KR102646515B1 - Airfield Light System added Night Vision Goggles Mode and Method using thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aviation lighting system that controls LED aviation lights to facilitate nighttime operation by adding an NVG (Night Vision Goggles) mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aviation lighting system with an NVG mode adds light to the pilot. LED aviation lights including a first LED lamp module and a second LED lamp module that visually guide information, a constant current regulator that applies output current to the LED aviation lights, and an aviation light control that is connected to the constant current regulator to control the LED aviation lights. It includes a monitoring device, and the aviation lighting control and monitoring device adjusts the level of the output current to provide night vision goggles through a first irradiation mode and a second LED lamp module that emits visible light of different brightness through the first LED lamp module. The second irradiation mode, which consists of an NVG mode that emits visible infrared rays, is controlled.

Description

Airfield Light System added Night Vision Goggles Mode and Method using the same}

The present invention relates to an aviation lighting system and a control method thereof, and specifically, to an NVG (Night Vision Goggles) mode that irradiates infrared rays to prevent glare even when the pilot wears night vision goggles depending on external adverse conditions. It relates to an aviation lighting system and its control method.

Aviation lights are navigational visual aids that provide pilots with all visual information, such as approach direction, approach angle, and distance from the entrance to the end of the runway, through light, color, and arrangement/placement. Currently, aviation lights are installed in sections excluding intersection areas to indicate the edges of runways, taxiways, waiting areas, or aprons so that pilots can sufficiently identify them.

In order to prevent power loss according to distance, this aviation lighting system can be implemented as a constant current type series circuit that changes the voltage according to the load to maintain a constant brightness (constant current) in each aviation light, and is connected to the series circuit. The load (lamp) can be operated by the power induced in the secondary winding of the isolation transformer, which is magnetically coupled to the primary winding of the isolation transformer for aviation lighting.

The brightness of a lamp connected to a series circuit is changed by receiving a regulated current of a current number (for example, in the range of 2.8A to 6.6A) that is changed by a constant current regulator (CCR). The lamp is optimized through controlled brightness changes even in adverse weather and time conditions to provide the pilot with visually appropriate information.

Meanwhile, at night, it is difficult for pilots to visually recognize objects with the naked eye, so night vision goggles are used to ensure visibility when driving at night. These night vision goggles assist in making observation possible by amplifying the amount of light incident on the pilot in cases where it is difficult to observe a target with the naked eye due to lack of light. However, aerial lighting causes glare and color discrimination inconveniences, making night vision possible. There were difficulties.

Therefore, there is a need to develop an aviation lighting system and a control method that does not interfere with the night flight of pilots wearing night vision goggles.

Korean Registered Patent Publication No. KR 10-0615908 (registered on August 18, 2006)

The present invention provides an aviation lighting system with an NVG mode capable of providing accurate visual information to a pilot wearing night vision goggles for nighttime operation, and a method for controlling the same.

In addition, the present invention provides an aviation lighting system with an NVG mode and a control method thereof that minimizes the cost of additional construction by adding an additional system while maintaining the existing aviation lighting system.

The present invention relates to an aviation lighting system that controls LED aviation lights to facilitate nighttime operation by adding an NVG (Night Vision Goggles) mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aviation lighting system with an NVG mode adds light to the pilot. LED aviation lights including a first LED lamp module and a second LED lamp module that visually guide information, a constant current regulator that applies output current to the LED aviation lights, and an aviation light control that is connected to the constant current regulator to control the LED aviation lights. It includes a monitoring device, and the aviation lighting control and monitoring device adjusts the level of the output current to provide night vision goggles through a first irradiation mode and a second LED lamp module that emits visible light of different brightness through the first LED lamp module. The second irradiation mode, which consists of an NVG mode that emits visible infrared rays, is controlled.

The aviation lighting control and monitoring device controls the first LED lamp module to the output current level corresponding to the first irradiation mode to adjust the brightness level consisting of 1 to 3 levels, and the output current level of the second irradiation mode is set to the first irradiation mode. It can be controlled to be applied to the second LED lamp module at a level lower than the output current level of the irradiation mode.

In the control method of an aviation lighting system with an NVG mode added, receiving a selection input value for one of a manual mode in which control values are directly input by the user and a logical mode in which the constant current regulator and LED aviation lighting are automatically controlled, When the logical mode is selected, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device automatically selects and operates the first and second illumination modes based on the illuminance, external environment of weather conditions, and runway visibility range.

