Abstract:
An electronic cockpit vision system for a vision system to enable maintenance of control, in continued flight and landing, of an aircraft and its systems when the cockpit has become invaded with dense and continuous smoke. The system includes an electronic signal converter, a scanner, a windshield video camera, cockpit video camera, and smoke over-goggles equipped with two eye level electronic video display devices. The signal converter feeds its output into a video display equipped smoke qualified over-goggle, resulting in the display upon a virtual screen of information essential to emergency flight and landing. The virtual screen displays the information in appropriate depth perception for ease of comprehension.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a vision system. More specifically it relates to an electronic cockpit vision system to enable maintaining control of an aircraft and its systems when the cockpit has become invaded with dense and continuous smoke. The system must provide adequate information and feedback to perform continued flight and landing of the aircraft, while substantially simulating the normal visual operating conditions of the cockpit environment. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Dense and continuous smoke in the cockpit of an aircraft is a very serious condition normally resulting in the death of all aboard. Loss of the aircraft typically occurs within 6 to 12 minutes. Without reference to instruments or horizon a crew cannot maintain control for more than a very short time. 
     It can be appreciated that different forms of vision systems have been in use for years. Typically, a vision system is comprised of either the Emergency Visual Assurance System (EVAS) (U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,673 by Werjefelt) or SMOKESCOPE (U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,899 by Fuchs). More recent vision systems for smoke filled cockpits have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,749 by Smith and U.S. patent application No. 20010010225 by Kind Code and Leo Keller. 
     Vision systems mounted in the helmet of the pilot have been used for low visibility flight conditions, such as night flying. Such a vision system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,177 by Cohen. U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,854 discloses a pilot helmet with a visor display system that enables a pilot to view a video image of the external world in low visibility flight conditions. The vision systems designed for external low visibility flight conditions are not sufficient for the unique circumstances of vision interference that are presented by a smoke filled cockpit. 
     SMOKESCOPE (U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,899 by Fuchs) is a hand held tube, with a lens at each end, which is said to be an aid to viewing instruments in smoke. Its real use in landing is questionable in that it would give a narrow field of view. Being a hand held unit the SMOKESCOPE would demand a single-handed landing, negating pilot throttle control. 
     EVAS (U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,673 by Werjefelt) is a vision system that relies on a transparent tailored bag, which inflates with filtered smoke/air. The transparent bag displaces the smoke between a pilot&#39;s eyes, his primary flight instruments and the windshield. The bag contains air that has been substantially filtered to remove the smoke particles. The pilot presses his face and eyes against one end of the transparent bag, while the other end rests on the flight instruments and the windshield. 
     The main problem with this conventional vision system is that the EVAS is folded and packed in a container. It must be removed, placed on the glare shield and positioned, as it inflates, between the yoke and the instruments where it remains. It expands upwards to present a window to the pilot and another to the windshield. The same action must be then accomplished for the second pilot. 
     Another problem with this conventional vision system is that at a time in aircraft development when all emphasis is on reducing crew workload thru electronic systems, EVAS gives them more to do and at such a critical time during an emergency flight and landing. Thus, there is a need for a vision system that is easy to implement and operate. 
     Another problem with this conventional vision system is that when deployed EVAS gives a view of only the basic flight instruments and the flight path. EVAS does not address the need to view and adjust all the other cockpit controls required to keep an aircraft operating and flying. To view anything else it must be distorted and shoved around. The movement of the transparent bag requires a two handed job for a man with both hands already full. Controls on the center glare shield panel (typically auto pilot controls) are not viewable, nor are communications, transponder and radar on the center control console with EVAS in its normally deployed position. Furthermore, overhead panel controls cannot be viewed with EVAS normally deployed nor can floor mounted controls, such as the emergency landing gear release. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,749 by Smith is an emergency operating system for piloting an aircraft in a smoke filled cockpit. The system in the ‘749’ patent does disclose a facemask configured to surround a user&#39;s eyes and form an airtight seal. The facemask includes a screen viewable by the user for displaying critical flight operating information. A section of the display screen is clear plastic, which allows viewing of the cockpit through the facemask provided that there is only partial vision obscuring of the cockpit due to the smoke infiltration. An embodiment of the system has a hand-operated communication device that enables non-verbal communication with others. The communication device includes pre-recorded messages to be transmitted to an air traffic controller during an emergency situation. Another embodiment includes a respirator that is integral to the mask, which provides oxygen to the user. 
