Aircraft Multi-Function Display Customization via Configuration Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft display systems lack the ability to customize inputs, outputs, and visual presentations without requiring new hardware or software certification, making it time- and cost-prohibitive for manufacturers and consumers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function display system that retains certified hardware and software, allowing customization through a static configuration file that dictates the output of sensor readings, enabling customization of display and data output without independent certification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new hardware or software is used to customize inputs, outputs and visual presentation, then customization capability is improved, but certification time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the display functionality into certified core software and non-certified configuration files. The configuration files are segmented as separate data structures that define custom inputs, outputs, and visual presentations without modifying the certified software code, allowing customization without recertification
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration files serve as an intermediary between the pilot's customization needs and the certified display system. These files act as a mediator that translates custom requirements into display parameters without requiring changes to the certified software, enabling adaptation while maintaining certification
2Adaptability or versatility
If new hardware or software is used to customize inputs, outputs and visual presentation, then customization capability is improved, but certification cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses configuration files that copy or replicate display parameters and settings rather than requiring new software development. These file-based configurations allow multiple custom displays to be created from templates or existing settings, reducing the need for expensive custom software development and certification
Solution Approach 2:
Customization is achieved by changing parameters within configuration files rather than modifying software code. The system allows pilots to adjust display parameters, input sources, and visual presentations through file-based parameter changes, avoiding the need for new software certification while maintaining full customization capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display system is made fully customizable, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system uses universal configuration files that can define multiple display types and functions within a single standardized format. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware and software platform to support various custom configurations without requiring separate systems for each display type, reducing overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function display system is configured to allow customization of inputs, outputs, and a display to an aircraft or other vehicle. The multi-function display provides custom outputs and a custom display by utilizing a configuration file, while maintaining the initial certification basis of the product hardware and software. The multi-function display is configured to receive a configuration file from a user via the communications element, wherein the configuration file includes information that defines the custom outputs; receive, during flight mode and from a sensor, a first parameter; access, during flight mode, the configuration file; perform, during flight mode, a data function on the first parameter; calculate, during flight mode, an output function based upon the data function and the configuration file; and provide, during flight mode, the output on the display or to another computing device.