When operating the logical mode, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device measures the illuminance value or the runway visible range value, and when the measured value is higher than the preset value, it emits visible light in the first irradiation mode, and the measured value is the preset value. If it is lower, infrared rays of the second irradiation mode can be emitted.

The aviation lighting system with NVG mode and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used for military purposes by facilitating nighttime operation for pilots.

Additionally, the aviation lighting system with NVG mode and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention can prevent glare that may occur in pilots wearing night vision goggles.

In addition, according to the aviation lighting system with NVG mode and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cost of changing the system can be reduced by adding equipment while maintaining the existing aviation lighting system without expanding the line. You can.

Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an aviation lighting system with NVG mode added according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing LED aviation lighting with NVG mode added according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a control method of an aviation lighting system to which an NVG mode is added according to an embodiment.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing a control method of an aviation lighting system with an NVG mode added according to another embodiment.

The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be implemented in various other forms. The present embodiments are only provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. It is provided to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the invention is merely defined by the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the matters shown. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. Additionally, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

When 'includes', 'has', 'consists of', etc. mentioned in this specification are used, other parts may be added unless 'only' is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, the plural is included unless specifically stated otherwise.

In the case of a description of a positional relationship, for example, if the positional relationship of two parts is described as 'on top', 'on the top', 'on the bottom', 'next to', etc., 'immediately' Alternatively, there may be one or more other parts placed between the two parts, unless 'directly' is used.

In the case of a description of a temporal relationship, for example, if a temporal relationship is described as 'after', 'successfully after', 'after', 'before', etc., 'immediately' or 'directly' Unless used, non-consecutive cases may also be included.

Although first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical spirit of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an aviation lighting system 10 with NVG mode added and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an aviation lighting system 10 to which an NVG mode is added according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an LED aviation lighting system (10) to which an NVG mode is added according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram schematically showing 300).

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aviation lighting system 10 with the NVG mode according to an embodiment of the present invention adjusts the number of current stages according to the operating environment to provide visible light wavelength light or light without additional line expansion. It enables irradiation of light in the infrared wavelength range and includes a constant current regulator (100), an aviation light control and monitoring device (200), and an aviation light (300).

The constant current regulator 100 is connected to a plurality of LED aviation lights 300 and can adjust the output brightness of the LED aviation lights 300 according to the output current. The output brightness is adjusted to different brightnesses by the constant current regulator 100. For example, the brightness can be adjusted to change within the 10% to 100% brightness range of the LED aviation light 300.

Additionally, the constant current regulator 100 can adjust the output type of the LED aviation light 300 according to the output current. The constant current regulator 100 is a first irradiation mode that irradiates the LED aviation lights 300 in multiple stages with visible light that can be recognized by the pilot's naked eye by the aviation lighting control & monitoring system 200 (Airport Lighting Control & Monitoring System, ALCMS). And it can be operated in a second irradiation mode that irradiates identifiable infrared rays through night vision goggles.

For example, the constant current regulator 100 operates the LED aviation light 300 in the first irradiation mode by controlling the output current between 4.8A and 6.6A, but adjusts the LED aviation light 300 by 10% to 100% depending on the output current. It can be adjusted to irradiate at % brightness, and the output current can be adjusted between 2.8A and 3.4A to operate the LED aviation light (300) in a second irradiation mode that irradiates infrared rays. Here, of course, the current value or the corresponding brightness can be changed as needed.

Here, the first irradiation mode is a mode that irradiates visible light, and the second irradiation mode is a NVG (Night Vision Goggles) mode that irradiates infrared rays that can only be seen through night vision goggles. The constant current regulator 100 can operate the first and second irradiation modes in parallel so that both pilots wearing night vision goggles and pilots not wearing night vision goggles can be identified.

In addition, the constant current regulator 100 can irradiate only infrared rays by adjusting the current through the second irradiation mode to prevent glare from occurring to pilots wearing night vision goggles.

The aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 is a system for remotely controlling and monitoring the installed LED aviation lights 300 from a control tower or other locations, and is connected to the constant current regulator 100 through a communication network.

The aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 has a first irradiation mode that emits visible light of different brightness by adjusting the level of the output current through the constant current regulator 100, and a second irradiation mode that irradiates infrared rays that can be confirmed only through night vision goggles. Operate investigation mode.

