System and method for displaying aircraft roll rate on vertical take-off and landing aircraft display

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for displaying a roll rate on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft display. Aircraft roll data is received from at least one geospatial sensor of the VTOL aircraft. A roll rate scale associated with a desired roll rate range of the VTOL aircraft is generated. An aircraft roll rate for the VTOL aircraft is determined based on the aircraft roll data. The VTOL aircraft display is generated for display on a display device, the VTOL aircraft display including the roll rate scale and a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate relative to the roll rate scale.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to aircraft operations, and more particularly to systems and methods for displaying aircraft roll rate on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft display. Background Art

[0002] Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft often utilize complex propulsion and control systems, increasing the importance of operating envelope awareness. The use of such complex systems can make the stability of VTOL aircraft more sensitive to the aircraft's roll rate than traditional aircraft. Therefore, aircraft roll rate awareness combined with roll angle awareness can be an important element of VTOL aircraft operation.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods for displaying an aircraft roll rate on a VTOL aircraft display. Summary of the invention

[0004] This Summary is provided to describe selected concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In various embodiments, a system for displaying a roll rate on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft display includes: at least one geospatial sensor of a VTOL aircraft; a display device; and a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one geospatial sensor and the display device. The controller is configured to: receive aircraft roll data from the at least one geospatial sensor; generate a roll rate scale associated with an expected roll rate range for the VTOL aircraft; determine an aircraft roll rate for the VTOL aircraft based on the aircraft roll data; and generate the VTOL aircraft display for display on the display device, the VTOL aircraft display including the roll rate scale and a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate relative to the roll rate scale.

[0006] In various embodiments, a method for displaying a roll rate on a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft display includes: receiving aircraft roll data from at least one geospatial sensor; generating a roll rate scale associated with an expected roll rate range for the VTOL aircraft; determining an aircraft roll rate for the VTOL aircraft based on the aircraft roll data; and generating the VTOL aircraft display for display on a display device, the VTOL aircraft display including the roll rate scale and a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate relative to the roll rate scale.

[0007] Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of a system and method for displaying roll rate on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft display will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing background. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram representation of a system configured to implement a system for displaying an aircraft roll rate on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft display according to at least one embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram representation of a VTOL aircraft including a VTOL roll rate display system according to at least one embodiment;

[0011] Figure 3 is a flow chart representation of a method of displaying an aircraft roll rate on a VTOL aircraft display according to at least one embodiment;

[0012] Figure 4 is an exemplary cockpit display including a graphical representation of an aircraft roll rate relative to a roll rate scale according to at least one embodiment; and

[0013] Figure 5 is an exemplary graphical representation of an aircraft roll rate relative to a roll rate scale when the aircraft roll rate is below a roll rate threshold according to at least one embodiment; and

[0014] Figure 6 is an exemplary graphical representation of an aircraft roll rate relative to a roll rate scale when the aircraft roll rate is greater than a roll rate threshold in accordance with at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following specific embodiments are merely exemplary in nature. As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "used as an example, instance or illustration". Therefore, any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be understood as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All embodiments described in the embodiments herein are exemplary embodiments provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention, without limiting the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. In addition, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the aforementioned technical field, background technology, summary of the invention or the following specific embodiments.

[0016] Figure 11 is a block diagram representation of a system 10 (referred to herein simply as "system" 10) configured to display an aircraft roll rate on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft display according to one embodiment, as illustrated in accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. System 10 may be utilized on a mobile platform 5, as described herein. In various embodiments, the mobile platform is a VTOL aircraft that carries or is equipped with system 10. Figure 1 As schematically depicted in FIG. 1 , system 10 includes the following components or subsystems, each of which may take the form of a single device or a plurality of interconnected devices: controller circuitry 12 operatively coupled to: at least one display device 14; a computer-readable storage medium or memory 16; an optional input interface 18; and proprietary data sources 20 including, for example, a flight management system (FMS) 21 and an array 22 of flight system status and geospatial sensors.

[0017] In various embodiments, the system 10 may be separate from or integrated within a flight management system (FMS) 21 and / or a flight control system (FCS). Figure 1 1 is schematically illustrated as a single unit, but the various elements and components of system 10 can be implemented in a distributed manner using any practical number of physically distinct and operationally interconnected hardware or equipment pieces. When system 10 is utilized as described herein, the various components of system 10 will generally be located on mobile platform 5.

