Visual Landing Based on the Human Depth Perception in Limited Visibility and Failure of Avionic Systems

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel visual landing system applicable to the accurate landing of commercial aircraft utilizing human depth perception algorithms, named a 3D Model Landing System (3DMLS). The 3DMLS uses a simulation environment for visual landing in the failure of navigation aids/avionics, adverse weather conditions, and limited visibility. To simulate the approach path and surrounding area, the 3DMLS implements both the inertial measurement unit (IMU) and the digital elevation model (DEM). While the aircraft is in the instrument landing system (ILS) range, the 3DMLS simulates more details of the environment in addition to implementing the DOF depth perception algorithm to provide a clear visual landing path. This path is displayed on a multifunction display in the cockpit for pilots. As the pilot’s eye concentrates mostly on the runway location and touch-down point, “the runway” becomes the center of focus in the environment simulation. To display and evaluate the performance of the 3DMLS and depth perception, a landing auto test is also designed and implemented to guide the aircraft along the runway. The flight path is derived simultaneously by comparison of the current aircraft and the runway position. The Unity and MATLAB software are adopted to model the 3DMLS. The accuracy and the quality of the simulated environment in terms of resolution, the field of view, frame per second, and latency are confirmed based on FSTD’s visual requirements. Finally, the saliency map toolbox shows that the depth of field (DOF) implementation increases the pilot’s concentration resulting in safe landing guidance.