EP1663782A1 - Control station - Google Patents

Control station

Info

Publication number
EP1663782A1
EP1663782A1 EP04765309A EP04765309A EP1663782A1 EP 1663782 A1 EP1663782 A1 EP 1663782A1 EP 04765309 A EP04765309 A EP 04765309A EP 04765309 A EP04765309 A EP 04765309A EP 1663782 A1 EP1663782 A1 EP 1663782A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vdu
control station
seat
aircraft
control
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04765309A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony Mcquiggan
Dieter John
Gerhard Wenger
Roger Luscombe
Chris Hobbs
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ESG Elektroniksystem und Logistik GmbH
Original Assignee
ESG Elektroniksystem und Logistik GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ESG Elektroniksystem und Logistik GmbH filed Critical ESG Elektroniksystem und Logistik GmbH
Publication of EP1663782A1 publication Critical patent/EP1663782A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R11/0264—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for control means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/10—Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B60K35/21—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor using visual output, e.g. blinking lights or matrix displays
    • B60K35/22—Display screens
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B60K35/28—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics information; characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/80—Arrangements for controlling instruments
    • B60K35/81—Arrangements for controlling instruments for controlling displays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/75—Arm-rests
    • B60N2/79—Adaptations for additional use of the arm-rests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R11/0229—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for displays, e.g. cathodic tubes
    • B60R11/0235—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for displays, e.g. cathodic tubes of flat type, e.g. LCD
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0689—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats specially adapted for pilots
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D47/00—Equipment not otherwise provided for
    • B64D47/02—Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/143—Touch sensitive instrument input devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/143—Touch sensitive instrument input devices
    • B60K2360/1438—Touch screens
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
    • B60R2011/0003—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
    • B60R2011/0007—Mid-console
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
    • B60R2011/0003—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
    • B60R2011/0012—Seats or parts thereof
    • B60R2011/0014—Arm-rests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
    • B60R2011/008—Adjustable or movable supports
    • B60R2011/0082—Adjustable or movable supports collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
    • B60R2011/008—Adjustable or movable supports
    • B60R2011/0085—Adjustable or movable supports with adjustment by rotation in their operational position
    • B60R2011/0087—Adjustable or movable supports with adjustment by rotation in their operational position around two axes

