Aircraft Trajectory Interface Using Dynamic Algorithm Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight trajectory management systems in aircraft are inflexible and time-consuming, requiring tedious and inaccurate manual input of waypoints, leading to cognitive overload and potential safety issues due to delays and sluggish response times in validating trajectory changes.
Innovation Solution
A method for graphical manipulation of aircraft trajectories using touch-sensitive interfaces, allowing real-time computation of modified trajectories based on deformation points, with algorithms selected according to user input speed and intent, enabling rapid and accurate trajectory adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional MCDU interface with alphanumeric keyboard is used for flight plan construction, then trajectory definition is possible, but the process is tedious and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alphanumeric keyboard input system with a graphical touch-sensitive interface. Pilots can directly touch and drag trajectory points on the display screen to modify the flight path, eliminating the need for complex alphanumeric waypoint entry. This substitution of mechanical input with graphical interaction directly improves ease of operation while maintaining or enhancing trajectory accuracy through intuitive visual manipulation.
2Productivity
If progressive insertion of waypoints is used for trajectory creation, then trajectory can be defined, but the process remains laborious and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic trajectory manipulation where pilots can directly touch and drag trajectory points to any position on the screen, and the system dynamically recalculates the optimal path in real-time. This dynamic interaction allows simultaneous improvement of productivity (faster trajectory creation) and ease of operation (greater flexibility to modify any part of the trajectory intuitively), eliminating the rigid sequential waypoint insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary real-time computation of optimal trajectories as the pilot drags points, providing immediate feedback before final validation. This preliminary action allows the pilot to see the predicted trajectory result instantly, enabling faster decision-making and reducing the laborious back-and-forth between manual waypoint entry and system validation.
3Reliability
If FMS computes complete trajectory for validation, then trajectory safety is ensured, but computation time of 2-10 seconds causes delays and sluggishness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trajectory computation into two parts: real-time preliminary computation that provides immediate visual feedback to the pilot, and subsequent complete FMS validation that ensures safety. The segmentation allows the system to display trajectory results quickly (improving response time) while still performing the necessary safety validation, eliminating the perception of delays by showing intermediate results during the validation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary trajectory computation and displays the predicted result instantly when the pilot modifies a point, before the complete FMS validation finishes. This preliminary action provides immediate feedback to improve response time perception, while the complete validation subsequently ensures reliability. The pilot can see the trajectory change in real-time rather than waiting 2-10 seconds for the first indication.
4Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive interfaces are used for trajectory manipulation, then interaction is improved, but response waiting times become more problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic response adaptation where the system provides immediate visual feedback as the pilot touches and drags trajectory points, with the trajectory updating in real-time on the display. This dynamic interaction eliminates static waiting periods by continuously showing the trajectory evolution during manipulation, improving ease of operation while minimizing perceived response time through instantaneous visual response to touch inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of graphical manipulation of the trajectory of an aircraft comprises the steps of receiving an indication of a deformation point associated with the trajectory of the aircraft; determining a zone of local modification of the trajectory of the aircraft as a function of the deformation point; computing a modified trajectory and graphically restoring the modified trajectory. A parameter associated with the indication of the deformation point, notably a speed and/or acceleration value (for example of the contact point on the touch-sensitive interface, or else of a cursor), is received or determined. A modified trajectory is computed by selecting a computation algorithm from among a plurality of faster or slower predefined algorithms; the selection being performed as a function of the parameter. Various other developments are described (configurable selection, trajectory modification bounds, processing of an arbitrary deformation point, i.e. one other than a point of the flight plan, etc.).