Aeronautical Map Obstacle Display Grouping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for displaying aeronautical maps struggle to maintain readability when numerous obstacles are present, leading to superimposed symbols and loss of information, particularly at medium/low altitudes, where the number of obstacles varies significantly by geographical zone.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing the display of aeronautical maps that determines whether to display obstacles as separate symbols or grouped symbols based on distance thresholds relative to the display scale, ensuring that obstacles are not superimposed and providing clear representation of multiple obstacles as a single group symbol, along with the highest altitude for safety information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual obstacle symbols are displayed separately, then each obstacle is clearly identified, but symbols become superimposed and unreadable when obstacles are close together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple individual obstacle symbols into a single grouped symbol when obstacles are located close to each other. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining obstacle identification accuracy through the group symbol while preventing symbol superposition that would reduce display readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic symbol display by adjusting the representation mode (individual vs. grouped) based on the spatial relationship between obstacles. The system dynamically determines whether to display separate symbols or merged symbols according to distance criteria, thereby optimizing both identification accuracy and display readability for different geographical zones.
2Measurement precision
If display scale is increased to show more detail, then individual obstacles can be distinguished, but the coverage area decreases and more symbols may overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the display area into zones based on obstacle density and spatial distribution. In areas with high obstacle density, the system segments the display into grouped symbols, while in areas with lower density, individual symbols are displayed. This allows detailed obstacle identification where needed while maintaining broader map coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different symbol display strategies to different geographical zones based on their specific characteristics. High-density zones receive grouped symbol treatment to prevent overlap, while low-density zones receive individual symbol treatment for detailed identification, thereby optimizing both detail visibility and coverage area across the entire map.
3Loss of information
If grouped symbols are used for close obstacles, then symbol superposition is prevented, but individual obstacle identification is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple individual obstacle symbols into a single grouped symbol when obstacles are located close to each other. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining obstacle identification accuracy through the group symbol while preventing symbol superposition that would reduce display readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating a simplified representative symbol that copies the essential information of multiple obstacles in a condensed form. The group symbol serves as a copy that preserves the presence and general characteristics of multiple obstacles while occupying less display space, thereby maintaining readability without complete loss of individual identification.
Data Source
AI summary
This method of managing the display of an aeronautical map from cartographical data is implemented by an electronic management device and comprises the following steps:acquiring a display scale of the map;determining a set of symbol(s) representative of obstacle(s) to be displayed, the obstacle(s) being included in the cartographical data, where:if the distance between two obstacles is greater than a visible distance threshold that depends on the display scale, two separate symbols are determined for these obstacles, each being representative of a respective obstacle, andif the distance between two obstacles is less than or equal to the visible distance threshold, a symbol representative of a grouping of obstacles is determined for these obstacles.