[0018] The term "controller circuitry" (and its simplified form, "controller") broadly encompasses those components used to perform or otherwise support the processing functions of the system 10. Thus, the controller circuitry 12 may encompass or be associated with a programmable logic array, an application specific integrated circuit, or other similar firmware, as well as any number of individual processors, flight control computers, navigation equipment, computer readable memory (including or in addition to the memory 16), power supplies, storage devices, interface cards, and other standardized components. In various embodiments, the controller circuitry 12 embodies one or more processors that are operatively coupled to a data store having stored therein at least one firmware or software program (generally computer readable instructions embodying an algorithm) for performing the various processing tasks, calculations, and control / display functions described herein. During operation, the controller circuitry 12 may be programmed with and execute at least one firmware or software program (e.g., program 30) that embodies the algorithm described herein for displaying an aircraft roll rate on a VTOL aircraft display according to one embodiment on a mobile platform 5, where the mobile platform 5 is a VTOL aircraft, and accordingly performs the various processing steps, tasks, calculations, and control / display functions described herein.

[0019] In an embodiment, the controller circuit 12 can exchange data (including real-time wireless data) with one or more external sources 50 to support the operation of the system 10. In this case, the two-way wireless data exchange can occur through a communication network (such as a public or private network implemented according to the transmission control protocol / Internet protocol architecture or other conventional protocol standards). Encryption and two-way authentication techniques can be applied as appropriate to ensure data security.

[0020] The memory 16 is a data store that may encompass any number and type of storage media suitable for storing computer-readable code or instructions, such as the aforementioned software program 30, and other data that generally supports the operation of the system 10. The memory 16 may also store one or more threshold values ​​34 for use by the algorithms embodied in the software program 30. The one or more databases 28 are another form of storage media; they may be integrated with the memory 16 or separate therefrom.

[0021] In various embodiments, aircraft specific parameters and information for the aircraft may be stored in memory 16 or database 28 and referenced by program 30. Non-limiting examples of aircraft specific information include aircraft weight and dimensions, performance capabilities, configuration options, and the like.

[0022] The flight parameter sensors and geospatial sensors 22 supply various types of data or measurements during flight of the aircraft to the controller circuitry 12. In various embodiments, the geospatial sensors 22 supply one or more of (but not limited to) the following: inertial reference system measurements providing position, flight path angle (FPA) measurements, airspeed data, ground speed data (including ground speed direction), vertical velocity data, vertical acceleration data, elevation data, attitude data including pitch data and roll measurements, yaw data, heading information, sensed atmospheric condition data (including wind speed and direction data), flight path data, flight trajectory data, radar elevation data, and geometric elevation data.

[0023] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the display device 14 may include any number and type of image generating devices on which one or more avionics displays 32 may be generated. When the system 10 is used in a manned aircraft, the display device 14 may be attached to a static structure of the aircraft cockpit as, for example, a head-down display (HDD) or a head-up display (HUD) unit. In various embodiments, the display device 14 may take the form of a movable display device (e.g., a display device worn by the pilot) or a portable display device, such as an electronic flight bag (EFB), a laptop computer, or a tablet computer carried by the pilot into the aircraft cockpit.

[0024] At least one avionics display 32 is generated on the display device 14 during operation of the system 10; the term "avionics display" is synonymous with the terms "aircraft-related display" and "cockpit display" and encompasses displays generated in text, graphics, cartographic, and other formats. The system 10 may generate various types of lateral and vertical avionics displays 32 on which map views and symbology, text annunciations, and other graphics related to flight operations and plans are presented for viewing by the pilot. The display device 14 is configured to continuously present at least one lateral display showing the aircraft at its current position within the map data. The avionics displays 32 generated and controlled by the system 10 may include graphical user interface (GUI) objects and alphanumeric input displays of the type typically presented on the screens of multifunction control display units (MCDUs) and general control display units (CDUs). Specifically, embodiments of the avionics display 32 include one or more two-dimensional (2D) avionics displays, such as a horizontal (i.e., lateral) navigation display or a vertical navigation display (i.e., a vertical situation display (VSD)); and / or one or more three-dimensional (3D) avionics displays, such as a primary flight display (PFD) or a centrifugal 3D avionics display.

