The Application of Image Feature Extraction to Avionics

Based on Patent Research | US-2022380065-A1 (2024)

Federal aviation agencies face challenges when synthetic displays fail to match real sensor views. This misalignment reduces pilot situational awareness and risks operational safety during low visibility flights. Image feature extraction solves this by identifying unique landmarks like runway markings in both views. This process calculates the exact shift needed to align the images. Proper alignment ensures pilots see an accurate representation of the environment, improving flight safety and decision making across government aviation sectors.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW

AI Alignment Improves Manual Verification

Image feature extraction technology directly addresses alignment errors by identifying distinct visual landmarks in real time. The process begins when the system captures live sensor feeds and compares them to pre-existing synthetic terrain models. It isolates specific geometric patterns, such as taxiway intersections or unique lighting arrays, across both data sources. By finding these matching points, the software calculates the exact mathematical relationship between the two views. This ensures that the digital display shifts to match the actual horizon, providing pilots with a unified and reliable visual field.

Integrating this technology into flight decks automates the correction of visual discrepancies without manual pilot input. The system works seamlessly with existing avionics, using advanced algorithms to process high-resolution imagery from infrared sensors. Think of it like a digital stencil that perfectly overlays a map onto a landscape, ensuring every road and building sits exactly where it should. This capability enhances navigational accuracy and reduces the mental workload during complex approaches in stormy weather. Embracing these automated vision tools promises a safer and more resilient future for national aviation infrastructure.

HOW IT WORKS

Extracting Key Features from Sensors

Capturing Live Sensor Data

The system gathers high-resolution imagery from infrared sensors and retrieves pre-existing synthetic terrain models for comparison. This initial phase provides the necessary visual data to identify differences between the real-world environment and the digital cockpit display.

Identifying Key Visual Landmarks

Computer vision algorithms scan both data sources to isolate distinct geometric patterns like runway markings or taxiway intersections. These features act as unique anchors that help the software understand the physical layout of the landscape below.

Comparing Features Across Sources

The technology analyzes the extracted points to find exact matches between the live sensor feed and the synthetic model. By identifying these common landmarks, the system establishes a precise mathematical relationship between the two different perspectives.

Aligning the Digital Display

Using the calculated deviations, the software automatically shifts the digital overlay to match the actual horizon and physical landmarks. This results in a unified and accurate visual field that enhances pilot situational awareness during low-visibility flights.

Potential Benefits

Enhanced Flight Operational Safety

Image feature extraction ensures synthetic displays perfectly align with real-world sensors, preventing visual discrepancies during critical flight phases. This precise calibration minimizes navigational errors and protects pilots during low visibility operations.

Reduced Pilot Mental Workload

By automating the alignment of digital and physical landmarks, the system removes the need for manual visual corrections. This allows flight crews to focus on core decision making instead of reconciling conflicting display data.

Improved Navigational Precision

Advanced algorithms identify geometric patterns like runway markings to calculate exact positioning in real time. This capability provides a highly reliable visual field that enhances the accuracy of complex landing approaches in adverse weather.

Resilient National Aviation Infrastructure

Integrating automated vision tools creates a more robust technological foundation for federal aviation agencies. These systems ensure that synthetic vision remains a dependable asset, increasing the overall reliability of government aviation sectors.

Implementation

1 Configure Sensor Hardware. Install and calibrate high-resolution infrared sensors to capture live environmental data during flight operations.

2 Integrate Terrain Databases. Connect pre-existing synthetic terrain models to the processing unit for real-time comparison with live feeds.

3 Deploy Extraction Algorithms. Upload image feature extraction software to avionics systems to identify critical landmarks like runway markings.

4 Establish Mathematical Alignment. Configure the system to calculate spatial deviations and automatically synchronize the digital overlay with the horizon.

5 Validate Flight Deck. Conduct simulated and live test flights to ensure visual alignment accuracy and pilot situational awareness.

Source: Analysis based on Patent US-2022380065-A1 "Systems and methods for calibrating a synthetic image on an avionic display" (Filed: August 2024).