Abstract: Methods and systems for linking input control signals, such as control signals used to control aspects of aircraft operation. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving first and second force signals corresponding to first and second forces applied to first and second controllers. The method can further include directing first and second position signals to the first and second controllers to move the first and second controllers to approximately the same positions. Each force signal is transmitted along a signal path, and the signal paths can be linked at a point where the signals on each path correspond to a quantity other that a position of a controller. The signal paths can be linked such that only one of the forces must exceed a threshold value for both controllers to be moved, and if one of the forces is outside a selected limit range, that force can be at least partially discounted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for linking input control signals, such as control signals used to control aspects of aircraft operation. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving first and second force signals corresponding to first and second forces applied to first and second controllers. The method can further include directing first and second position signals to the first and second controllers to move the first and second controllers to approximately the same positions. Each force signal is transmitted along a signal path, and the signal paths can be linked at a point where the signals on each path correspond to a quantity other that a position of a controller. The signal paths can be linked such that only one of the forces must exceed a threshold value for both controllers to be moved, and if one of the forces is outside a selected limit range, that force can be at least partially discounted.

Abstract: A system for backdriving the flight deck controllers of a fly-by-wire aircraft that is under autopilot control to provide a pilot with tactile and visual feedback of autopilot activity. The system, distributed between the aircraft primary flight computers and the autopilot flight computer, uses actuators mechanically coupled to each flight deck controller to position the flight deck controller to mimic manual operation of the flight control surfaces. Additionally, the system allows smooth disengagement of the autopilot and transfer of the aircraft to pilot control when the pilot takes control of any flight deck controller by moving it from a backdrive system-commanded position by a predetermined displacement for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A system for backdriving the flight deck controllers of a fly-by-wire aircraft that is under autopilot control to provide a pilot with tactile and visual feedback of autopilot activity. The system, distributed between the aircraft primary flight computers and the autopilot flight computer, uses actuators mechanically coupled to each flight deck controller to position the flight deck controller to mimic manual operation of the flight control surfaces. Additionally, the system allows smooth disengagement of the autopilot and transfer of the aircraft to pilot control when the pilot takes control of any flight deck controller by moving it from a backdrive system-commanded position by a predetermined displacement for a predetermined time.