Avionics Display Knob Control and Multi-Window Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional avionics displays are limited in functionality, requiring a cursor function to access information and cannot display multiple screens simultaneously, with secondary information being non-changeable and combined into primary displays.
Innovation Solution
The system uses knobs to select and display aeronautical and weather information on a geographical representation, eliminating the need for a cursor and allowing multiple pages to be displayed simultaneously, with dynamic database updates based on aircraft location and viewable area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional avionics displays use an X, Y cursor function to access information, then information can be accessed on the display, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming for the pilot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cursor function entirely from the avionics display system. Instead of using a cursor to navigate and select items, the system directly responds to knob inputs, extracting the complex cursor navigation layer and replacing it with simpler direct control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic cursor-based selection mechanism with a mechanical knob-based system. The knobs provide direct mechanical input that is immediately translated into display control, substituting the multi-step electronic cursor navigation with a more intuitive mechanical control interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional avionics displays provide a single function for a single page, then the display is simple to operate, but the functionality is limited and secondary information cannot be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single display page that can perform multiple functions simultaneously. The display can show primary navigation information while also displaying secondary weather data, aeronautical information, and other data overlays on the same page, making the display universal rather than dedicated to a single function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple information sources and display functions into a single integrated page. Secondary information is combined with primary display data in a unified view, allowing pilots to access multiple types of information simultaneously without managing separate pages or screens.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional avionics displays combine secondary data into the primary display page, then space is utilized, but the secondary data becomes non-changeable and loses its original functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display information into distinct, independently controllable elements. Secondary data is presented as separate, selectable items that can be individually changed or accessed, rather than being permanently merged into the primary display. This allows pilots to modify and control each data element independently.
4Productivity
If conventional avionics displays require cursor navigation to access information, then all information can be accessed, but the time to access information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares information for immediate access by organizing it into pre-defined categories and positions on the display. When a pilot needs information, it is already structured and ready for quick selection via knob input, eliminating the time-consuming process of cursor navigation through multiple menus and screens.
Data Source
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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. The present general inventive concept provides a system and method to use alpha blending properties of a graphics processor to dim the display, effectively darkening it with neutral color overlays, beyond the last hardware dimming step.