     The only video displays transmitted to the facemask by the ‘749’ patent system are the minimum aircraft operating system information and external aircraft images from an externally mounted video camera. Minimum aircraft operating system information can include air speed, altitude, compass heading, rolling angle, pitching angle, path angle, landing gear, flaps and fuel. Attitude could also be included, which is the orientation of an aircraft&#39;s axes relative to the horizon or some other reference line. The aircraft operating system information is transmitted from instrument display sources on the aircraft control panel to the facemask by a signal path. 
     Information that is displayed on the control panel is obtainable, but the system lacks the ability to transmit and display information from other parts of the smoke filled cockpit. The section of the facemask display screen that is clear plastic will provide viewing of the other areas of the cockpit, provided that there is minimal smoke infiltration and partial visibility exists within the cockpit. Unfortunately for the pilot, the clear plastic display screen ceases to be effective under severe smoke conditions when internal cockpit visibility is totally obscured. Viewing landing charts, printed information and location of hand controls is severely compromised or totally unavailable during full infiltration of smoke into the cockpit. 
     Performing the necessary hand movements on the flight controls when the controls and levers cannot be seen is a hazardous task. A good pilot knows by tactile perception the general location of the controls for adjusting the position of the wing flaps. Unfortunately the wing flap controls may be located in close proximity to other controls. Quick multiple movements must be performed to maintain control of the aircraft during an emergency landing situation. Cockpit vision is completely or substantially obscured by the smoke during this chaotic time. Hurried adjustment of the wrong control lever can result in disastrous consequences. A system that provided visual feedback for tactile hand movements would be most advantageous for the survival of the aircraft and pilots. 
     U.S. patent application No. 20010010225 by Leo Keller et al, discloses a similar facemask vision display system for displaying control panel information, a clear lens for interior viewing and an oxygen apparatus for smoke filled environments. Additionally, the system by Keller provides for Global Positioning System (GPS) data as part of the emergency flight data. The system can include a power supply independent of the normal power supply. As before, this prior art system by Keller does not provide sufficient and effective capability to view landing charts, printed information and the location of hand controls in a cockpit fully immersed in smoke, where the cockpit has essentially no internal visibility. 
     While these prior art devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not fully developed as a vision system to enable appropriate maintenance of control, in continued flight and landing, of an aircraft and its systems when the cockpit has become invaded with dense and continuous smoke. 
     Furthermore, the prior art devices do not provide the visual information and images on a display screen, which will substantially emulate the depth perception that the pilot experiences under normal operating conditions. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a system to provide a more expansive vision of instrument controls and provide feedback regarding information necessary for the proper emergency operation of an aircraft from a smoke filled cockpit. The system should not rely on normal viewing through the clear lens section of a facemask, since this option is not adequate in dense smoke that substantially obscures cockpit visibility. The system should provide visual feedback on hand controls, printed landing charts and other non-electronic information. The system should provide depth perception relationships between the various presentations of information, which recreates the impression of normal operating conditions. 
     In these respects, the inventive aspects of the electronic cockpit vision system substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of a vision system providing enhanced depth perception and increased information to enable maintenance of control of an aircraft and its systems during continued emergency flight and landing, when the cockpit has become invaded with dense and continuous smoke. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An objective of the electronic cockpit vision system is providing a virtual screen that will substantially emulate the depth perception that the pilot experiences under normal operating conditions. This depth perception can significantly enhance the pilot&#39;s comfort level and capability to operate the aircraft under chaotic emergency conditions. On a virtual screen the electronic cockpit vision system restores the pilot&#39;s view, allowing the pilot to operate the aircraft and continue emergency flight and landing. 
     An objective of the electronic cockpit vision system is providing adequate viewing of landing charts and other printed information during full infiltration of smoke into the cockpit environment. A handheld scanner is integrated into the system to fulfill this requirement. Substantial benefit is derived, in that emergency landing charts of local airports or topography can be located and read despite the dense smoke. The crew can read approach plates for a landing on an unfamiliar airport. 
     Further benefit is achieved by scanning and viewing an emergency check-list of procedures to be performed during the chaotic episode of a forced landing. The system enables crewmembers to read their checklists for emergency and normal procedures unobstructed by smoke. 
     Another objective of the electronic cockpit vision system is allowing visual feedback of the effect of hand controls that steer the aircraft. It is possible, but very difficult to make the necessary hand movements on the controls when the controls can only be felt and their effect not seen. The controls for adjusting the angle of the flaps are often located in close proximity to other controls. Rapid movements must be performed to control the aircraft during an emergency landing situation. Inadvertent adjustment of the wrong lever or control in the dense smoke can result in disastrous consequences. 
