Aircraft Model Manipulation for Cockpit Display Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cockpit display systems require multiple physical selector switches for switching between 'Arc' and 'Rose' modes of navigation display, which is cumbersome and not ergonomically optimal, and replacing them with virtual buttons adds unnecessary graphical tools.
Innovation Solution
A method where the aircraft model is directly manipulated on the screen to switch between 'Arc' and 'Rose' modes by moving it vertically, using a human-machine interface such as a cursor control device or touch-sensitive interface, with a path appearing to guide the user and automatic switching based on initial movement speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical selector switches are used to switch between Arc and Rose modes, then mode switching is reliable and clear, but the instrument panel becomes cluttered and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mode selection function from the physical instrument panel by removing the need for dedicated selector switches. Instead, the mode switching is achieved by manipulating the aircraft model symbol itself on the display screen, thereby eliminating the clutter of additional controls while maintaining clear and reliable mode switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft model symbol serves multiple functions: it represents the aircraft position on the navigation display and simultaneously acts as the control element for switching between Arc and Rose modes. By touching or dragging the model symbol, pilots can change the display mode, making the symbol a multi-functional element that reduces the need for separate controls.
2Device complexity
If virtual graphic buttons are used to replace physical switches, then instrument panel clutter is reduced, but unnecessary graphical tools are added to the display
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes unnecessary graphical control elements from the display by eliminating virtual buttons or menus for mode selection. The mode switching is achieved directly through interaction with the aircraft model symbol itself, which is already a necessary element on the display, thereby avoiding the addition of extraneous graphical tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft model symbol is transformed into a multi-functional element that serves both as positional information (showing aircraft location) and as the control interface for mode switching. This eliminates the need for separate virtual buttons, maintaining display clarity while providing intuitive control.
3Productivity
If abrupt mode switching is implemented, then response time is fast, but pilot ergonomics and situational awareness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic transition between Arc and Rose modes by allowing the aircraft model symbol to be dragged along a transition path. Instead of abrupt switching, the display can transition smoothly as the model moves, providing the pilot with visual feedback and control over the transition pace, thereby improving ergonomics while maintaining fast response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback during mode transition by displaying a transition path or animation that shows the changing display configuration in real-time. This feedback mechanism helps the pilot understand the transition process and maintain situational awareness, reducing the cognitive load associated with abrupt mode changes.
Data Source
AI summary
The general field of the invention is that of methods for displaying the geographical situation of an aircraft in flight on a visual display device. The geographical situation comprises a cartographic representation of the terrain flown over by the aircraft. Said geographical situation comprises two main display modes, known as “Arc” and “Rose”. The switch from the first mode to the second mode is made at least by means of a first step of selecting a model representing the position of the aircraft at the current time and arranged in the first mode and a second step of moving said model towards the position occupied in the second mode. The movement of the model causes the movement of the cartographic representation of the terrain being flown over, the steps of selection and movement being accomplished using a human-machine interface, which can be a graphic cursor control device or a touch-sensitive interface.