Aircraft Navigational Map Graphics Layer Deconfliction for Procedure Review
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft pilots face challenges in reviewing and briefing procedures due to limited display space in the cockpit, where electronic displays are cluttered with overlapping graphics layers, making it difficult to present all procedure information clearly and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for deconflicting and decluttering overlapping graphics layers by analyzing attributes of objects in different layers, modifying the presentation of objects in the upper layer based on matching attributes in the lower layer to reduce redundancy and highlight potential conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple graphics layers are displayed concurrently on the electronic display, then all procedure information is available to the pilot, but the display becomes cluttered and difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple graphics layers that can be independently controlled. The system segments the procedure information into distinct layers (e.g., approach procedure layer, flight plan layer, terrain layer) allowing selective visibility and independent manipulation of each layer's content and attributes.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphics layers are made dynamic through automatic adjustment of transparency and visibility based on aircraft state and pilot interaction. The system dynamically modifies layer properties such as transparency levels and object visibility without requiring manual pilot intervention to switch between different display modes.
2Ease of operation
If the pilot reviews procedure information on paper charts, then the information is clear and easy to read, but the pilot is distracted from other visual tasks and must manually locate procedure information
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the procedure chart display with the navigational map display into a single integrated electronic display. The approach procedure graphics layer is overlaid on the navigational map, allowing the pilot to review procedure information without switching between separate paper charts and electronic displays, thereby maintaining situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an electronic copy of the paper procedure chart and renders it as a graphics layer on the navigational map display. This electronic replica maintains the clarity and readability of the original paper chart while eliminating the need for physical paper charts and manual location of procedure information.
3Area of stationary object
If the electronic display area is increased to show all procedure information, then more information is visible, but the number of instruments and interfaces in the cockpit must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vertical layering dimension to organize multiple graphics layers. Instead of expanding the horizontal display area to show all information simultaneously, the system stacks procedure information, flight plan, terrain, and other data in separate transparent layers that can be independently controlled, effectively using the depth dimension to manage information density.
Data Source
AI summary
Aircraft systems and methods are provided for presenting multiple different graphics layers on a navigational map. One method involves analyzing an upper layer of the different graphics layers to identify a region of interest overlapping at least a portion of a lower layer of the different graphics layers, analyzing the portion of the lower layer to identify one or more objects depicted in the lower layer, mapping a first object of the one or more objects depicted in the lower layer to a second object in the upper layer, and modifying presentation of the second object in the upper layer when a first set of one or more attributes associated with the first object in the lower layer match a second set of one or more attributes associated with the second object in the upper layer.