     Crewmembers can locate, read and adjust controls such as fuel management, hydraulics, electrical load shedding, pressurization, flap settings, radio frequencies and landing gear when the cockpit is filled with smoke and thus continue the complex tasks of total aircraft flight management. An advantage of the electronic cockpit vision system is the ability of viewing everything, high or low, within reach of the crew hands via their wrist mounted cameras without significant additional effort. 
     The benefit of visual feedback for tactile movements of the controls is immense. A windshield camera is provided for the necessary electronic visual feedback. The combined senses of vision and touch allow the pilot to perform the necessary tactile adjustments of steering controls with far greater speed, confidence and reliability than could be accomplished by memory and finger touch alone. The addition of electronic vision within the cockpit environment substantially enhances the chance of survival for the aircraft and occupants. 
     Furthermore, electronic vision is a great aid in locating the correct emergency landing chart. Printed information is often stored in a compartment, until it is required for emergency use. Many of the airplane controls are located in a fixed position on the instrument panel where they can be somewhat located by memory and hand tactile perception. This fixed position is not sufficient for utilizing the landing charts and other printed information. The pilot does not know beforehand when and where a smoke filled cockpit will occur, or where it may force him to land. The correct landing chart or section of a particular chart must be located within a binder of many landing charts. The procedure is most difficult with just the use of a handheld scanner. The wrist-mounted camera creates electronic visual feedback for locating the correct landing chart, which supplements the subsequent act of scanning the proper chart for transmission of the image onto the virtual screen. 
     Another objective of the new electronic cockpit vision system is quick and easy implementation of the system under emergency conditions. An advantage of the electronic cockpit vision system is that the pilot can quickly position the various components for rapid operation. 
     Another objective is to provide a vision system to enable maintenance of control, in continued flight and landing, of an aircraft and its systems when the cockpit has become invaded with dense and continuous smoke. The electronic cockpit vision system allows the pilots to regain adequate vision in a smoke filled cockpit so they may effectively continue flight and execute an emergency landing. The pilots can electronically view the required emergency instruments when they are obscured with smoke or blanketed with soot. The system enables pilots when caught in an otherwise fatal position to get the passengers and themselves on the ground alive. 
     Another object is to provide an electronic cockpit vision system that electronically enables crewmembers to see the flight and landing path outside the windshield without obstruction of cockpit smoke or soot. For the accomplishment of this objective, a protective gasket surrounding the windshield camera provides a sealed cavity that prevents the ingress of smoke into the windshield camera. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide an electronic cockpit vision system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices. In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of vision systems now present in the prior art and in view of the technical breakthrough represented by the subsequent introduction of the Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS), the present invention provides a new electronic cockpit vision system construction or “SeeThruSmoke” (STS), which can be utilized for a vision system to enable maintenance of control, in continued flight and landing, of an aircraft and its systems when the cockpit has become invaded with dense and continuous smoke. 
     The Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS) now being delivered as part of the standard package of cockpit instruments on new transport aircraft, and being available for retrofit on all aircraft, presents to the pilot all the attitude, altitude and navigational information he needs to accomplish an emergency decent and landing all on one independently powered instrument. The STS, electronic cockpit vision system, enables him to view and use this information and see his flight/landing path even when his vision is inhibited by dense and continuous cockpit smoke. The electronic cockpit vision system utilizes the existing information provided by the ESIS. Additionally the electronic cockpit vision system significantly enhances the information provided and the virtual screen provides depth perception to the pilot in viewing the information. 
     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new electronic cockpit vision system that has many of the advantages of the vision systems mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new electronic cockpit vision system, which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art vision systems, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     To attain this, the present invention generally comprises an electronic signal converter and memory unit with data base decoder, a scanner, a windshield video camera, one or more cockpit video camera(s), one goggle per required crewmember (normally not more than 3) equipped with two eye level electronic video display imaging modules and their related circuitry and controls, one battery backed-up power supply of the required voltages, one set of cables, wires and plugs to interconnect the above items. 
     The signal converter processes the signals from the windshield camera, the ESIS (Electronic Standby Instrument System), the cockpit cameras and the scanner. The signals are modified by the signal converter and combined for transmission to the goggle, where the information is presented to the crew as a virtual image upon a virtual screen. 
     The scanner can be held in one hand, while scanning emergency procedure checklists, landing charts, maps and other printed information. The information is transmitted to the goggle screen. The emergency checklist, pre-loaded in the conveter, assists the pilot in calmly and quickly performing the correct procedures in a chaotic situation. 
     The windshield camera is a video camera with normal day/high night sensitivity. This is mounted on the windshield or on a swing down bracket above it. Windshield cameras are known in the prior art. 