[0025] In various embodiments, the human-machine interface is implemented as an integration of a pilot input interface 18 and a display device 14. In various embodiments, the display device 14 is a touch screen display. In various embodiments, the human-machine interface also includes a separate pilot input interface 18 (such as a keyboard, a cursor control device, a voice input device, etc.), which is usually operatively coupled to the display device 14. Via various display and graphics system processes, the controller circuit 12 can command and control the touch screen display device 14 to generate a variety of graphical user interface (GUI) objects or elements (including, for example, buttons, sliders, etc.) described herein, which are used to prompt the user to interact with the human-machine interface to provide user input; and for the controller circuit 12 to activate the corresponding function and provide user feedback in response to the user input received at the GUI element.

[0026] In various embodiments, the system 10 may also include a dedicated communication circuit 24 that is configured to provide real-time two-way wired and / or wireless data exchange for the controller 12 to communicate with an external source 50 (including each of the following: traffic, air traffic control (ATC), satellite weather sources, ground stations, adjacent aircraft, etc.). In various embodiments, the communication circuit 24 may include a public or private network implemented according to the transmission control protocol / Internet protocol architecture and / or other conventional protocol standards. Encryption and two-way authentication techniques may be applied as appropriate to ensure data security. In some embodiments, the communication circuit 24 is integrated into the controller circuit 12, and in other embodiments, the communication circuit 24 is located outside the controller circuit 12.

[0027] In certain embodiments of system 10 , controller circuitry 12 and other components of system 10 may be integrated within or cooperate with any number and type of systems typically deployed on an aircraft, including, for example, FMS 21 .

[0028] The disclosed algorithm is embodied in a hardware program or a software program (eg, program 30 in controller circuit 12) and is configured to operate when the aircraft is in any phase of flight. The algorithm enables display of the aircraft roll rate on a VTOL aircraft display.

[0029] In various embodiments, the provided controller circuitry 12, and therefore the program 30 thereof, may incorporate programmed instructions for: receiving aircraft roll data from at least one geospatial sensor; generating a roll rate scale associated with an expected roll rate range for the VTOL; determining an aircraft roll rate for the VTOL aircraft based on the aircraft roll data and the aircraft body rotation data; and generating a display of the VTOL aircraft for display on a display device, the VTOL aircraft display including the roll rate scale and a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate relative to the roll rate scale.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 , shows a block diagram representation of a VTOL aircraft 200 including a VTOL roll rate display system 202 according to at least one embodiment. In various embodiments, the configuration of the VTOL aircraft 200 is similar to that of the reference Figure 1 200. In at least one embodiment, the VTOL aircraft 200 is an electric VTOL aircraft. In at least one embodiment, the VTOL aircraft 200 is a manned aircraft. In at least one embodiment, the VTOL aircraft 200 is an unmanned aircraft. The VTOL aircraft 200 includes at least one controller 204. The controller 204 includes at least one processor 206 and at least one memory 208. The memory 208 includes the VTOL roll rate display system 202. In various embodiments, the controller 204 may include additional components that facilitate the operation of the controller 204.

[0031] The controller 204 is configured to be communicatively coupled to the FCS 210, the display device 212, and one or more geospatial sensors 214. The FCS 210 is similar to Figure 1 The display device 212 is similar to the FCS described in Figure 1 The display device 14 in FIG. One or more geospatial sensors 214 are similar to Figure 1 Geospatial sensors in 22.

[0032] VTOL aircraft 200, controller 204, and / or VTOL roll rate display system 202 may include additional components that facilitate the operation of VTOL roll rate display system 202. The operation of VTOL roll rate display system 202 will be described below with reference to Figure 3 Let's describe it in further detail.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 , a flowchart representation of a method 300 for displaying an aircraft roll rate on a VTOL aircraft display according to at least one embodiment is shown. The method 300 will be described with reference to an exemplary implementation of the VTOL roll rate display system 202. It will be appreciated from the present disclosure that the order of operations within the method 300 is not limited to the order in which the operations are performed. Figure 3 The sequences illustrated are not intended to be performed in the order in which they are illustrated, but may be performed in one or more altered sequences when applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0034] At 302, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 receives aircraft roll rate data from the geospatial sensor 214. In at least one embodiment, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 receives the aircraft roll rate data and the aircraft body rotation data from the geospatial sensor 214. At 304, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 receives one or more control inputs from the geospatial sensor 214. Examples of control inputs include, but are not limited to, airspeed data, ground speed data, vertical speed data, vertical acceleration data, elevation data, pitch data, yaw data, heading data, atmospheric condition data, wind speed data, wind direction data, flight path data, radar elevation data, and geometric elevation data.