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a control station and, in particular, to a control station for use in aircraft.
  • Aircraft particularly helicopters, are being used, increasingly, for surveillance operations by services such as the police.
  • the aircraft To b ⁇ effective in such roles, the aircraft must be fitted with a number of accessories such as search lights, cameras, sirens etc.
  • Each accessory has its own control.
  • the controls for all accessories are mounted on a separate console situated within the aircraft.
  • a console will include a number of display monitors and a number of individual hand controls.
  • the invention provides a method of controlling the operation of a plurality of accessories mounted on the outside of an aircraft, said ethod including directing control elements for each of said accessories to a single visual display unit (VDU) and a single hand manipulation device.
  • VDU visual display unit
  • said method further includes combining a selection facility with said VDU whereby one of said accessories may be selected to fell under the control of said manipulation device.
  • said method further includes mounting said VDU and said manipulation device on a control station, such that said control station may be positioned adjacent to an aircraft seat
  • said method includes mounting said VDU in an adjustable manner such that the position thereof may be varied between on in which said VDU is positioned in front of an operator seated in said seat, and a position in which said VDU is positioned to one side of said seat and does not inhibit entry into, or exit from, said scat
  • the invention provides a control station for use in conjunction with a plurality of accessories mounted on the exterior of an aircraft, said control station including means to support a single Visual Display Unit (VDU) and a manipulation device responsive to information displayed on said VDU, the invention being characterized in that:
  • VDU Visual Display Unit
  • control station is associated with, but not fixed to. an aircraft seat
  • said control station includes a selection facility whereby the accessory to be control may be selected.
  • Preferably said selection facility is included within said VDU.
  • said manipulation device is hand operable.
  • said manipulation device comprises a joy stick.
  • control station includes a receptacle positioned to one side of said aircraft seat, said VDU being locatable within said receptacle.
  • Figure 1 shows an schematic view of a control station according to the inventio ⁇
  • Figures 2 A show isometric views of a control station according to the invention to 2C in different configurations
  • FIG. 3 shows an enlarged front view of a Visual Display Unit (VDU) incorporated in a control station according to the invention.
  • VDU Visual Display Unit
  • the present invention provides a control station 5 through which the operation of a number of accessories a 1 , a 2 , a 3 , a 4 attached to the exterior of an aircraft, can be individually controlled.
  • accessory is intended to mean any item of equipment added to the exterior of an aircraft which requires an element of controL In the case of surveillance aircraft, this could include one or more searchlights, cameras and other tracking devices.
  • control lines from each of the items a 1 .. a 4 is lead to a switching unit 6 and, from the switching unit 6, a single line leads to the control station 5 having a single Visual Display Unit (VDU) 8 and a single hand control 10.
  • VDU Visual Display Unit
  • Individual controlling elements of the units a 1 .. a 4 can be stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
  • the particular form of control station 5 described herein includes side sections 11 and 12 which, when the station 5 is positioned for use, straddle opposite sides of a seat 13.
  • the seat itself does not form part of the invention and may take any desired or suitable form.
  • the station 5 may be constructed so that the distance between the side sections 11 and 12 may be adjusted, thereby making the station adaptable for use with seats of different widths.
  • the hand operated controller 10 mounted on the upper edge of the side unit 11 is the hand operated controller 10.
  • this comprises a joy stick but it could comprise a control ball or any other physical form of controller deemed to be appropriate.
  • the side section 12 comprises a housing or receptacle. Mounted adjacent the forward upper edge of the side section 12 is the VDU 8. in the form shown the VDU is mounted on a multi-axis pivot so that the unit may be pivoted back into the position shown in Figure 2B, about axis y, and then pivoted down about axis x for storage in the housing defined by side section 12. This stowed position is shown in Figure 2C.
  • a spring, gas strut or the like may be provided to assist movement of the VDU 8 between the positions shown in Figures 2B and 2C.
  • the surveillance operator enters the seat 13 when the VDU is in the position shown in Figure 2B or Figure 2C. From the position shown in Figure 2C, the VDU 8 is pivoted around, in the direction of arrow 16, to the position shown in Figure 2A.
  • the VDU is preferably of the touch screen type and is mounted in housing 20.
  • the housing 20 Provided in the housing 20, around the periphery of the screen 21, are a number of indicator lights and/or selection switches 22, by means of which the various accessories a 1 .. a 4 may be selected for operation, as well as other functions such as radio, GPS and map associated with surveillance operations.
  • sections of the screen may indicate the functions of the adjacent switch or light
  • a visual menu may appear on the screen prompting the operator to make various selections or undertake particular tasks.
  • the VDU has a size of 18 M by 18". This allows a split screen mode, indicated by the dotted line in Figure 3, to be selected. In this mode, two images may be viewed simultaneously.
  • the VDU may be stowed in the position shown in Figure 2C. In this position, the control station 5 impacts only to a minor extent on the interior space of the aircraft.
  • the present invention provides a full sized, clearly visible control unit which allows a surveillance operator to readily control all his surveillance tools. However, when not in use, the tools can be stowed out of sight leaving the aircraft fully usable for other applications

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a control station (5) for use an surveillance aircraft. Controls for each surveillance accessory (lights, cameras etc) are lead to a station having a single VDU (8) and a single hand control (10). The VDU (10) and hand control (10) are mounted on a station which co-operates with, but is unattached to, a seat (13) and the VDU (8) may be displaced to allow easy entry into, and exit from, the seat.