     The cockpit camera(s) consist of one or more wrist-mountable illuminated mini video camera(s). The cockpit camera can be pointed for viewing of any object within the cockpit by a simple movement of the pilot&#39;s wrist. Steering controls, flap adjustments, location of printed information and additional instrumentation panel readings can all be obtained through the skilled movement of the cockpit camera. The ESIS system transmits to the smoke goggle screen the essential flight information, while viewing and control of additional instrumentation can be achieved with the video image provided by the cockpit camera. 
     The goggles comprise of one set (1 to 3) of electronic video display equipped qualified smoke-goggles or over-goggles. The goggles receive electronic video images from the ESIS, hand-held scanner, cockpit camera and the windshield camera. The video images from each input are displayed on different display areas of the virtual screen. 
     A power supply of the required voltages is fed from an independent standby battery. The ESIS is equipped with its own standby battery, which is independent of the battery system that powers the cockpit instrumentation during normal operation. Many newer planes built after the year 2000 are equipped with an ESIS. The independent standby battery from the ESIS can be used to power the electronic cockpit vision system or an additional independent standby battery can be supplied with the electronic cockpit vision system. 
     Following is a brief description on the method of operation of the system. On recognizing a potential smoke emergency the crew locates the windshield camera and turns on the power switch located on the signal converter. Flight Manual procedures are carried out as mandated. 
     When smoke becomes dense and loss of vision is anticipated the pilot dons the goggles. He then turns on the goggles using the momentary button mounted on the goggles at eye level. The pilot confirms he has vision of the flight path thru the windshield camera in his display with the standby electronic flight instrument center overlaid on it. The co-pilot then dons his goggles, plugs them in and turns them on. The pilot then dons his wrist camera and plugs it into the face of the signal converter. Both pilots can see the wrist camera images in the lower right window on their displays. Both pilots have identical displays. 
     The crew is now back in control and can resume emergency decent and landing. At any time either crewmember may scroll thru emergency and other information stored in the system, which both pilots will see in a window at the left of their screen. Approach plates or anything else scanned in, or in memory, will appear when scrolled up in this window. The scrolling momentary switch is located on the goggles. 
     In one version, there are three switches mounted on the goggle. Two over the left eye control the emergency checklist display and its page scrolling function. One over the right eye controls the size of the ESIS presentation and its location on the screen. An on/off button is mounted on both the hand camera and scanner. 
     There has thus been outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter. 
     In this respect, before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is schematic layout of the electronic cockpit vision system. 
     FIG. 2 is a left side view of the goggles as over-goggles, which are attached to an existing smoke-goggle. 
     FIG. 3 is perspective view of a graphic depiction of the virtual screen along with goggles, cameras, and scanner. 
     FIG. 4 is a layout of the electronic cockpit vision system including the hand held infra-red flashlight camera. 
     FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the Signal Converter and Data Base Adapter. 
     FIG. 6 a  is a right side view of the cockpit camera. 
     FIG. 6 b  is a front view of the cockpit camera. 
     FIG. 6 c  is a top view of the cockpit camera. 
     FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the hand held infra-red flashlight camera. 
     FIG. 8 a  is a back view of the windshield camera. 
     FIG. 8 b  is a left side view of the windshield camera. 
     FIG. 8 c  is a front view of the windshield camera. 
     FIG. 8 d  is a cutaway top view of the gasket. 
     FIG. 8 e  is a front view of the gasket. 
     FIG. 9 a  is a top view of the scanner. 
     FIG. 9 b  is a side view of the scanner. 
     FIG. 9 c  is a front view of the scanner. 
     FIG. 10 is a left side view of the goggles integrated into a smoke-goggle. 
     FIG. 11 is a left side of an oxygen facemask with the imaging on the interior of the facemask. 
     FIG. 12 is a left side view of an oxygen facemask with the imaging module on the exterior of the facemask. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2  and  3 , an electronic cockpit vision system  10  includes a goggle  12  having an instrument input  14  and an imaging module  16  that projects a virtual screen  18 . A signal converter  20  is in communication with the goggle  12 . The electronic signal converter  20  has a memory unit  22 . One or more instruments transmit signals  24  to the signal converter  20 . The signal converter  20  modifies the signals  24  so that the signals  24  are compatible with the goggle  12  and imaging module  16 . 
     A scanner  26  transmits printed information into the signal converter  20 . A windshield camera  28  inputs video images  38  of the exterior of the aircraft into the signal converter  20 . Two cockpit cameras  30 ,  30 ′ input video images  38  of the interior of the cockpit  101  into the signal converter  20 . The signal converter  20  also communicates with the Electronic Standby Instrument System  32  (ESIS). The arrows indicated the directional flow for the signals  24 . 