[0035] At 306, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 receives the operational status of each of the components of the FCS 210 of the VTOL aircraft 200. The operational status of the components of the FCS 210 indicates whether the component is operational or non-operational. For example, the components of the FCS 210 of the VTOL aircraft 200 include thrusters. If one of the thrusters fails, the operational status of the thruster is non-operational.

[0036] At 308, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates an expected roll rate range for the VTOL aircraft 200. The VTOL aircraft 200 may experience an aircraft roll rate in one of two directions. The expected roll rate range defines an expected range of roll rate values ​​between a maximum expected roll rate in one direction and a roll rate value of zero and between a maximum expected roll rate in another direction and a roll rate value of zero. As long as the roll rate of the VTOL aircraft 200 remains within the expected roll rate range, the VTOL aircraft 200 will not experience an aircraft roll angle that may potentially cause a flight safety issue. The expected roll rate range is periodically updated to reflect changing flight conditions. For example, the expected roll rate range may be updated every two to three seconds.

[0037] In various embodiments, the expected roll rate range is based on one or more control inputs received from the geospatial sensor 214. For example, wind speed and wind direction may affect the expected roll rate range. In various embodiments, the expected roll rate range is based on the operating state of the components of the FCS 210. For example, the non-operating state of the thrusters of the VTOL aircraft 200 may affect the expected roll rate range. In various embodiments, the expected roll rate range is based on one or more control inputs received from the geospatial sensor 214 and the operating state of the components of the FCS 210. In at least one embodiment, the expected roll rate range is based in part on a VTOL aircraft model of the VTOL aircraft 200. The VTOL aircraft model defines one or more of aircraft weight, aerodynamic shape, and propulsion components. At 310, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a roll rate scale reflecting the expected roll rate range.

[0038] At 312, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a roll rate threshold. The roll rate threshold has a value that falls within the expected roll rate range. When the VTOL aircraft 200 has an aircraft roll rate below the roll rate threshold, the VTOL aircraft 200 is operating within a flight safety margin, and the VTOL aircraft 200 will not experience an aircraft roll angle that could potentially cause a flight safety issue. When the VTOL aircraft 200 has an aircraft roll rate above the roll rate threshold, the aircraft roll rate approaches a maximum expected roll rate value among the maximum expected roll rate values ​​of the expected roll rate range. If the aircraft roll rate continues to increase, the VTOL aircraft 200 may reach an undesirable roll angle that could potentially cause a flight safety issue.

[0039] In various embodiments, the roll rate threshold is based on one or more control inputs received from geospatial sensors 214. In various embodiments, the roll rate threshold is based on an operating state of a component of FCS 210. In various embodiments, the roll rate threshold is based on one or more control inputs received from geospatial sensors 214 and an operating state of a component of FCS 210. In at least one embodiment, the roll rate threshold is based in part on a VTOL aircraft model.

[0040] At 314, VTOL roll rate display system 202 determines an aircraft roll rate of VTOL aircraft 200 based on the aircraft roll rate data received from geospatial sensor 214. In at least one embodiment, VTOL roll rate display system 202 determines an aircraft roll rate of VTOL aircraft 200 based on the aircraft roll rate data and the aircraft body rotation data received from geospatial sensor 214. At 316, VTOL roll rate display system 202 determines an aircraft roll angle of VTOL aircraft 200 based on the aircraft roll rate data received from geospatial sensor 214.

[0041] At 318, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a VTOL aircraft display for display on the display device 212, the VTOL aircraft display including a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate relative to a roll rate scale defining a desired roll rate range and a graphical representation of the aircraft roll angle in an aircraft roll angle indicator. In various embodiments, the VTOL aircraft display is a primary flight display (PFD).

[0042] The graphical representation of the roll rate scale reflects the expected roll rate range for VTOL aircraft 200. VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate overlaying the roll rate scale with the value of the aircraft roll rate on the roll rate scale.

