Avionics Touch Interface Gesture Control for Accidental Activation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transition to touch interfaces in avionics control systems compromises the security of critical functions, as they lack the spatial verification of traditional hardware controls, increasing the risk of accidental or unintended activations.

Innovation Solution

A touch interface method that displays two graphical objects, where a second object is used to disable and then offset from a first object, requiring a specific gesture to activate the first object, ensuring that only intentional actions can trigger critical functions, utilizing a touch screen with a central processing unit and graphics processing unit to manage and interpret these gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional hardware controls with physical buttons and actuators are used, then spatial verification and protection against accidental activation are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against accidental activationVSAvoidphysical protection elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical protection elements (physical buttons, actuators, locks, shutters) with a touch interface system that uses graphical objects and gesture detection. The touch interface displays graphical representations of control functions that can be manipulated through touch gestures, eliminating the need for physical mechanical components while maintaining protection against accidental activation through software-based verification mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the control function: a graphical object that must be deliberately manipulated through a specific gesture sequence. This intermediary graphical object acts as a mediator that verifies intentional user action before activating the protected function, replacing direct mechanical contact with a mediated touch interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If touch interfaces are implemented to simplify control, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against accidental activation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch interface controlVSAvoidprotection against accidental activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent requires preliminary action through a specific gesture sequence before the protected function can be activated. The user must first perform a preliminary gesture to select or activate the graphical object, establishing a deliberate interaction pattern. This preliminary action serves as verification that the activation is intentional, not accidental.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic verification through gesture detection and analysis. The system dynamically evaluates the touch interaction patterns, detecting whether the user's gestures match the required activation sequence. This dynamic verification adapts to user behavior, allowing legitimate operations while blocking accidental activations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If graphical objects are made easily accessible on the touch screen, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of unintended manipulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of graphical objectsVSAvoidunintended manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different interaction requirements to different graphical objects based on their function. Graphical objects representing protected critical functions require specific deliberate gestures for activation, while non-critical functions can be accessed more directly. This local differentiation of interaction quality allows easy access to routine functions while providing enhanced protection for critical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide visual confirmation of the user's interaction with graphical objects. The system detects and responds to touch gestures in real-time, providing feedback about whether the gesture was recognized and what action will result. This feedback loop helps users confirm their intentions before critical functions are activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9971497B2Method and touch interface for controlling a protected equipment item or function

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE COCKPIT SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A method for controlling an equipment item or a function by means of a touch interface includes: displaying, on a touch screen of the interface, a first graphical object that can be manipulated to control said equipment item or said function and a second graphical object having a first configuration in which the first graphical object is disabled and a second configuration in which the first graphical object can be activated; —detecting a first gesture on the screen tending to switch the second graphical object from the first configuration to the second configuration; activating said first graphical object while the second graphical object is being manipulated; and detecting a second gesture on the screen tending to activate the first graphical object. Applicable to the activation of a protected function implemented onboard an aircraft.