and 30 degrees.

According to another embodiment, the predetermined angle is between 20 degrees and 25 degrees.

According to a further embodiment, the predetermined angle between the simulator cabin and the instructor cabin is adjustable.

According to a further embodiment, the simulator includes an adjustment mechanism which is set up to adjust the predetermined angle between the simulator cabin and the instructor cabin.

After setting the predetermined angle, the setting mechanism can preferably lock and fix the simulator cabin in relation to the instructor cabin.

According to a further embodiment, the projection system is a front-light projection system, in particular a cylindrical front-light projection system or a spherical front-light projection system.

According to a further embodiment, the projection system is a transmitted-light projection system, in particular a cylindrical transmitted-light projection system or a spherical transmitted-light projection system.

According to a further embodiment, the simulator has a dome which integrates the simulator cabin, the projection system and the instructor cabin.

According to a further embodiment, the projection system is a front-light projection system whose projection surface lies on an inner surface of the dome.

According to a further embodiment, the simulator cabin is arranged between the projection surface of the projection system and the instructor cabin in the dome of the simulator.

According to a further embodiment, the instructor cabin is along the longitudinal axis of the Arranged simulator, wherein the longitudinal axis of the instructor cabin and the longitudinal axis of the simulator cabin enclose the predetermined angle.

According to a further embodiment, the dome is designed to be movable in space. Because the dome is designed to be movable in space, it is advantageously possible for maneuvers, for example of the helicopter, to be able to be transferred to the simulator cabin with a movement system. The vibrations can also be transmitted to the floor of the simulator cabin and thus to the training crew. For example, it can be advantageous to decouple the floor from the side walls of the simulator cabin.

According to a further embodiment, a device for generating vibrations is arranged below the simulator cabin. Because the simulator cabin vibrates, it is advantageously possible to decouple the instructor cabin from the simulator cabin.

According to a further embodiment, the simulator cabin has a front part for at least one pilot and a rear part (rear) for a cabin crew. For the example of a helicopter as the object to be trained, the rear part of the simulator cabin is an H/C cabin H/C (Helicopter Rear Cabin Crew). Advantageously, the H/C cabin does not require an exact physical replica of the helicopter variant to be simulated. You only have to recreate parts that could represent a possible obstacle in the area of action of the team members or the trainee. A possible simulator cabin for this includes, for example, simple frames for the door and window cutouts of the H/C cabin, a simple haptic mock-up for the machine gun (doorgunner) and a model of a rescue winch (winchman), seats and the front part for the at least a pilot.

According to a further embodiment, the simulator cabin has a front part for at least one pilot (cockpit) and a rear part (rear) for a cabin crew. For the example of a helicopter as the object to be trained, the front part of the simulator cabin is a cockpit. Advantageously, the cockpit does not require an exact physical replica of the helicopter variant to be simulated. You only have to copy parts that are necessary to carry out the intended training. A possible simulator cabin for this includes, for example, simple frames for the door and window sections, simplified instruments and simplified controls for flight guidance.

According to a further embodiment, the simulator has a movement system which is set up to move the simulator cabin and the instructor cabin.

According to a further embodiment, the simulator has a control unit for controlling the movement system by means of a control signal generated as a function of the predetermined angle between the simulator cabin and the instructor cabin.

According to a further embodiment, the object to be trained is a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, preferably a helicopter, a sea vehicle, a land vehicle, a construction vehicle or a stationary object, for example a crane.

According to a further embodiment, the training object is designed as a replica (mock-up) of the device to be trained, for example a weapon, a rescue hoist or an external load of a helicopter, reduced to the feel.

For example, in the case of a rescue winch, the rope of this rescue winch can be coupled to a movement plate which can be moved in two directions within a plane, the movement plate being controllable by a computing device or host. In this way, the pendulum movement of a load on the rope can be noticeably simulated. For example, the rope of the rescue winch can run between two spools onto which the rope can be rolled up and unrolled.

According to a further embodiment, the simulator includes a haptic feedback device for the user, which is set up to give haptic feedback from the training objects or mock-ups back to the user.

The respective unit, for example the control unit, can be implemented in terms of hardware and/or software. In the case of a hardware implementation, the respective unit can be embodied as a device or as part of a device, for example as a computer or as a microprocessor. In the case of a software implementation, the respective unit can be designed as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as part of a program code or as an executable object.

• Bereitstellen einer Simulatorkabine zur Aufnahme des Teams, eines Projektionssystems zur Darstellung einer Projektion für das Team und einer Instruktorkabine für zumindest einen Instruktor zum Instruieren des Teams in der Simulatorkabine, und
• Anordnen der Simulatorkabine gedreht um einen vorbestimmten Winkel um die Hochachse des Simulators gegenüber der Instruktorkabine, wobei der vorbestimmte Winkel zwischen 10 Grad und 50 Grad liegt.

