Aircraft Setpoint Display Using Graphical Wheels and Heading Rose
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft automatic pilot interfaces are prone to errors due to the lack of clear graphical representation of setpoints, leading to potential serious consequences, as pilots may inadvertently set incorrect altitude or heading setpoints without clear visualization of the aircraft's current state and intended maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A graphical display device on a touchscreen interface showing setpoints as graduated wheels and circular representations for speed, heading, and altitude, with precise and coarse indications, along with push-buttons and a numerical keypad, allowing intuitive control and visualization of the aircraft's intended trajectory and time to reach setpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If numerical values are displayed for setpoints, then the interface is simple and easy to operate, but the pilot cannot clearly visualize the aircraft's current state and intended maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms one-dimensional numerical setpoint values into two-dimensional graphical representations. The heading setpoint is displayed as a directional indicator on a heading rose, altitude as vertical position on a vertical scale, and speed as radial distance from the aircraft symbol. This dimensional transformation allows pilots to simultaneously perceive multiple parameters and their interrelationships, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and information visualization.
2Loss of information
If graphical representations are used to show setpoints, then the visualization of aircraft state and intended maneuvers is clear, but the interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal graphical framework where a single aircraft symbol serves multiple functions: it represents the current aircraft position, the origin for radial speed indication, and the reference point for heading and altitude measurements. The heading rose, vertical scale, and speed arcs share common visual elements and spatial relationships, reducing the need for separate controls and explanations. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive visualization without proportionally increasing interface complexity.
3Device complexity
If only the value of setpoints is displayed, then the display is simple, but the pilot cannot easily understand the consequences of settings on aircraft behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical display provides immediate visual feedback showing the relationship between setpoint values and expected aircraft behavior. When a pilot adjusts a heading setpoint, the directional indicator immediately shows the turn direction and target heading. When altitude is adjusted, the vertical scale shows the climb or descent profile. This visual feedback loop allows pilots to predict aircraft response before executing maneuvers, resolving the contradiction between display simplicity and behavioral understanding.
Data Source
AI summary
The general field of the invention is that of devices for display and control of setpoints for automatic piloting for aircraft, configured to display the setpoints of speed, heading, climb slope and altitude. The various setpoints are displayed in the form of a graphical representation comprising: wheels graduated in speed and in altitude indicating the aircraft setpoint values; a circular heading rose, graduated and centered on a first symbol representing the aircraft, the heading setpoint being indicated by a second symbol representing the heading to be followed by the aircraft and disposed around the perimeter of the heading rose; and a vertical sectional view comprising a graduated semicircle centered on a third symbol representing the aircraft, the slope setpoint being indicated by a fourth symbol representing the slope to be followed by the aircraft and disposed around the perimeter of the semicircle.