     The signal converter  20  receives the signals  24  from the various instruments and modifies the signals  24 . FIG. 1 shows the signals  24  entering the signal converter  20  and existing the signal converter  20  as a combined second signal  37 . The second signal  37  is communicated to the goggle  12 . A first instrument signal  34  transmits data from a first instrument  36  to the signal converter  20 . The signal converter  20  modifies the first instrument signal  34  into the second signal  37  such that the second signal  37  is compatible with the goggle  12  and the imaging module  16 . The instrument input  14  of the goggle  12  receives the second signal  37  from the signal converter  20 . The first instrument signal  34  may be combined with other signals  24  to form the second signal  37 . Each signal  24  transmits an image  38  that is projected onto the virtual screen  18 . The second signal  37  contains a combination of images  38 , with each instrument sending an individual image  38 . 
     The first instrument signal  34  transmits an image  38  from the first instrument  36 , which is shown as the ESIS  32 , to the signal converter  20 . The signal converter  20  receives the first instrument signal  34  and modifies the first instrument signal  34  into a second signal  37 . The second signal  37  is in a form that is compatible with the imaging module  16 . The signal converter  20  communicates the second signal  37  to the imaging module  16 . The imaging module  16  creates an image  38  from the second signal  37  and the image  38  is projected as a virtual screen  18 . 
     The first instrument  36  is depicted as an Electronic Standby Instrument System  32  (ESIS). The first instrument signal  34  is depicted as an ESIS signal  39 . Alternately, the first instrument signal  34  can be transmitted from the scanner  26 , the windshield camera  28 , cockpit camera  30 , or other instrumentation input sources. Each of the aforementioned devices has its own signal  24  that is communicated to the signal converter  20  and then communicated to the goggle  12 . An image  38  from each of the signals  24  is displayed on the virtual screen  18  of the goggle  12 . A power supply  41  of the required voltages is fed from the ESIS standby battery or other independent standby battery  45 . 
     The first instrument signal  34  provides information from the emergency standby instrumentation system  32  (ESIS). The first cockpit camera signals  52 ,  52 ′ provides information transmitted from the cockpit cameras  30 ,  30 ′. The first windshield camera signal  70  provides information transmitted from the windshield camera  28 . The first scanner signal  78  provides information transmitted from the scanner  26 . Collectively the first instrument signal  34 , the first cockpit camera signals  52 ,  52 ′, the first windshield camera signal  70 , and the first scanner signal  78  are referenced as signals  24 . These signals  24  ( 34 ,  52 ,  52 ′,  70 ,  78 ) are modified by the signal converter  20  and combined to form the second signal  37 , which is communicated to the imaging module  16  in the goggle  12 . Additional devices can be added to input signals  24  and images  38  into the signal converter  20  for transmission to the imaging module  16  and display on the virtual screen  18 . 
     Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the goggle  12  and imaging module  16  project a screen that displays one or more images  38 . The screen is a virtual screen  18  that creates the impression of the image  38  being at some distance beyond the goggle  12 . The image  38  does not appear to be within a few inches of the eye  100  where the imaging module  16  is positioned, but rather the image  38  appears to be about where the windshield  102  of the cockpit  101  would be located. The virtual screen  18  creates the impression that the image  38  is greater than about one foot away from the pilot  104 . In one embodiment the images  38  appear to be at about the same distance from the pilot as the distance from the pilot to the windshield. 
     Additionally, the virtual screen  18  allows the pilot to have depth perception, with the images  38  of the ESIS  32  instrumentation and the images  38  from the cockpit camera  30  appearing to be closer to the pilot than the external images  38  from the windshield camera  28 . The pilot  104  becomes accustomed to normal operating conditions where the pilot  104  is closely surrounded by the instrumentation and the cockpit  101  environment. Conversely, the external view through the windshield is of an environment that can be substantially further away. It is important that the imaging module  16  via the virtual screen  18  recreate the impression of this depth differentiation between the internal cockpit  101  environment and the external environment. 
     The image  38  of the printed information from the scanner  26  is projected onto the virtual screen  18 . The printed information is of sufficient size to be readable. The printed information can appear to be at a distance away from the eyes  100  that approximates normal reading distances of about one to three feet. The image  38  of the printed information can be enlarged to fill more of the virtual screen  18  or reduced when greater viewing of the information from the other instruments is desired. 