Description

CONTROL STAΠON
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a control station and, in particular, to a control station for use in aircraft.
Background of the Invention.
Aircraft, particularly helicopters, are being used, increasingly, for surveillance operations by services such as the police. To bε effective in such roles, the aircraft must be fitted with a number of accessories such as search lights, cameras, sirens etc.
Each accessory has its own control. Typically the controls for all accessories are mounted on a separate console situated within the aircraft. Thus, such a console will include a number of display monitors and a number of individual hand controls.
A consequence of equipping an aircraft with a console as described above, is that a significant part of the aircraft interior is occupied by the console, and this limits the ability of the aircraft to be used for non-surveillance activity. Further, the multiplicity of individual monitors and controls increases the possibility of operator error.
It is an object of this invention to provide a method of and/or means which addresses the abσveraeαtioned problem; or which will at least provide a novel and useful choice.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a method of controlling the operation of a plurality of accessories mounted on the outside of an aircraft, said ethod including directing control elements for each of said accessories to a single visual display unit (VDU) and a single hand manipulation device.
Preferably said method further includes combining a selection facility with said VDU whereby one of said accessories may be selected to fell under the control of said manipulation device.
Preferably said method further includes mounting said VDU and said manipulation device on a control station, such that said control station may be positioned adjacent to an aircraft seat
Preferably said method includes mounting said VDU in an adjustable manner such that the position thereof may be varied between on in which said VDU is positioned in front of an operator seated in said seat, and a position in which said VDU is positioned to one side of said seat and does not inhibit entry into, or exit from, said scat
In a further aspect the invention provides a control station for use in conjunction with a plurality of accessories mounted on the exterior of an aircraft, said control station including means to support a single Visual Display Unit (VDU) and a manipulation device responsive to information displayed on said VDU, the invention being characterized in that:
functional elements of all of said accessories are lead to said VDU;
said control station is associated with, but not fixed to. an aircraft seat; and
the position of said VDU may be varied between one in which said VDU is directly in sight line of an operator positioned in said seat, and one in which said VDU is positioned to one side of said seat Prefcrably said control station includes a selection facility whereby the accessory to be control may be selected.
Preferably said selection facility is included within said VDU.
Preferably said manipulation device is hand operable.
Preferably said manipulation device comprises a joy stick.
Preferably said control station includes a receptacle positioned to one side of said aircraft seat, said VDU being locatable within said receptacle.
Many variations in the way the present invention can be performed will present themselves to those skilled in the art. The description which follows is intended as an illustration only of one means of performing die invention and the lack of description of variants or equivalents should not be regarded as limiting. Wherever possible, a description of a specific element should be deemed to include any and all equivalents thereof whether in existence now or in the future. The scope of tie invention should be limited by the appended claims alone.
BrtefDescription of the Drawings
One form of control station incorporating the various aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 : shows an schematic view of a control station according to the inventioπ Figures 2 A: show isometric views of a control station according to the invention to 2C in different configurations; and
Figure 3; shows an enlarged front view of a Visual Display Unit (VDU) incorporated in a control station according to the invention.
Detailed Description of Working Embodiment
Referring firstly to Figure 1. the present invention provides a control station 5 through which the operation of a number of accessories a1, a2, a3, a4 attached to the exterior of an aircraft, can be individually controlled.
The term accessory, as used herein, is intended to mean any item of equipment added to the exterior of an aircraft which requires an element of controL In the case of surveillance aircraft, this could include one or more searchlights, cameras and other tracking devices.
In the past, surveillance aircraft provided with such accessories, have been fitted with a console having individual displays and manipulation controls for each item of equipment As a consequence, significant space is occupied by the console and this limits use of the aircraft for other purposes unrelated to surveillance.
As can be seen diagrammatically in Figure 1, according to the invention, control lines from each of the items a1 .. a4 is lead to a switching unit 6 and, from the switching unit 6, a single line leads to the control station 5 having a single Visual Display Unit (VDU) 8 and a single hand control 10. Individual controlling elements of the units a1 .. a4 can be stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Referring now to Figures 2A to 2C, the particular form of control station 5 described herein includes side sections 11 and 12 which, when the station 5 is positioned for use, straddle opposite sides of a seat 13. The seat itself does not form part of the invention and may take any desired or suitable form. The station 5 may be constructed so that the distance between the side sections 11 and 12 may be adjusted, thereby making the station adaptable for use with seats of different widths.
Mounted on the upper edge of the side unit 11 is the hand operated controller 10. In the form shown this comprises a joy stick but it could comprise a control ball or any other physical form of controller deemed to be appropriate.
The side section 12 comprises a housing or receptacle. Mounted adjacent the forward upper edge of the side section 12 is the VDU 8. in the form shown the VDU is mounted on a multi-axis pivot so that the unit may be pivoted back into the position shown in Figure 2B, about axis y, and then pivoted down about axis x for storage in the housing defined by side section 12. This stowed position is shown in Figure 2C.
A spring, gas strut or the like (not shown) may be provided to assist movement of the VDU 8 between the positions shown in Figures 2B and 2C.
In use, when surveillance is to be undertaken, the surveillance operator enters the seat 13 when the VDU is in the position shown in Figure 2B or Figure 2C. From the position shown in Figure 2C, the VDU 8 is pivoted around, in the direction of arrow 16, to the position shown in Figure 2A.
The operator may then operate the various accessories using hand controller 10 to establish position or alignment in response to images or other information displayed on the VDU 8. Tuπting now to Figure 3, the VDU is preferably of the touch screen type and is mounted in housing 20. Provided in the housing 20, around the periphery of the screen 21, are a number of indicator lights and/or selection switches 22, by means of which the various accessories a1 .. a4 may be selected for operation, as well as other functions such as radio, GPS and map associated with surveillance operations. As can be seen, sections of the screen may indicate the functions of the adjacent switch or light
Upon selection of a particular accessory, a visual menu may appear on the screen prompting the operator to make various selections or undertake particular tasks.
In the particular embodiment described herein, the VDU has a size of 18M by 18". This allows a split screen mode, indicated by the dotted line in Figure 3, to be selected. In this mode, two images may be viewed simultaneously.
The precise configuration of the displays, and their selection, does not form part of the invention and may take any desired form.
It will be appreciated that, upon completion of the surveillance operation, or when the aircraft is to be used for purposes other than surveillance, the VDU may be stowed in the position shown in Figure 2C. In this position, the control station 5 impacts only to a minor extent on the interior space of the aircraft.
It will thus be appreciated that the present invention, at least in the case of the particular embodiment herein described, provides a full sized, clearly visible control unit which allows a surveillance operator to readily control all his surveillance tools. However, when not in use, the tools can be stowed out of sight leaving the aircraft fully usable for other applications