[0043] In various embodiments, the graphical representation of the roll rate scale reflects a desired roll rate range based on one or more control inputs received from geospatial sensors 214. In various embodiments, the graphical representation of the roll rate scale reflects a desired roll rate range based on an operating state of components of FCS 210. In various embodiments, the graphical representation of the roll rate scale reflects a desired roll rate range based on one or more control inputs received from geospatial sensors 214 and an operating state of components of FCS 210. In at least one embodiment, the graphical representation of the roll rate scale reflects a desired roll rate range based in part on a VTOL aircraft model.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a graphical representation of the roll rate scale as a horizontal roll rate scale. VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate as a donut-shaped symbol overlaying the horizontal roll rate scale with the value of the aircraft roll rate on the horizontal roll rate scale. Although the graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate has been described as a donut-shaped symbol, in alternative embodiments, the aircraft roll rate may be graphically represented using a symbol having a different shape.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a graphical representation of the roll rate scale as a horizontal roll rate scale bar. VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate as a donut-shaped symbol overlaying the horizontal roll rate scale bar with the value of the aircraft roll rate on the horizontal roll rate scale bar. Although the graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate has been described as a donut-shaped symbol, in alternative embodiments, the aircraft roll rate may be graphically represented using a symbol having a different shape.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates the width of the horizontal roll rate scale bar to reflect the expected roll rate range. For example, when the first expected roll rate range is less than the second expected roll rate range, the width of the horizontal roll rate scale bar for the first expected roll rate range may be less than the width of the horizontal roll rate scale bar for the second expected roll rate range. For example, when the VTOL aircraft 200 is traveling at a lower speed, the width of the horizontal roll rate scale bar is narrower, thereby reflecting a smaller expected roll rate range than when the VTOL aircraft 200 is traveling at a higher speed. At a higher speed, the VTOL aircraft 200 has a greater momentum in the direction of flight than when the VTOL aircraft 200 is traveling at a lower speed and has a larger expected roll rate range than when the VTOL aircraft 200 is traveling at a lower speed.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the roll rate display symbol may conform the roll rate scale to the current roll angle scale, wherein the aircraft roll rate and the desired roll rate symbol move along a roll angle arc.

[0048] In various embodiments, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a VTOL aircraft display that includes a numerical value associated with an expected roll rate range. In various embodiments, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a VTOL aircraft display that includes a numerical value associated with an aircraft roll rate. In at least one embodiment, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a VTOL aircraft display that includes a numerical value associated with an expected roll rate range and a numerical value associated with an aircraft roll rate.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a graphical representation of a roll rate scale that includes a roll rate indicia indicating a zero roll rate on the roll rate scale. In at least one embodiment, the roll rate indicia indicating a zero roll rate is represented as a triangular symbol overlaying a horizontal roll rate scale bar. Although the graphical representation of the roll rate indicia has been described as a triangular symbol, in alternative embodiments, the roll rate indicia may be graphically represented using symbols having different shapes.

[0050] In situations where the expected roll rate range is non-operational based on the operational state of one or more components of FCS 210, the roll rate scale may be asymmetric about a roll rate mark indicating a zero roll rate. For example, a thruster failure may affect the expected roll rate range of VTOL aircraft 200 in one direction differently than the expected roll rate range in the opposite direction. The graphical representation of the side of the roll rate scale bar associated with the expected roll rate range that is more affected by the thruster failure will have a shorter width (reflecting a smaller expected roll rate range) than the side of the roll rate scale bar associated with the expected roll rate range that is less affected by the thruster failure (reflecting a larger expected roll rate range).

[0051] In various embodiments, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a VTOL aircraft display to graphically depict the aircraft roll rate using a first format when the aircraft roll rate is below a roll rate threshold, and to graphically depict the aircraft roll rate using a second format when the aircraft roll rate is above the roll rate threshold. In at least one embodiment, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a VTOL aircraft display to graphically depict the aircraft roll rate using a first color when the aircraft roll rate is below the roll rate threshold, and to graphically depict the aircraft roll rate using a second color when the aircraft roll rate is above the roll rate threshold. For example, the first color used may be green and the second color used may be red. In at least one embodiment, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a VTOL aircraft display to graphically depict the aircraft roll rate using a first shape when the aircraft roll rate is below the roll rate threshold, and to graphically depict the aircraft roll rate using a second shape when the aircraft roll rate is above the roll rate threshold. Using a different format to depict aircraft roll rate when the aircraft roll rate is above a roll rate threshold than when the aircraft roll rate is below the roll rate threshold may increase situational awareness.

[0052] In various embodiments, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a VTOL aircraft display to graphically depict a roll rate scale using a first format when the aircraft roll rate is below a roll rate threshold and to graphically depict the roll rate scale using a second format when the aircraft roll rate is above the roll rate threshold.

