Image data combining systems and methods of multiple vision systems

Abstract

Present novel and non-trivial systems and methods for combining image data received from two or more vision systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an image generator receives navigation data representative of at least one surface of interest (e.g., runway of intended landing) and aircraft position, retrieves navigation reference data representative of surface information, creates zone data representative of a lighting awareness zone for each surface of interest, receives first image data from a first source and second image data from a second source, identifies third image data from the first image data and the zone data, generates fourth image data from the second and third image data, and provides the fourth image data to a display system, thereby increasing situational awareness by enhancing the pilot's ability to detect or recognize the runway environment.