The aviation light control and monitoring device 200 operates in a logical mode that is automatically controlled and a manual mode that is controlled according to the user's selection, and controls the constant current regulator 100 and the LED aviation light 300 accordingly. The logical mode operates by selecting the first and second survey modes based on the external environment (ex. illumination level, weather conditions, etc.) and runway visual range (RVR). In the manual mode, the brightness selection of the first LED lamp module 391 and the on/off of the second LED lamp module 392 are directly input by the user. Manual mode or logical mode operates by receiving selected input values from the user.

The LED aviation light 300 is connected to the constant current regulator 100 by an isolation transformer (IT) and is operated to radiate visible light and infrared rays irradiated in multiple stages. The LED aviation light 300 includes a visible light emitting module and an infrared light emitting module and irradiates visible light with a wavelength between about 380 nm and 780 nm and infrared light with a wavelength between about 780 nm and 1 mm.

Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the LED aviation light 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The open relay 310 is a relay that opens the input when the LED aviation light 300 or the power supply fails and provides a failure signal to the individual light control and monitoring system (ILCMS), which will be described later, and is optional. can be used

The surge protection unit 320 is configured at the very front to prevent damage to aviation lights due to excessive overvoltage applied through the input line.

The EMI filter 330 removes electrical noise and removes noise from the power source using various topologies to supply normal power to aviation lights.

The current detector 340 is configured to include a current transformer, and converts it into a measurable value to measure the current value input to the aviation light, thereby drastically reducing the input current value and converting it to a small value. For example, when a current of 2.8A is input to the current detector 340, it is converted to be measured as 1.12mA, and when a current of 6.6A is input, it is converted to be measured as 2.64mA.

The current detector 340 calculates the current value input through the current transformer and transmits it to the LED aviation lighting control unit 380. In order to compensate for the unstable current, the current detector 340 calculates the average current value of several cycles and transmits it to the LED aviation lighting control unit 380. do.

The communication unit 350 allows information to be transmitted and received through a communication network. The communication unit 350 may include a wireless communication module or a wired communication module. The communication unit 350 is connected wirelessly or wired to the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 or the constant current regulator 100 to transmit and receive information necessary for controlling the LED aviation lighting 300.

When the communication unit 350 additionally builds the second LED lamp module 392 to the first LED lamp module 391, the NVG mode through the second LED lamp module 392 can be additionally added through a wireless firmware update. let it be

The AC/DC converter 360 converts the input AC power into DC power for use in the LED aviation light 300. The AC/DC converter 360 supplies the converted DC power to each internal device and supplies it to the DC/DC converter 370 for supplying it to the first and second LED lamp modules 391 and 392.

The DC/DC converter 370 supplies the necessary power to the first and second LED lamp modules 391 and 392 by converting the DC voltage supplied from the AC/DC converter 360 back to DC.

The LED aviation light control unit 380 controls each component of the LED aviation light 300. The LED aviation lighting control unit 380 determines the current level supplied from the constant current regulator 100 and selectively applies the supplied current to the first and second LED lamp modules 391 and 392. That is, the LED aviation lighting control unit 380 can determine the current level and selectively operate either the first LED lamp module 391 or the second LED lamp module 392.

The first LED lamp module 391 includes a first LED driver 3911 and a visible light LED 3912. The first LED driver 3911 is a device that controls the current supplied to the visible light LED 3912, and is controlled by the LED aviation lighting control unit 380. The visible light LED 3912 includes a visible light emitting diode that provides brightness proportional to the input current. For example, the visible light LED 3912 can emit aviation lights at three brightness levels of 10%, 30%, and 100% depending on the input current.

The second LED lamp module 392 includes a second LED driver 3921 and an infrared LED 3922. The second LED driver 3921 is a device that controls the current supplied to the infrared LED 3922, and is controlled by the LED aviation lighting control unit 380. The infrared LED (3922) includes an infrared light-emitting diode for NVG mode operation at night and provides necessary visual information to the pilot without glare.

In addition, the LED aviation light 300 may further include an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) connected to the first and second LED lamp modules 391 and 392. E-Prom is a configuration in which information about the LEDs included in the first and second LED lamp modules 391 and 392 is stored, and the LED aviation lighting control unit 380 reads the information and sends a predetermined current to the first and second LEDs. Supply the necessary current to the lamp modules 391 and 392.

E-Prom includes LED type (ex. visible light LED (3912), infrared LED (3922), etc.) connected to the first and second LED lamp modules (391, 392), LED quantity, LED color (ex. red, white, etc.) ), LED voltage, LED current, etc., the LED aviation light 300 can be controlled in a variety of ranges, from visible light at different brightness levels to infrared light.

