Patent Publication Number: US-11649066-B2

Title: Flight guidance panels with joystick controls

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to and claims all available benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/883,447 filed Aug. 6, 2019, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to aircraft flight guidance panels, and more particularly relates to flight guidance panels with joystick user input devices for transport category aircraft. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional transport category flight guidance panels have collections of buttons and knobs that permit the crew to choose and engage autopilot modes and functions. A typical flight guidance panel has dedicated subpanels for lateral, speed, vertical, and altitude autopilot navigation modes. Each of these dedicated subpanels has at least one dedicated knob and button to control the modes and values associated with the corresponding guidance. For example, a conventional flight guidance panel may have a dedicated altitude subpanel with a knob to adjust the target altitude value and a button to change modes between autopilot and manual control of the altitude of the aircraft. 
     One requirement of the layout of these conventional flight guidance panels is visual confirmation that the pilot has selected the correct button or knob. For example, if a pilot wishes to change the altitude mode from autopilot to manual control, the pilot must look at the flight guidance panel to be sure the correct button is actuated. 
     Another requirement of these conventional flight guidance panels is use of the dedicated knobs and buttons to choose and engage the modes and functions. If a dedicated knob and/or button malfunctions, then the crew may not be able to use the modes and functions of the corresponding subpanel. 
     These conventional flight guidance panels are also restricted from remotely locating the dedicated knobs and buttons for easier access by the crew. For example, the seats in the flight deck typically slide backward for crew comfort during long trips while the aircraft may be on autopilot in the cruise flight phase. While the seat is back, the flight guidance panel may be unreachable. Accordingly, the crew must lean forward or slide the seat forward to make adjustments to the modes and functions. Remotely locating the dedicated buttons and knobs is not typically feasible because the at least four buttons and four knobs demand a large physical space to occupy. Such a large physical space is typically not available for placement of the dedicated buttons and knobs in a more accessible location. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide flight guidance panels with improved controls. Furthermore, other desirable features and parameters of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Various non-limiting embodiments of flight guidance panels and aircraft are disclosed herein. 
     In a first non-limiting embodiment, a flight guidance panel for an aircraft includes a subpanel display, a joystick, rotary encoders, a deflection sensor, and a processor. The subpanel display indicates autopilot modes and flight value goals and has a top-level state and a subpanel control state. The joystick is for user interaction with the subpanel display. The rotary encoder is coupled with the joystick to receive rotation inputs from a user of the joystick. The deflection sensor is coupled with the joystick to detect a deflection input from the user of the joystick. The processor is programmed to: change a state of the subpanel display to the subpanel control state corresponding to a selected subpanel in response to receiving the deflection input while the subpanel display is in the top-level state; and change the flight value goals in response to receiving the rotation inputs while the subpanel display is in the subpanel control state. 
     In a second non-limiting embodiment, an aircraft includes a flight guidance panel and a processor. The flight guidance panel includes a subpanel display, a joystick, rotary encoders, and a deflection sensor. The subpanel display indicates autopilot modes and flight value goals and has a top-level state and a subpanel control state. The joystick is for user interaction with the subpanel display. The rotary encoder is coupled with the joystick to receive rotation inputs from a user of the joystick. The deflection sensor is coupled with the joystick to detect a deflection input from the user of the joystick. The processor is programmed to: change a state of the subpanel display to the subpanel control state corresponding to a selected subpanel in response to receiving the deflection input while the subpanel display is in the top-level state; and change the flight value goals in response to receiving the rotation inputs while the subpanel display is in the subpanel control state. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and 
         FIG.  1    is a simplified view illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a flight guidance panel in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a side view illustrating a joystick of the flight guidance panel of  FIG.  1    in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS.  3 - 7    are simplified views illustrating various states of the displays of the flight guidance panel of  FIG.  1    in an aircraft in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. 
     Flight Guidance Panels (FGPs) described herein generally include a joystick input device for a pilot and a joystick input device for a co-pilot of an aircraft. Subpanels of the FGP may be selected by deflection of either joystick while the FGP is in a top-level state or menu to place the FGP in a subpanel control state associated with the selected subpanel. While the subpanel control state, the joystick may be deflected to change the autopilot modes, functions, or units displayed. The joystick may additionally be rotated to adjust the flight value goals (e.g., altitude, speed, etc.) associated with the selected subpanel. The FGP may return to the top-level state in response to pressing a return button. The joysticks may be disposed in a housing of the FGP and/or may be remotely located (e.g., in an armrest of a seat in the flight deck). The joystick controls described herein permit a crew member to perform all FGP functions without removing their hand from the joystick control. Although the FGP is discussed herein as a component of an aircraft, the configurations and algorithms described for operation of the FGP may be applicable to other vehicles, such as submarines or automobiles. 
       FIG.  1    is schematic view illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a flight guidance panel (FGP)  100  in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. FGP  100  includes a housing  108 , two label displays  110 , two subpanel displays  112 , at least two joysticks  114 , a return button  115 , and a processor  116 . FGP  100  and various components of FGP  100  may be in a top-level state or in a subpanel control state, as will become apparent below. Label displays  110  and subpanel displays  112  may be separate physical devices or may be separately defined display portions of a single physical device screen. 
