Embedded Motion Cueing System for Flight Simulator

Project Title

Embedded Motion Cueing System for Flight Simulator

Project Area of Specialization Augmented and Virtual RealityProject Summary

We are developing a Embedded Motion Cueing System for Flight Simulator that will be much more efficient simulator with realtime sensation of the Virtual reality. The use of flight simulators has become widely accepted in both civil aviation and military training. Simulators allow the practice of specific levels of training as well as potentially life-threatening maneuvers in the comfort of a training center. Therefore, the aviation industry has led the world in the use of simulation technology to improve training and safety.

Such accurate simulators can save a considerable portion of those operational costs. At the same, such simulators, being on ground, minimize the risk of air-borne accidents during test flights.

Project Objectives

The proposed project has following objectives:

1. Development of motion cueing algorithm including wash-out filter.
2. Implementation of motion cueing algorithm inside an FPGA hardware.
3. Integration of embedded motion controller with flight simulator software
4. Development of scaled-down stewart platform.

Project Implementation Method

The proposed project will follow a systems engieering approach by breaking down the entire project into systems, subsystems and minor-subsystems. An overview of implementation strategy is given below:
 

1. Development of motion cueing algorithm using wash-out filter in simulation.
2. Development of simulated stewart-platfrom (solid-works) 
3. Testing algorithm in simulated plat-form.
4. Implementation of algorithm in FPGA and development of test becnh using simulated plarform.
5. development of actual stewart-platform
6. Final integration and testing

Benefits of the Project

With the fuel, maintenance, insurance and flight instructor fees, costs start to add up when you fly an actual airplane. Using a flight simulator, on the other hand, cuts out these overhead costs, easing some of the financial pressure of learning to fly.
Simulators give you the chance to learn and experiment with aircraft controls and flight methods from the safety of the ground. Without worrying about making a detrimental mistake, you’ll feel much more comfortable learning the flying tasks at hand. Even veteran pilots who are progressing on to more advanced certifications can benefit from using flight simulators, practicing emergency procedures or experiencing unique flying circumstances before they happen in the air.
In simulated flight, if something goes wrong – a botched maneuver, miscommunication with air traffic control (ATC) or wrong coordinate input, for example – you can simply reset the route and start over without any ill consequences. With the ability to quickly repeat these procedures, you build up the necessary knowledge and muscle memory that makes you totally prepared when you hop in the cockpit. 

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The final deliverable shall consist of a scaled-down motion platform (stewart-platform) with an embedded motion controller and flight simulator software. Technical details are as follows:
 

1. An embedded motion controller running a motion cueing algorithm based on wash-out filter. This algorithm will be implemnted on FPGA for deterministic control. The controller will compute servo commands based on inverse kinematics.
2. A stewart-platfrom (hexapod) with servo actuators controlled via motion controller. 
3. A flight simulator running on a PC and connected to the motion controller. This will feed 6-degree of motion (translational and rotational) to the controller.

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry TransportationOther IndustriesCore Technology RoboticsOther Technologies Augmented & Virtual RealitySustainable Development Goals Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	79800
Embedded Processing Board	Equipment	1	63000	63000
Actuators	Equipment	6	300	1800
Platform Structure	Equipment	1	5000	5000
Misc (cables, discrete components)	Miscellaneous	1	5000	5000
Overhead	Miscellaneous	1	5000	5000