[0053] In various embodiments, when the aircraft roll rate of the VTOL aircraft 200 is less than the roll rate threshold, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates the VTOL aircraft display to depict graphical representations of two ends of the roll rate scale using a first format. When the aircraft roll rate of the VTOL aircraft 200 is greater than the roll rate threshold, the aircraft roll rate approaches a maximum desired roll rate within the desired roll rate range. In at least one embodiment, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates the VTOL aircraft display to depict graphical representations of the end of the roll rate scale that the aircraft roll rate is approaching and associated with the maximum desired roll rate using a second format.

[0054] For example, a first color may be used to graphically depict the ends of the roll rate scale when the aircraft roll rate is below a roll rate threshold, and a second color may be used to graphically depict the ends of the roll rate scale that the aircraft roll rate is approaching when the aircraft roll rate is above the roll rate threshold. The first color that may be used to graphically depict the ends of the roll rate scale when the aircraft roll rate is below the roll rate threshold may be white. The second color that may be used to graphically depict the ends of the roll rate scale that the aircraft roll rate is approaching when the aircraft roll rate is above the roll rate threshold may be red. For example, a non-bold format may be used to graphically depict the ends of the roll rate scale when the aircraft roll rate is below the roll rate threshold, and a bold format may be used to graphically depict the ends of the roll rate scale that the aircraft roll rate is approaching when the aircraft roll rate is above the roll rate threshold.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, when the aircraft roll rate is greater than the roll rate threshold, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates one or more of a visual alert, a tactile alert, and an audio alert at the VTOL aircraft 200 that alerts the pilot that the aircraft roll rate is approaching a maximum expected roll rate of the expected roll rate range.

[0056] In various embodiments, the VTOL roll rate display system 202 generates a VTOL aircraft display that includes a graphical representation of the aircraft roll angle in an aircraft roll angle indicator. The graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate relative to the roll rate scale is juxtaposed with the graphical representation of the aircraft roll angle in the aircraft roll angle indicator in the VTOL aircraft display.

[0057] refer to Figure 4 , an exemplary VTOL aircraft display 400 including a graphical representation of an aircraft roll rate 402 relative to a roll rate scale 404 is shown according to at least one embodiment. The VTOL aircraft display 400 is a primary flight display (PFD). The roll rate scale 404 is a graphical representation of a desired roll rate range. The roll rate scale 404 is graphically represented as a horizontal roll rate scale bar. The aircraft roll rate 402 is graphically depicted as a donut symbol overlaying the roll rate scale 404 with the value of the aircraft roll rate. The graphical representation of the roll rate scale 404 includes a roll rate marker 406 indicating a zero roll rate on the roll rate scale 404. The roll rate marker 406 is graphically represented as a triangle overlaying the roll rate scale 404. The graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate 402 relative to the roll rate scale 404 is juxtaposed with a graphical representation of the aircraft roll angle in an aircraft roll angle indicator 408.

[0058] refer to Figure 5 , shows an exemplary graphical representation of an aircraft roll rate 500 relative to a roll rate scale 502 when the aircraft roll rate 500 is below a roll rate threshold, according to at least one embodiment. When the aircraft roll rate 500 is below the roll rate threshold, the VTOL aircraft 200 is operating within a safety margin of a desired roll rate range.

[0059] Roll rate scale 502 is a graphical representation of a desired roll rate range. Roll rate scale 502 is graphically represented as a horizontal roll rate scale bar. Aircraft roll rate 500 is graphically depicted as a donut symbol overlaying roll rate scale 502 with the value of the aircraft roll rate. Since aircraft roll rate 500 is below the roll rate threshold, aircraft roll rate 500 is graphically depicted in a non-bold format. The graphical representation of roll rate scale 502 includes roll rate marker 504 indicating a zero roll rate on roll rate scale 502. Roll rate marker 504 is graphically represented as a triangle overlaying roll rate scale 502.

[0060] The graphical representation of roll rate scale 502 has a first end 506 and a second end 508. Each end 506, 508 of roll rate scale 502 graphically represents a maximum desired roll rate of a desired roll rate range. Since aircraft roll rate 500 is below a roll rate threshold, both ends 506, 508 of roll rate scale 502 are graphically depicted in a non-bold format. The graphical representation of aircraft roll rate 500 relative to roll rate scale 502 is juxtaposed with a graphical representation of aircraft roll angle in aircraft roll angle indicator 510.