     Housing  108  is an electronics enclosure in which components of FGP  100  are mounted. For example, label displays  110  and subpanel displays  112  are mounted to a front face of housing  108 . In the example provided, return buttons  115 , processor  116 , and one of joysticks  114  are mounted in housing  108 . It should be appreciated that return buttons  115 , processor  116 , and joysticks  114  may be remotely located within a flight deck of the aircraft in which FGP  100  is installed. 
     Label display  110  shows what will happen in response to deflection of joystick  114 . In the top-level state illustrated in  FIG.  1   , label display  110  shows what guidance subpanel will be controlled in response to the corresponding deflection. It should be appreciated that the guidance controlled by any particular deflection may vary by implementation. In the example provided, label display  110  is also touch capable to perform the functions labeled by touching the corresponding display area on label display  110 . 
     In the example provided, deflection of joystick  114  upward while label display  110  and subpanel display  112  are in the top-level state will change label display  110  and subpanel display  112  to a vertical guidance subpanel control state. Deflection of joystick  114  downward while label display  110  and subpanel display  112  are in the top-level state will change label display  110  and subpanel display  112  to a lateral guidance subpanel control state. As used herein, the term “upward” includes a forward deflection when joystick  114  is mounted to a horizontal surface, such as an armrest. Similarly, the term “downward” includes a backward deflection toward the user when joystick  114  is mounted to the horizontal surface. 
     Also in the example provided, deflection of joystick  114  to the left while label display  110  and subpanel display  112  are in the top-level state will change label display  110  and subpanel display  112  to a speed guidance subpanel control state. Deflection of joystick  114  to the right while label display  110  and subpanel display  112  are in the top-level state will change label display  110  and subpanel display  112  to an altitude guidance subpanel control state. 
     When label display  110  and subpanel display  112  are in some subpanel control states, a left deflection and a right deflection of joystick  114  will change unit types of the flight value goals for some subpanel types. For example, a left deflection of joystick  114  changes units to knots and a right deflection of joystick  114  changes units to Mach while subpanel display  112  is in the speed guidance subpanel control state. A left deflection of joystick  114  changes units to feet and a right deflection of joystick  114  changes units to meters while subpanel display  112  is in the altitude guidance subpanel control state. In some embodiments, different deflection directions control unit types. 
     While subpanel display  112  is in the subpanel control state an upward deflection of the joystick will engage automated control of the aircraft according to the flight value goals. A downward deflection of the joystick while the subpanel display is in the subpanel control state will disengage automated control for manual control of the aircraft relative to the flight value goals. 
     Subpanel display  112  shows a status of all four subpanel types and modes while in the top-level state as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . Subpanel display  112  changes to the corresponding subpanel control state in response to deflection of joystick  114  while subpanel display  112  is in the top-level state, as illustrated in  FIGS.  3 - 5    for the speed subpanel control type. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , and with continued reference to  FIG.  1   , a joystick  114  with an integrated return button  115  is illustrated. As will be discussed below, return button  115  may be dedicated or may be integrated with joystick  114 . Joystick  114  includes a first rotatable component  200 , a second rotatable component  202 , a first rotary encoder  204 , a second rotary encoder  206 , a deflection sensor  208 , and integrated return button  115 . 
     First rotatable component  200  and second rotatable component  202  are independently rotatable to increase or decrease the flight value goals by different increments. For example, rotation of first rotatable component  200  may increase or decrease flight value goals by 10 per detected rotation interval, whereas rotation of second rotatable component  202  may increase or decrease flight value goals by 100 per detected rotation interval. The increments vary by implementation and subpanel type. 
     First rotary encoder  204  is operatively coupled with first rotatable component  200  and second rotary encoder  206  is operatively coupled with second rotatable component  202 . For example, first rotary encoder  204  may be coupled to an outer shaft  205  that is rotatably fixed to second rotatable component  202 . Second rotary encoder  206  may be coupled to an inner shaft (not illustrated) that is rotatably fixed to first rotatable component  200 . 
     Rotary encoders  204  and  206  detect rotation of rotatable components  200  and  202  and send signals indicating the rotation to processor  116 . Rotation of first rotational component  200  rotates the inner shaft coupled to first rotary encoder  204 . First rotary encoder  204  sends a signal indicating the rotation inputs to processor  116 . Similarly, rotation of second rotational component  202  rotates outer shaft  205  coupled to second rotary encoder  206 . Second rotary encoder  206  sends a signal indicating the rotation inputs to processor  116 . Processor  116  changes the flight value goals in response to receiving the rotation inputs while the subpanel display is in the subpanel control state. 
     In some embodiments, only one rotatable component is utilized. Processor  116  may be further programmed to change the flight value goals in increments that are based on a speed of rotation of the rotatable components in addition to or as a replacement for the separate increment-based adjustments. 