Claims

Claims
1. A method of controlling the operation of a plurality of accessories mounted on the outside of an aircraft, said method including directing control elements for each of said accessories to a single visual display unit (VDU) and a single hand manipulation device.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 further including combining a selection facility with said VDU whereby one of said accessories may be selected to fell under die control of said manipulation device.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further including mounting said VDU and said manipulation device on a control station, such that said control station may be positioned adjacent to an aircraft seat.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 including mounting said VDU in an adjustable manner such that the position thereof may be varied between one in which said VDU is positioned in front of an operator seated in said seat, and a position in which said VDU is positioned to one side of said seat and does not inhibit entry into, or exit from, said seat
5. A control station for use in conjunction with a plurality of accessories mounted on the exterior of an aircraft, said control station including means to support a single Visual Display Unit (VDU) and a manipulation device responsive to information displayed on said VDU, the invention being characterized in that: functional elements of all of said accessories are lead to said VDU; said control station is associated with, but not fixed to, an aircraft seat; and the position of said VDU may he varied between one in which said VDU is directly in sight line of an operator positioned in said seat, and one in which said VDU is positioned to one side of said seat
6. A control station as claimed in claim 5 further including a selection facility whereby the accessory to be control may be selected.
7. A control station as claimed in claim 6 wherein said selection facility is included within said VDU.
8. A control station as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein said manipulation device is hand operable.
9. A control station as claimed in claim 8 wherein said manipulation device comprises a joy stick.
10. A control station as claimed in any one of claims S to 9 wherein said control station includes a receptacle positioned to one side of said aircraft seat, said VDU being locatable within said receptacle.
EP04765309A 2003-09-17 2004-09-16 Control station Withdrawn EP1663782A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0321832.8A GB0321832D0 (en) 2003-09-17 2003-09-17 Control station
PCT/EP2004/010410 WO2005025986A1 (en) 2003-09-17 2004-09-16 Control station

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1663782A1 true EP1663782A1 (en) 2006-06-07

Family

ID=29227295

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04765309A Withdrawn EP1663782A1 (en) 2003-09-17 2004-09-16 Control station

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1663782A1 (en)
CN (1) CN1852831A (en)
DE (1) DE202004020430U1 (en)
GB (1) GB0321832D0 (en)
IL (1) IL173767A0 (en)
NO (1) NO20061249L (en)
WO (1) WO2005025986A1 (en)

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DE102007045731A1 (en) 2007-09-25 2009-07-30 Esg Elektroniksystem- Und Logistik-Gmbh Workstation for integration into an aircraft, in particular helicopters
DE102009014622A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2010-09-30 Esg Elektroniksystem- Und Logistik-Gmbh Aircraft with a workstation and a workstation for an aircraft
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CN1852831A (en) 2006-10-25
GB0321832D0 (en) 2003-10-15
IL173767A0 (en) 2006-07-05
WO2005025986A1 (en) 2005-03-24
NO20061249L (en) 2006-03-17
DE202004020430U1 (en) 2005-06-16

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