Furthermore, a method for operating a simulator for training an object to be trained by a team, in particular a team of a helicopter crew, is proposed. The procedure includes:

• providing a simulator cabin for accommodating the team, a projection system for displaying a projection for the team and an instructor cabin for at least one instructor to instruct the team in the simulator cabin, and
• arranging the simulator cabin rotated at a predetermined angle about the vertical axis of the simulator relative to the instructor cabin, the predetermined angle being between 10 degrees and 50 degrees.

The embodiments and features described for the proposed simulator apply accordingly to the proposed method.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

• 1 zeigt ein schematisches Schnittbild eines herkömmlichen Simulators für ein Training eines zu trainierenden Hubschraubers durch ein Team;
• 2 zeigt das schematische Schnittbild der 1 mit eingezeichnetem Sichtfeld des Piloten und eingezeichnetem Sichtfeld der Kabinenbesatzung;
• 3 zeigt ein schematisches Schnittbild eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Simulators für ein Training eines zu trainierenden Hubschraubers durch ein Team;
• 4 zeigt das schematische Schnittbild der 3 mit eingezeichnetem Sichtfeld des Piloten und eingezeichnetem Sichtfeld der Kabinenbesatzung;
• 5 zeigt ein schematisches Schnittbild eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Simulators für ein Training eines zu trainierenden Hubschraubers durch ein Team; und
• 6 zeigt ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben eines Simulators für ein Training eines zu trainierenden Hubschraubers durch ein Team.

Further advantageous refinements and aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the enclosed figures.

• 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a conventional simulator for training a helicopter to be trained by a team;
• 2 shows the schematic sectional view of the 1 with plotted field of view of pilot and field of view of cabin crew;
• 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a simulator for training a helicopter to be trained by a team;
• 4 shows the schematic sectional view of the 3 with plotted field of view of pilot and field of view of cabin crew;
• 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a simulator for training a helicopter to be trained by a team; and
• 6 shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a simulator for training a helicopter to be trained by a team.

Elements that are the same or have the same function have been provided with the same reference symbols in the figures, unless otherwise stated.

In 3 1 is a schematic sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a simulator 1 for training a helicopter to be trained by a team. The simulator 1 can also be referred to as a system trainer, a simulation system, a helicopter simulator or a crew coordination trainer.

The sectional image of 3 is a horizontal section through the simulator 1. The simulator 1 includes a simulator cabin 2 for accommodating the team and a projection system 3 for displaying a projection for the team. The projection system 3 is, for example, a front-light projection system, in particular a cylindrical front-light projection system or a spherical front-light projection system.

The simulator 1 also includes an instructor's cabin 4 for at least one instructor to instruct the team in the simulator cabin 2. The instructor's cabin 4 can also be referred to as an instructor's workplace or teacher's workplace.

As the 3 shows, the simulator 1 has a dome 5 which integrates the simulator cabin 2, the projection system 3 and the instructor cabin 4.

As the 3 also shows that the simulator cabin 2 is rotated by a predetermined angle β about the vertical axis of the simulator 1 relative to the instructor cabin 4 . In the example of 3 is ß = 30°. In particular, β is between 10° and 50°, preferably between 20° and 40°, particularly preferably between 20° and 25°.

The angle β between the simulator cabin 2 and the instructor cabin 4 is preferably adjustable. For this purpose, an adjustment mechanism (not shown) can be provided, which is set up to adjust the predetermined angle β between the simulator cabin 2 and the instructor cabin 4 .

In the example of 3 the projection system 3 is a front-light projection system whose projection surface lies on an inner surface of the dome 5 . The simulator cabin 2 is arranged in the dome 5 between the projection surface of the projection system 3 and the instructor cabin 4 . Here, the instructor cabin 4 is arranged along the longitudinal axis L1 of the simulator 1, the longitudinal axis L4 of the instructor cabin 4 and the longitudinal axis L2 of the simulator cabin 2 include the predetermined angle ß.

Next shows the 4 the schematic sectional view of the 3 with marked field of view S1 of the pilot and marked field of view S3 of the cabin crew. The pilot is in the front part 2a of the simulator cabin 2 and the cabin crew is in the rear part 2b of the simulator cabin 2.

Like comparing the 2 and 4 shows, the pilot's field of view S1 is in the 2 and 4 identical, especially maximum.

Like comparing the 2 and 4 further shows the field of view S3 of the cabin crew according to 4 according to the field of view S2 of the cabin crew 2 significantly enlarged. The technical reason for the enlargement of the field of view S3 lies in the rotated arrangement of the simulator cabin 2 compared to the instructor cabin 4.

Furthermore, the 5 a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of a simulator 1 for training a helicopter to be trained by a team. The second embodiment of the 5 is based on the first embodiment according to the 3 and 4 and has all the features of the first embodiment. In addition, the second embodiment of the simulator 1 has 5 a movement system 6. The movement system 6 is set up to move the simulator cabin 2, the instructor cabin 4 and the dome 5. In particular, the movement system 6 moves the simulator cabin 2 and the instructor cabin 4 within the dome 5, preferably relative to the projection surface of the projection system 3.