     In the example provided, a first joystick  114  and a dedicated return button  115  are mounted in housing  108  on a pilot side  120  of FGP  100  closest to a pilot seat when installed in an aircraft. A second joystick  114  and integrated return button  115  are mounted in housing  108  on a co-pilot side  122  of FGP  100  closest to a co-pilot seat when installed in the aircraft. A third joystick  114  and integrated return button  115  are remotely located in an armrest of a pilot seat in the aircraft. Joystick  114  is sized to be gripped by the index finger, middle finger, and or thumb of a crew member for deflection and rotation. Joystick  114  may also be deflected using a thumb of the user. As used herein, the term “joystick” specifically excludes devices designed to be grasped by a hand with a palm in contact with the device. 
     In some embodiments, different numbers of joysticks  114  in different location combinations are implemented. For example, some embodiments have two joysticks  114  and two dedicated return buttons  115  located in housing  108  with no remotely located joystick  114 . Some embodiments have two remotely located joysticks  114  with integrated or dedicated return buttons  115  and no joysticks  114  disposed within housing  108 . Some embodiments have two joysticks  114  with dedicated or integrated return buttons  115  disposed in housing  108  and two joysticks  114  with dedicated or integrated return buttons  115  remotely located. 
     Deflection sensor  208  is coupled with joystick  114  to detect a deflection input from a user of the joystick. For example, shaft  205  may pivot at a panel side of joystick  114  near housing  108  when a user applies forces within the plane of  FIG.  1    on rotatable components  200  and/or  202 . Deflection sensor  208  detects at least four separate directions of deflection. 
     Return button  115  is used to change the state of subpanel display  112  and label display  110  to the top-level state in response to receiving the return input while subpanel display  112  and label display  110  are in the subpanel control state. Where return button  115  is integrated with joystick  114 , return button may be actuated by pressing joystick  114  toward housing  108  along the longitudinal axis of joystick  114 . Where return button  115  is separate from joystick  114 , return button  115  and is disposed adjacent to joystick  114  for actuation by a thumb of the user gripping the joystick with fingertips. 
     Processor  116  or controller  116  is a hardware device that carries out instructions of a computer program to perform the functions of FGP  100 . Processor  116  is a specific purpose computer configured to execute the computer program to provide the functions described herein. Processor  116  includes one or more memory units that store electronic data and computer programs. For example, the memory units may be flash memory, spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM), magnetic memory, phase-change memory (PCM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or other suitable electronic storage media. In the example provided, the memory units store control logic with instructions that cooperate with instruction processing hardware to perform operations of the method described below. In some embodiments, the processor may include one or more central processing units (“CPUs”), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a microcontroller, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and/or other suitable device. Furthermore, processor  116  may utilize multiple hardware devices as is also appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     Processor  116  is configured to provide the functions associated with a flight guidance panel in addition to the specific features described below. In general, processor  116  coordinates inputs from joystick  114  and return button  115  to provide the functions of a flight guidance panel. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 - 7   , and with continued reference to  FIGS.  1 - 2   , an example of navigating states of FGP  100  and using joystick  114  is illustrated. The top-level state is illustrated in  FIG.  1    on subpanel display  112  and label display  110 . In response to deflection of joystick  114  downward from the state of  FIG.  1   , processor  116  transitions label display  110  and subpanel display  112  into state  300  illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     State  300  depicts the speed subpanel control state. The modes, functions, and flight goal values for the speed subpanel are now ready to be manipulated. In the example provided, autopilot speed control is currently engaged at 250 knots. 
     In response to a downward deflection of joystick  114 , processor  116  transitions FGP  100  from state  300  to state  400  illustrated in  FIG.  4   . In state  400 , label display  110  and subpanel display  112  are still in the speed subpanel control state, but processor  116  has disengaged autopilot speed control in response to the downward deflection of joystick  114 . Accordingly, the aircraft is under manual speed control. 
     In response to a rightward deflection of joystick  114 , processor  116  transitions FGP  100  from state  400  to state  500  illustrated in  FIG.  5   . In state  500 , label display  110  and subpanel display  112  are still in the speed subpanel control state. The rightward deflection changes the displayed speed units from knots to Mach. Accordingly, the speed value displayed in subpanel display  112  is now in units of Mach. 
     In response to an up and left deflection of joystick  114 , processor  116  transitions FGP  100  from state  500  to state  600  illustrated in  FIG.  6   . In state  600 , label display  110  and subpanel display  112  are still in the speed subpanel control state. In the example provided, a single deflection of joystick  114  registers both the upward and the leftward deflection. In some embodiments, individual precise deflections may be required. The upward deflection engages autopilot speed control and the leftward deflection changes the displayed speed units from Mach to knots. 
     In response to pressing in on joystick  114 , integrated return button  115  sends a signal to processor  116 . Processor  116  transitions FGP  100  from state  600  to state  700  illustrated in  FIG.  7   . State  700  is similar to the initial state illustrated in  FIG.  1   , where label display  110  and subpanel display  112  are in the top-level state. Accordingly, speed controls are not manipulated by deflections or rotations of joystick  114  unless the speed control subpanel is again entered by a leftward deflection from state  700 . Similarly, the vertical, altitude, and lateral control subpanels may now be entered by upward, rightwards, and downward deflections, respectively, of joystick  114 . 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.