     This apparent projecting of the images  38  recreates, to some degree, the visual environment that the pilot  104  is comfortable within. Performing emergency procedures in a smoke filled cockpit  101  requires that the pilot  104  remain as calm as possible. The virtual screen  18  projects a visual image  38  that substantially replicates the depth perception that the pilot  104  perceives when looking out of the windshield under normal operating conditions. The images  38  of the ESIS  32  instrumentation and the images  38  from the cockpit camera  30  and scanner  26  appear to be superimposed at a closer distance than the external images  38  from the windshield camera  28 . The virtual screen  18  emulates the view with appropriate depth perception that the pilot  104  experiences under normal operating conditions. This sense of depth perception can increase the pilot&#39;s confidence and capability to operate the aircraft from a smoke filled cockpit  101 , which culminates in a safe and successful landing of the endangered aircraft. 
     FIG. 4, is similar to FIG. 1 without the directional arrows that indicated the direction of the signals  24 . Also the wrist-mounted cockpit cameras  30 ,  30 ′ are replaced by handheld infra-red flashlight cameras  56 ,  56 ′. The flashlight cameras  56 ,  56 ′ transmit and communicate first flashlight camera signals  61 ,  61 ′ to the signal converter  20 . The signal converter  20  modifies the first flashlight camera signals  61 ,  61 ′ into a portion of the second signal  37 , which is communicated to the goggle  12 . The other instruments are the same as in FIG.  1 . 
     Referring to FIG. 5, the signal converter  20  with memory unit  22  is a metal shrouded specialized computer  40  enclosed in a housing  42 . It is specifically designed and built to mount vertically on a standard aircraft ‘Dzus rail’ or any other convenient structural support. The high-speed computer  40  with adequate memory, operating system and custom software is designed to handle the required electronic inputs to generate the outputs necessary for the required display. An example of a signal converter  20  is a modified Remora 700 Easy AV. 
     The structural arrangement can be any metal container that meets tie down and containment requirements of the aircraft specification and demonstrates satisfactory RMI suppression. The preferred arrangement is an aircraft standard ‘Dzus Rail’ mounted aluminum container. The Data Base decoder  43  decodes the Airinc 429 data from the electronic standby instrument system (ESIS) buss  44  (shown in FIG. 1) and/or flight management system (FMS) buss to  10  make it compatible with the electronic cockpit vision system  10  required data. Variations of what an operator can put in the computer memory unit  22  for later display are only limited by the capacity installed and could include charts, approach plates, emergency procedures, COM/VOR frequencies and check lists. 
     Referring to FIGS. 6 a ,  6   b  and  6   c , the cockpit camera  30  is a micro video camera with a short focal length enabling it to focus on whatever the crewmember&#39;s fingers are touching when it is attached to the underside of a crewmember&#39;s wrist  106 . The support of the cockpit camera  30  is a connector  46  of molded plastic, which may be held on the wrist by a Velcro strap  48 . The primary function is to look at any control, display or keyboard the crewmember wishes to see. By virtue of its proximity and lights  50   25  providing illumination the cockpit camera  30  can record a view of the desired item through smoke. The image  38  of the item is then electronically transmitted to a display area on the virtual screen  18  of the goggle  12 . As shown in FIG. 1, the cockpit camera  30  transmits and communicates a first cockpit camera signal  52  to the signal converter  20 . The signal converter  20  modifies the first cockpit camera signal  52  into a portion of the second signal  37 , which is communicated to the goggle  12 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, in an alternate embodiment, the wrist-mounted cockpit camera  30  is replaced by a handheld infra-red flashlight camera  56 . The infra-red flashlight camera  56  also has a short focal length enabling it to focus on whatever is near the crewmember&#39;s hand. The infra-red light is capable of illuminating an object through the dense smoke so that the camera portion can perceive and transmit an image  38  to the signal converter  20 . The infrared flashlight camera  56  has two switches. A click switch  58  controls the presentation of the image  38  on the virtual screen  18 . The other is a two position slide switch  60  that activates the camera with infra-red capability. As shown in FIG. 4, the flashlight camera  56  transmits and communicates a first flashlight camera signal  61  to the signal converter  20 . The signal converter  20  modifies the first flashlight camera signal  61  into a portion of the second signal  37 , which is communicated to the goggle  12 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 8 a ,  8   b ,  8   c ,  8   d  and  8   e , the windshield camera  28  is a video camera that has a very high night and standard day sensitivity and is attached so as to give a forward view parallel to the aircraft centerline. The windshield camera  28  is mounted on the interior of the aircraft near the inner surface  103  of the windshield  102 . The windshield camera  28  is mounted in substantially close proximity to the inner surface  103 , with a protective gasket  64  encircling the lens  66  of the camera. The protective gasket  64  creates a substantially sealed cavity  68  between the windshield camera  28  and the inner surface  103  of the windshield  102 . The gasket  64  prevents the ingress of smoke into the cavity  68 , thereby providing a substantially clear and unobstructed view of the external environment and flight path. The positioning of the windshield camera  28  inside the cockpit  101  avoids all the operational and maintenance problems associated with the outside flight environment. 