Furthermore, the simulator 1 preferably has a control unit (not shown). The control unit is set up to control the movement system 6 by means of a control signal generated as a function of the predetermined angle β between the simulator cabin 2 and the instructor cabin 4 . By entering the predetermined angle β into the generation of the control signal, the control of the movement system 6 can be transformed while simultaneously using the positioning of the simulator cabin 2 with the aim of aligning the longitudinal axis of the movement with the longitudinal axis L2 of the simulator cabin 2.

• In Schritt 601 werden eine Simulatorkabine 2 zur Aufnahme des Teams, ein Projektionssystem 3 zur Darstellung einer Projektion für das Team und eine Instruktorkabine 4 für zumindest einen Instruktor zum Instruieren des Teams in der Simulatorkabine 2 bereitgestellt.
• In Schritt 602 wird die Simulatorkabine 2 um einen vorbestimmten Winkel ß um die Hochachse des Simulators 1 gegenüber der Instruktorkabine 4 gedreht angeordnet. Der vorbestimmte Winkel ß liegt insbesondere zwischen 10° und 50°.

In 6 1 is a schematic flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a simulator 1 for training a helicopter to be trained by a team. The procedure of 6 includes steps 601 and 602:

• In step 601 a simulator cabin 2 for accommodating the team, a projection system 3 for displaying a projection for the team and an instructor cabin 4 for at least one instructor for instructing the team in the simulator cabin 2 are provided.
• In step 602, the simulator cabin 2 is rotated by a predetermined angle β about the vertical axis of the simulator 1 relative to the instructor cabin 4. The predetermined angle β is in particular between 10° and 50°.

Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

reference list

1

simulator

2

simulator cabin

2a

front part of the simulator cabin

2 B

rear part of the simulator cabin

3

projection system

4

instructor cabin

5

Dom

6

movement system

601

process step

602

process step

L1

Longitudinal axis of the simulator

L2

Longitudinal axis of the simulator cabin

L4

Longitudinal axis of the instructor cabin

S1

Pilot's field of view

S2

conventional field of view of the cabin crew

S3

Field of view of the cabin crew

ß

angle

Claims (15)

Simulator (1) for training an object to be trained by a team, in particular by a team of a helicopter crew, with a simulator cabin (2) for accommodating the team, a projection system (3) for displaying a projection for the team, and an instructor cabin ( 4) for at least one instructor to instruct the team in the simula gate cabin (2), the simulator cabin (2) being arranged rotated by a predetermined angle (ß) about the vertical axis of the simulator (1) relative to the instructor cabin (4), the predetermined angle (6) being between 10 degrees and 50 degrees . simulator after claim 1 , characterized in that the predetermined angle (6) is between 20 degrees and 40 degrees, preferably between 20 degrees and 30 degrees, particularly preferably between 20 degrees and 25 degrees. simulator after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the predetermined angle (6) between the simulator cabin (2) and the instructor cabin (4) is adjustable. simulator after claim 3 , characterized by an adjustment mechanism which is set up to adjust the predetermined angle (6) between the simulator cabin (2) and the instructor cabin (4). Simulator after one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the projection system (3) is a front-light projection system, in particular a cylindrical front-light projection system or a spherical front-light projection system, or a transmitted-light projection system, in particular a cylindrical front-light projection system or a spherical front-light projection system. Simulator after one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the simulator (1) has a dome (5) which integrates the simulator cabin (2), the projection system (3) and the instructor cabin (4). simulator after claim 6 , characterized in that the projection system (3) is a front-light projection system whose projection surface lies on an inner surface of the dome (5). simulator after claim 7 , characterized in that the simulator cabin (2) is arranged between the projection surface of the projection system (3) and the instructor cabin (4) in the dome (5) of the simulator (1). Simulator after one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the instructor cabin (4) is arranged along the longitudinal axis (L1) of the simulator (1), the longitudinal axis (L4) of the instructor cabin (4) and the longitudinal axis (L2) of the simulator cabin (2) forming the predetermined angle ( 6) include. Simulator after one of the Claims 6 until 9 , characterized in that the dome (5) is designed to be movable in space. Simulator after one of the Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that the simulator cabin (2) has a front part (2a) for at least one pilot and a rear part (2b) for a cabin crew. Simulator after one of the Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that the simulator (1) has a movement system (6) which is set up to move the simulator cabin (2), the instructor cabin (4) and the dome (5). simulator after claim 12 characterized by a control unit for controlling the movement system (6) by means of a control signal generated as a function of the predetermined angle (6) between the simulator cabin (2) and the instructor cabin (4). Simulator after one of the Claims 1 until 13 , characterized in that the object is a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, preferably a helicopter, a sea vehicle, a land vehicle, a construction vehicle or a stationary object, for example a crane. Method for operating a simulator (1) for training an object to be trained by a team, in particular by a team of a helicopter crew Providing (601) a simulator cabin (2) to accommodate the team, a projection system (3) to display a projection for the team and an instructor cabin (4) for at least one instructor to instruct the team in the simulator cabin (2), and Arranging (602) the simulator cabin (2) rotated by a predetermined angle (ß) about the vertical axis of the simulator (1) relative to the instructor cabin (4), the predetermined angle (6) being between 10 degrees and 50 degrees.

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