[0061] refer to Figure 6 , shows an exemplary graphical representation of an aircraft roll rate 600 relative to a roll rate scale 602 when the aircraft roll rate 600 is greater than a roll rate threshold, according to at least one embodiment. When the aircraft roll rate 600 is above the roll rate threshold, the roll rate of the VTOL aircraft 200 is close to a maximum desired roll rate of the desired roll rate range.

[0062] Roll rate scale 602 is a graphical representation of the desired roll rate range. Roll rate scale 602 is graphically represented as a horizontal roll rate scale bar. Aircraft roll rate 600 is graphically depicted as a donut-shaped symbol overlaying roll rate scale 602 with the value of the aircraft roll rate. Because aircraft roll rate 600 is above the roll rate threshold, aircraft roll rate 600 is graphically depicted in a bold format. The bold graphical representation of aircraft roll rate 600 alerts the pilot that aircraft roll rate 600 is approaching the maximum desired roll rate of the desired roll rate range.

[0063] The graphical representation of roll rate scale 602 includes roll rate marker 604 indicating a zero roll rate on roll rate scale 602. Roll rate marker 604 is graphically represented as a triangle overlaying roll rate scale 602.

[0064] The graphical representation of roll rate scale 602 has a first end 606 and a second end 608. Each end 606, 608 of roll rate scale 602 graphically represents a maximum expected roll rate of an expected roll rate range. Since aircraft roll rate 600 is above the roll rate threshold, aircraft roll rate 600 is approaching the maximum expected roll rate of the expected roll rate range. Second end 608 of roll rate scale 602 represents the maximum expected roll rate that aircraft roll rate 600 of the expected roll rate range is approaching. Second end 608 or roll rate scale is graphically depicted in bold format, indicating that aircraft roll rate 600 is approaching the maximum expected roll rate represented by second end 608 of roll rate scale 602. First end 606 of roll rate scale 602 is graphically depicted in non-bold format. The bolded graphical representation of second end 608 of roll rate scale 602 alerts the pilot that aircraft roll rate 600 is approaching a maximum desired roll rate represented by second end 608 of the desired roll rate range.

[0065] A graphical representation of aircraft roll rate 600 relative to roll rate scale 602 is juxtaposed with a graphical representation of aircraft roll angle in aircraft roll angle indicator 610 .

[0066] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software or a combination of the two. Some embodiments and specific implementations are described above according to functions and / or logic block components (or modules) and various processing steps. However, it should be understood that such block components (or modules) can be implemented by any number of hardware, software and / or firmware components configured to perform a specified function. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits and steps have been described above in general according to their functions. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. The technician can implement the described functions in different ways for each specific application, but such specific implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing deviations from the scope of the present invention. For example, the embodiments of the system or components can use various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which can perform multiple functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are only exemplary specific implementations.

[0067] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of the above items designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0068] The steps of the methods and algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be directly embodied in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The software module may reside in a RAM memory, a flash memory, a ROM memory, an EPROM memory, an EEPROM memory, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.

[0069] Skills and techniques may be described herein according to functions and / or logic block components and reference to symbolic representations of operations, processing tasks and functions that may be performed by various computing components or devices. Such operations, tasks and functions are sometimes referred to as computer-implemented, computerized, software-implemented or computer-implemented. In practice, one or more processor devices may perform the described operations, tasks and functions by manipulating electrical signals representing data bits at memory locations in a system memory and other processing signals. The memory location for holding data bits is a physical location having specific electrical properties, magnetic properties, optical properties or organic properties corresponding to the data bits. It should be understood that the various block components shown in the figure may be implemented by any number of hardware, software and / or firmware components configured to perform a specified function. For example, the implementation scheme of a system or component may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which may perform a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.

[0070] When implemented in software or firmware, the various elements of the system described herein are basically code segments or instructions that perform various tasks. A program or code segment may be stored in a processor-readable medium, or transmitted through a transmission medium or communication path by a computer data signal contained in a carrier. "Computer-readable medium", "processor-readable medium" or "machine-readable medium" may include any medium that can store or transmit information. Examples of processor-readable media include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROMs, flash memory, erasable ROMs (EROMs), floppy disks, CD-ROMs, optical disks, hard disks, optical fiber media, radio frequency (RF) links, etc. Computer data signals may include any signal that can be propagated on a transmission medium such as an electronic network channel, optical fiber, air, electromagnetic path or RF link. Code segments may be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets, LANs, etc.