The aviation lighting system 10 to which NVG MODE is added can monitor the status of the individual LED aviation lights 300 by an individual light control and monitoring system (ILCMS). In this case, the individual bulb control and monitoring system is connected to the light control unit (LCU).

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, a control method of the aviation lighting system 10 to which the above-described NVG mode is added will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a control method of the aviation lighting system 10 to which the NVG mode is added according to an embodiment.

In the control method of the aviation lighting system 10 with the NVG mode according to an embodiment of the present invention, the constant current regulator 100 and the LED aviation lighting 300 are controlled by the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200. The aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 is operated in a logical mode that is automatically controlled and a manual mode that is controlled according to the user's selection, and controls the constant current regulator 100 and the LED aviation light 300 accordingly. The logical mode operates by selecting the first and second survey modes based on the external environment (ex. illumination level, weather conditions, etc.) and runway visual range (RVR). In the manual mode, the brightness selection of the first lamp module and the on/off of the second lamp module are directly input by the user. Manual mode or logical mode operates by receiving selected input values from the user.

The aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 has a first irradiation mode that emits visible light of different brightness depending on the current applied through the constant current regulator 100, and a second irradiation mode that irradiates infrared rays that can be confirmed only through night vision goggles. operates.

The aviation light control and monitoring device 200 uses the first irradiation mode to adjust the LED aviation lights 300 to multi-level brightness within the visible light range through the constant current regulator 100. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when 4.8A is applied through the constant current regulator 100, the LED aviation light 300 has a brightness of 10%, and when 5.5A is applied, the LED aviation light 300 has a brightness of 30%. Therefore, when 6.6A is applied, the LED aviation light (300) operates at 100% brightness.

The first irradiation mode adjusts the brightness level one by one to the set brightness level, and after adjusting each brightness level, the light can be adjusted to the next brightness level after waiting for a certain period of time.

Additionally, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 operates a second irradiation mode at night to avoid causing glare to pilots wearing night vision goggles. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when 2.8A to 3.4A is applied through the constant current regulator 100, the LED aviation light 300 emits infrared rays. At this time, visible light is not irradiated at the same time. Here, the second irradiation mode may be operated with sequential control operated after the first irradiation mode. The second irradiation mode is the NVG mode, and infrared rays can be irradiated after confirming information received from the aircraft and information on the pilot wearing night vision goggles through communication with an external device.

As above, the output current level of the second irradiation mode is applied to the LED aviation light 300 at a lower level than the output current level of the first irradiation mode.

Additionally, the first and second irradiation modes may be selectively operated according to the measured illuminance value. For example, when the measured illuminance value is higher than the set illuminance value, the visible light of the first irradiation mode is emitted, and when the measured illuminance value is lower than the set illuminance value, the infrared rays of the second irradiation mode are emitted, and can be automatically selected and operated. You can.

Additionally, the first and second survey modes may be selectively operated according to the measured runway visual range value. For example, if the measured runway visual range value is higher than the set runway visual range value, visible light of the first irradiation mode is emitted, and if the measured runway visual range value is lower than the set runway visual range value, infrared rays of the second irradiation mode are emitted. It can be illuminated and selected and operated automatically.

In addition, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 configures the LED aviation lights 300 connected to the constant current controller 100 into groups and can sequentially control each group. For example, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 groups the first LED lamp module 391, which emits visible light, into a first group, and groups the second LED lamp module 392, which emits infrared rays, into a second group. By grouping, the lamp modules within the group are controlled to turn on and off at the same time. Here, the aviation lighting control monitoring device 200 can control the first group and the second group simultaneously.

The aviation lighting control monitoring device 200 can control the first group and the second group on and off in contrast to each other. For example, when the aviation lighting control monitoring device 200 controls the first LED lamp module 391 of the first group to be in the on state, it can control the second LED lamp module 392 of the second group to be in the off state. . Conversely, when the aviation lighting control monitoring device 200 controls the first LED lamp module 391 of the first group to be in the off state, it can control the second LED lamp module 392 of the second group to be in the on state. .

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, a control method of the aviation lighting system 10 to which the NVG mode is added according to another embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control method of the aviation lighting system 10 to which the NVG mode is added according to another embodiment.

In describing the control method of the aviation lighting system 10 with the NVG mode according to another embodiment of the present invention, the same content as the above-described content will be omitted.

The aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 primarily determines and controls whether operation of the NVG mode is necessary. That is, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 first determines whether the second irradiation mode is necessary to operate, and controls the LED aviation lights 300 based on this determination.

Whether or not the second investigation mode needs to be operated can be determined automatically from information input by the user or information received from the aircraft and information received through communication with an external device.

Thereafter, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 determines whether the first irradiation mode is necessary to operate and controls the LED aviation lighting 300. Accordingly, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 operates the second irradiation mode and the first irradiation mode sequentially, and can operate the first to second irradiation modes simultaneously. For example, if the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 determines that operation of the second irradiation mode is necessary, it emits infrared rays, and then, if it determines that operation of the first irradiation mode is necessary, it emits visible light at a brightness of 10% to 100%. It can also emit light.

The aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 according to another embodiment primarily determines whether the first and second irradiation modes of the first and second LED lamp modules 391 and 392 are operated simultaneously. The aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 can determine whether to operate the first and second irradiation modes simultaneously based on the first prerequisite information and the second prerequisite information. The first prerequisite information is information related to brightness, and the second prerequisite information is information related to fog. In other words, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 can determine whether to operate the first and second irradiation modes simultaneously based on information related to brightness and fog, thereby optimizing information that can guide the pilot.

For example, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 checks the first prerequisite information including the lowered illuminance value level and the second prerequisite information including the increased fog value level, and determines the first prerequisite information of the first LED lamp module 391. Simultaneous operation of the first irradiation mode and the second irradiation mode of the second LED lamp module 392 is determined.

On the contrary, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 checks the first precondition information including the lowered illuminance value level and the second precondition information including the lowered fog value level to determine the individual conditions of the first irradiation mode and the second irradiation mode. Operation can be decided.

Thereafter, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device 200 can sequentially determine the necessity of operating the second irradiation mode of the second LED lamp module 392 and the first irradiation mode of the first LED lamp module 391. there is.

The description of the present invention described above is for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. will be. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, each component described as unitary may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

10: Aviation lighting system with NVG mode added,
100: Constant current regulator, 200: Aviation lighting control and monitoring device,
300: LED aviation lights, 310: open relay,
320: surge protection unit, 330: EMI filter,
340: current detector, 350: communication unit,
360: AC/DC conversion unit, 370: DC/DC conversion unit,
380: LED aviation lighting control unit, 391: first LED lamp module,
392: Second LED lamp module.

Claims (4)

In the control method of an aviation lighting system that controls LED aviation lighting to facilitate nighttime operation by adding an NVG (Night Vision Goggles) mode,
The aviation lighting system with NVG mode is,
LED aviation lights including a first LED lamp module and a second LED lamp module that visually guide information to the pilot through light;
A constant current regulator that applies output current to LED aviation lighting; and
It includes an aviation lighting control and monitoring device that is connected to a constant current regulator and controls LED aviation lighting,
The aviation lighting control and monitoring device has a first irradiation mode that adjusts the level of the output current to emit visible light of different brightness through the first LED lamp module, and emits infrared rays that can be seen through night vision goggles through the second LED lamp module. Controls the second irradiation mode consisting of NVG mode,
The aviation lighting control and monitoring device selectively controls either the first irradiation mode or the second irradiation mode and operates selectively by adjusting the level of the output current,
The aviation lighting control and monitoring device controls the first LED lamp module to the output current level corresponding to the first irradiation mode to adjust the brightness level consisting of 1 to 3 levels, and the output current level of the second irradiation mode is set to the first irradiation mode. Controlling the output current level to be applied to the second LED lamp module at a level lower than the output current level of the irradiation mode,
It is connected to the first to second LED lamp modules and further includes an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) storing information for selective operation by adjusting the level of the output current,
The control method of the aviation lighting system with NVG mode is:
Receives a selection input value for either a manual mode, in which control values are directly input by the user, or a logical mode, in which the constant current regulator and LED aviation lighting are automatically controlled,
When the logical mode is selected, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device automatically selects and operates the first and second illumination modes based on the illuminance, external environment of weather conditions, and runway visibility range,
When the logical mode is selected, the aviation lighting control and monitoring device measures the illuminance value or the runway visible range value, and if the measured value is higher than the preset value, it emits visible light in the first irradiation mode, and the measured value is the preset value. A control method of an aviation lighting system with an NVG mode that emits infrared rays of the second irradiation mode when the temperature is lower than that of the second irradiation mode.
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