Method and apparatus for predictive altitude display

Abstract

Embodiments provide a method and apparatus for indicating aircraft height relative to an obstruction in a terrain awareness warning system. The method includes receiving data indicative of geographicfeatures of an obstruction, lateral distance of the geographic features from an aircraft, height and flight path of the aircraft, calculating a projected height of the aircraft at the location of theobstruction using the data, generating a result signal, and displaying a colored indication on a display screen based on the result signal. The apparatus includes inputs for signals from instruments measuring height, flight path, and location of an aircraft, as well as an input for an instrument providing information about geographic features of terrain surrounding the aircraft.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 239,319, filed October 10, 2000, and entitled "Terrain Sensing and Warning System (TAWS)," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety way to combine. technical field [0002] The present invention relates to avionics, and more particularly to altitude displays and terrain detection and warning systems. Background technique [0003] Traditional altitude displays used in Terrain Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS) on existing aircraft provide the pilot with a visual display of terrain that is above the aircraft and within a certain distance (typically 2000' below the aircraft) of the aircraft. terrain. [0004] Referring to Figure 1 of the prior art, the importance of conventional height displays is shown. In case 1, the aircraft 12 is flying along a directional course 16 at an altitude X. In case II, the aircraft 12' is flying at altitude X' along a directiona...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For example, if the aircraft is climbing, the above prior art altitude display may falsely report the presence of a red zone

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