# US 8,786,642 B2 · Digital hybrid cockpit control panel system with integrated panel modules and coordinated digital chromaticity control > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,786,642 B2 - Document ID: US8786642B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/125,826 - Filed: 2010-11-24 - Published: 2012-09-06 - Granted: 2014-07-22 - Earliest claimed: 2009-11-30 - Assignees: Eaton Corporation - Applicants: Jie Jay Chang; Vanacan Tatavoosian - Inventors: Jie Jay Chang; Vanacan Tatavoosian - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8786642B2 ## CPC - B60Q 3/18: for varying the light intensity - B60Q 3/16: Circuits; Control arrangements - B60K 35/10: Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor - B60K 2360/139: Clusters of instrument input devices - B60Q: ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL - B60K: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES ## Abstract The system includes a digital system architecture including digital chromaticity control. Such control may include color balance, luminance, and color compensation and/or harmonization of multiple integrated modules of display or illuminated panels. Embodiments include a system topology with an integrated modular design for multiple display or illuminated control panels, which can reduce the system weight, wiring complexity, and development expense. In embodiments, a digital chromaticity control includes in-module and cross-module control for balance and harmonization of multiple panels and modules, incorporating integrated digital signal processors and digital communications for internal and external networking. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A digital hybrid cockpit control panel system with coordinated digital chromaticity control, comprising: a system architecture including a plurality of integrated modular control panels, each integrated modular control panel including: a digital chromaticity controller configured to provide both in-module and cross-module chromaticity modulation and control; a printed circuit board including a digital processing function and digital communication; a panel front face plate; a digitally controlled power supply or power assembly. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes at least two different types of integrated modular control panels selected from the group consisting of IHDPM, IDPM, and IAPM panels. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board is an integrated board that includes analog/discrete signal interfacing, A/D, a digital signal processor or microprocessor, and a digital communication circuit. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the panel front face plate includes a light plate configured to illuminate a control panel for interfacing with a user or pilot. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein at least two integrated modular control panels are interconnected by an internal digital communication bus. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, including an external bus providing operational connection between the system and an external load group or computer system. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein at least one integrated modular control panel includes a logic drive unit. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes an integrated hybrid-digital panel module comprising a combination of digital and analog interfaced control panels. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes an integrated digital panel module that receives discrete or analog inputs from operating devices of the front panels. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The system of claim 9, wherein the system is configured to processes the discrete or analog inputs in an embedded digital signal processor circuit, and to provide control outputs via a digital serial communication bus. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The system of claim 10, wherein the system is configured to record or register the discrete or analog inputs. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes an integrated analog panel module comprising analog interfaces for inputs and outputs. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The system of claim 12, wherein the system is configured to receive a discrete or analog input from an operating device associated with one or more front panels, and to record or register the input in an embedded circuit, wherein the recorded or registered input is used for status monitoring or feedback. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the panel front face plate for two or more individual panel functions or panel portions within an individual integrated modular control panel are provided in a single integrated assembly. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the panel front face plate for two or more individual panel functions or panel portions within an individual integrated modular control panel are provided in a separated sections of the individual integrated modular control panel. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The system of claim 14, wherein the single integrated assembly includes an integrated light plate. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein a single mounting plate is configured to provide mechanical or mounting supports for the integrated modular control panel. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the digital chromaticity controller controls one or more of the integrated modular control panels for color balance, luminance, color compensation, and color harmonization. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, including a zonal or local dimming control sub-panel or sub-controller. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The system of claim 19, wherein the dimming control sub-panel or sub-controller is configured to permit setting and coordinating of dimming control for a plurality of control zones. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the digital chromaticity controller includes a color harmonization controller configured to provide color spectrum control. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The system of claim 21, wherein the digital chromaticity controller includes a digitally controlled power circuit; the digitally controlled power circuit configured to provide color spectrum injection and compensation. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the digital chromaticity controller includes a color spectrum distributor configured to assist with the spectrum and luminance modulation for a plurality of the integrated modular control panels. ### Claim 24 (depends on 23) The system of claim 23, wherein a panel front face plate includes a light plate, and the color spectrum distributor is embedded in the light plate. ### Claim 25 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to provide digital modulation by providing pulse-width modulation for controlling an average voltage applied to visible light sources. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) The system of claim 25, wherein digital luminance control or digital dimming control at a specific color is produced by maintaining the ratio of three visible light components constant and adjusting a modulation index synchronously. ### Claim 27 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein an external bidirectional digital communication bus is provided between the system and an aircraft load group or a system computer for control interfacing and status feedback at system level. ### Claim 28 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, including interconnecting nodes of an internal digital communication bus that form a ring or star configuration connecting integrated modular control panels.