     FIG. 8 a  is a back view of the windshield camera  28  and swing down bracket  74 . FIG. 8 b  is a cutaway side view, with the gasket  64  shown cutaway to expose the lens portion of the windshield camera  28  and the sealed cavity  68 . FIG. 8 c  is a front view with the gasket  64  encircling the lens  66 . FIG. 8 d  shows a cutaway top view of just a gasket  64 . The gasket  64  is larger than that shown in FIG. 8 c . FIG. 8 e  is a front view of just the gasket  64 . 
     The windshield camera  28  transmits a first windshield camera signal  70  to the signal converter  20 . The first windshield camera signal  70  conveys video images  38  external to the aircraft. The signal converter  20  modifies the first windshield camera signal  70  into a portion of the second signal  37  and communicates the second signal  37  to the goggle  12 . The windshield camera  28  may be metal or hi-impact plastic enclosed and either a micro-camera permanently attached to the windshield or a camera mounted on a swing down bracket  74 . The windshield camera  28  faces forward to view the flight and landing path. 
     Referring to FIGS. 9 a ,  9   b  and  9   c , a scanner  26  is mounted within pilot  104  reach. The scanner  26  is a generic PC standard mini or a handheld scanner  26  capable of making input to the computer operating program. The scanner  26  may be a desktop or handheld type connected so that printed information can feed to the computer  40  of the signal converter  20  and thence to the goggle  12 . Such information would be en-route airways charts, Jeppeson approach and landing pages. The scanner  26  is connected to the signal converter  20  at all times and is controlled by an integrally mounted switch. The scanner  26  transmits and communicates a first scanner signal  78  to the signal converter  20 . The signal converter  20  modifies the first scanner signal  78  into a portion of the second signal  37  and communicates the second signal  37  to the goggle  12 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, the goggles  12 ,  12 ′ are each designed to contain two electronic imaging modules  16  with related control circuitry, lens  82 , mirror  83  and manual switching. An on-off switch  84  mounted on the goggle  12  is readily accessible for quick activation of the goggle  12 . The goggles  12 ,  12 ′ have the dual purpose of protecting the electronic imaging modules  16  from smoke and presenting selected electronic information in viewable form in front of the pilot  104 . This is presented on the large virtual screen  18 , which appears to the viewer to be at approximately windshield distance for the instrumentation images  38 . The external view image  38  provided by the windshield camera  28  appears to be at a further distance than the instrumentation images  38 . FIG. 2 illustrates just one of the two imaging modules  16 . A variation would have just one imaging module  16  that is viewable by both eyes  100 . 
     The second signal  37  enters the goggle  12  through the instrument input  14  and travels to the imaging module  16 . The imaging module  16  converts the second signal  37  into the various images  38  that have been transmitted by the instruments. The images  38  are conveyed to a mirror  83  and the images  38  are then reflected through the lens  82  onto the eye. The image  38  shows upon a virtual screen  18 , which is seen by the eye has having depth differentiation between the various images  38 . 
     The goggle  12  has four primary embodiments. In FIG. 2, a first embodiment has the goggle  12  as a smoke over-goggle  86 , which is fabricated to meet the basic requirements called out for smoke-goggles  88  (SAE, AS8031) as applicable. They are made of a flame resistant molded plastic material to conform to the shape of the regulatory agency approved existing smoke-goggles  88  and are worn as over-goggles  86 . The smoke over-goggle  86  with video imaging capability is mounted on the standard existing smoke-goggle  88  that is presently used on aircraft. 
     The over-goggle  86  ( 12 ) fits snuggly over the smoke-goggle  88 . The attachment is quick and easy, which is essential in an emergency situation. An attachment device  89  can be used to secure the over-goggle  86  to the smoke-goggle  88 . The attachment device  89  can be a clip or other mechanism of attachment. The attachment and detachment of the over-goggle  86  from the FAA required smoke-goggle  88  is so simple that should smoke clearance in the cockpit  101  be noticed, then the over-goggle  86  can be raised or removed and normal visual flight resumed. A seal  91  attached to the over-goggle  86 , prevents the ingress of smoke between the over-goggle  86  and the smoke-goggle  88 . 