[0071] Some of the functional units described in this specification have been referred to as "modules" in order to more specifically emphasize their specific implementation independence. For example, the functions referred to as modules herein may be implemented in whole or in part as hardware circuits, which include custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, finished semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors or other separate components. Modules may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, etc. Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. The identification module of the executable code may, for example, include one or more physical or logical modules of computer instructions, which may, for example, be organized as objects, processes or functions. However, the executable files of the identified modules do not need to be physically located together, but may include different instructions stored at different locations, which include modules and implement the purpose of the modules when they are logically connected together. In fact, the module of the executable code may be a single instruction or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, between different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, the operating data can be embodied in any suitable form and can be organized in any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations, including on different storage devices and may exist, at least in part, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.

[0072] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc. may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Unless explicitly defined by the claims language, numerical ordinals such as "first", "second", "third", etc. only represent different individuals in a plurality, and do not imply any order or sequence. Unless explicitly defined by the claims language, the sequence of texts in any claim does not imply that processing steps must be performed in a temporal or logical order according to such sequence. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, processing steps may be interchanged in any order, as long as such interchange does not contradict the claims language and is not logically absurd.

[0073] In addition, depending on the context, words such as "connected" or "coupled to" used when describing the relationship between different elements do not imply that a direct physical connection must be made between these elements. For example, two elements may be connected to each other physically, electronically, logically or in any other way through one or more additional elements.

[0074] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the aforementioned specific embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that an exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or construction of the present invention in any way. On the contrary, the aforementioned specific embodiments will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims, various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A system for displaying a roll rate on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft display, the system comprising: at least one geospatial sensor of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft; Display devices; and a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one geospatial sensor and the display device, the controller configured to: receiving aircraft roll data from the at least one geospatial sensor; generating a roll rate scale associated with a desired roll rate range for the VTOL aircraft; determining an aircraft roll rate of the VTOL aircraft based on the aircraft roll data; and The VTOL aircraft display is generated for display on the display device, the VTOL aircraft display including the roll rate scale and a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate relative to the roll rate scale.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: determining an aircraft roll angle of the VTOL aircraft based on the aircraft roll data received from the at least one geospatial sensor; and The VTOL aircraft display is generated for display on the display device, the VTOL aircraft display including a graphical representation of the aircraft roll angle in an aircraft roll angle indicator.

3. The system according to claim 1, further wherein the controller is configured to: receiving at least one control input from the at least one geospatial sensor; and The desired roll rate range is generated based on the at least one control input.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one control input comprises at least one of: airspeed data, groundspeed data, vertical speed data, vertical acceleration data, elevation data, pitch data, yaw data, heading data, atmospheric condition data, wind speed data, wind direction data, flight path data, radar elevation data, and geometric elevation data.

5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A flight control system (FCS) for the VTOL aircraft, and wherein the controller is configured to: receiving an operational status of a component of the FCS; and The desired roll rate range is generated based on the operating conditions of the components of the FCS.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: generating the graphical representation of the roll rate scale as a horizontal roll rate scale; and The graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate is overlaid on the graphical representation of the horizontal roll rate scale.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: generating the graphical representation of the roll rate scale as a horizontal roll rate scale bar; and The graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate as a donut-shaped circle is overlaid on the graphical representation of the horizontal roll rate scale bar. 8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to generate the VTOL aircraft display including a numerical value associated with at least one of the desired roll rate range and the aircraft roll rate.

9. A method for displaying a roll rate on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft display, the method comprising: receiving aircraft roll data from at least one geospatial sensor of the VTOL aircraft; generating a roll rate scale associated with a desired roll rate range for the VTOL aircraft; determining an aircraft roll rate of the VTOL aircraft based on the aircraft roll data; as well as The VTOL aircraft display is generated for display on a display device, the VTOL aircraft display including the roll rate scale and a graphical representation of the aircraft roll rate relative to the roll rate scale.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: determining an aircraft roll angle of the VTOL aircraft based on the aircraft roll data received from the at least one geospatial sensor; as well as The VTOL aircraft display is generated for display on the display device, the VTOL aircraft display including a graphical representation of the aircraft roll angle in an aircraft roll angle indicator.

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