Avionics Display Knob Control and Multi-Window Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional avionics displays are limited by the need for a cursor function, inability to display multiple pages or windows simultaneously, and abrupt transitions when switching terrain resolution, which can lead to reduced pilot situational awareness and safety during altitude approaches.
Innovation Solution
The system allows selection and display of information using knobs to pan and highlight items on a geographical representation, provides multiple independent windows or tiles on a single screen, and offers smooth transitions between terrain resolutions, eliminating the need for a cursor and enhancing altitude cueing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cursor function is used to access information on avionics screens, then information can be selected and displayed, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cursor function from the avionics display system. Instead of using a cursor to navigate and select information, the system directly highlights and displays selected information pages, weather data, and navigation elements through keyboard shortcuts and direct selection methods, thereby simplifying the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cursor navigation system with a more efficient direct selection interface. Users can directly access information pages, weather briefings, and navigation data through keyboard commands and direct screen interaction, eliminating the need for step-by-step cursor movement and selection.
2Loss of information
If multiple pages or windows are displayed simultaneously on a single screen, then information accessibility is improved, but the display system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into multiple independent information pages and windows that can be simultaneously displayed on a single screen. Each page or window represents a distinct function (e.g., navigation, weather, flight data) and can be independently controlled, allowing pilots to access multiple types of information without switching screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional display system where a single screen can simultaneously present multiple functions including navigation maps, weather briefings, flight data, and system status. Each display element can be independently configured and controlled, providing universal access to various aviation information sources.
3Productivity
If terrain resolution is changed abruptly, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but pilot situational awareness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic terrain resolution adjustment that automatically adapts to the aircraft's current phase of flight and pilot needs. The system dynamically changes resolution levels based on altitude, approach phase, and selected information pages, ensuring optimal situational awareness without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares multiple terrain resolution levels in advance and pre-loads appropriate data sets based on predicted flight phases. The system anticipates when resolution changes will be needed and has appropriate data ready, allowing smooth transitions without abrupt changes that could affect pilot awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
The present general inventive concept relates to methods and systems to select and display information on an avionics display screen. The systems and methods allow for the selection and display of information using knobs to highlight and select the desired information for display, eliminating the need for a cursor function. The systems and methods also provide for multiple pages and/or multiple windows or “tiles” within these pages and/or windows simultaneously on a single screen of a display, with each window, page, and/or tile being fully controlled independently when selected. The present general inventive concept also relates to systems and methods to provide multiple cues on an electronic display system altitude tape to a pilot in advance and impending approach to a predefined altitude. The present general inventive concept also relates to systems and methods to employ variable resolution topographical data based on display range for an avionics navigation display.