     The over-goggle  86  ( 12 ) has the advantage of attaching to an existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved smoke-goggle  88 . Similarly, the signal converter  20  communicates with existing approved flight management systems. This saves on FAA approval costs of flight testing new equipment and securing certifications, which would be required if the existing approved flight management systems or smoke-goggle  88  were penetrated and altered by the addition of the electronic cockpit vision system  10 . Due to the simplicity of design, retrofitting of existing aircraft is accomplished in a very short time with minimal disruption of existing systems. Structural variations of the smoke over-goggle  86  and imaging module  16  will be dictated by the TSO C-99 oxygen masks being used on the aircraft. 
     Referring to FIG. 10, in an alternate second embodiment the electronic cockpit vision system  10  can be integrated within the existing approved smoke-goggle  88  ( 12 ), rather than being worn as a separate smoke over-goggle  86 . In this second embodiment the goggle  12  is a smoke-goggle  88 . The smoke-goggle  88  is not worn during normal flight conditions, but is put on during emergency conditions of smoke ingress into the cockpit  101 . 
     Referring to FIG. 11, in a third embodiment the goggle  12  and imaging module  16  are integrated into the interior  92  of a facemask  94 . The imaging module  16  is of reduced size to fit into the interior  92  of the facemask  94 . This third embodiment is a logical expansion of the second embodiment. There are numerous variations of the apparatus that are worn on the pilot&#39;s face. The facemask  94  is the optimum apparatus that is worn by a pilot  104  and normally includes an oxygen supply for breathing. The imaging module  16  is attached to the facemask  94  by an attachment device  89 . A control button  96  is mounted on the exterior  98  of the facemask  94  to activate the imaging module  16  that is mounted into the interior  92 . 
     Typically, the facemask  94  is used by pilots of military fighter aircraft. The imaging module  16  and viewing lens  66  are moved into the pilot&#39;s  104  line of sight when required for assistance in a smoke filled environment. Fighter pilots  104  are particularly exposed to combat conditions where damage to the aircraft by the enemy will lead to a smoke obscured cockpit  101 . Facemasks  94  with oxygen apparatus  99  that allow modification and inclusion of the electronic imaging module  16  can be so modified and re-certified to serve the same purpose as the over-goggle  86 . 
     Referring to FIG. 12, in a fourth embodiment the imaging module  16  is attachable to the exterior  98  of the facemask  94  by a magnetic attachment mechanism  90 . The control button  96  is mounted directly on the imaging module  16 . 
     Additional goggles  12  can be added per required pilot  104 , each equipped with two eye-level electronic imaging modules  16  and their related circuitry and controls. Normally, not more than three goggles  12  are connected to the signal converter  20 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1, a power supply  41  of the required voltages is fed from the ESIS backup battery or other independent standby battery  45 . The main battery for the aircraft is not relied upon, since the main battery will often be rendered inoperative by the fire and smoke conditions. The power supply  41  consists of the necessary electrical components to produce the three different voltages required to operate the electronic cockpit vision system  10  from the 24-28 VDC normally available from the aircraft instrument standby battery supply. The power supply  41  is a heat sink mounted transistorized circuit giving an output of 18 VDC, 12 VDC and 6 VDC or as required by the various components. The power supply  41  can be separate or integrated with the converter. The standby battery  45  can be part of the ESIS  32 , which is included on most aircraft being presently produced. Alternately, the electronic cockpit vision system  10  can have a dedicated standby battery  45 , which is separate from the backup battery within the ESIS  32 . 
     Flexible and hard wires are used to interconnect the components. The wires and cables are those required to transfer the images  38  of digital and video data between the components. The wires and cables can include standard, co-axial and twisted pairs. Hard wires, where used, are installed to meet with the requirements of the aircraft type certificate. 
     All components are electrically connected with hard-wired or flexible cables. The goggle  12 , the wrist mounted cockpit camera  30 , and the scanner  26  are each connected by individual flexible cables to the signal converter  20 . The signal converter  20  is connected by hardwire to the ESIS  32  through the 429 data ESIS buss  44  and by hardwire to the windshield camera  28 . The power supply  41  is connected by hardwire to the signal converter  20 . An alternative embodiment is to make all interconnections “wireless” i.e:-low Ghz transmissions (except for the power supply  41 ). Airplane cockpit  101  environments are noisy electrically. Thus, the wireless transmissions must be capable of screening out the electrical noise that might otherwise interfere with the transmission of data to the signal processor. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.