Blended Vertical Weather Profile for Long-Range Aircraft Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weather display systems for aircraft are limited in their ability to provide a vertical situational display of weather beyond 100 nautical miles, failing to offer a comprehensive view of weather hazards at varying altitudes, and they do not effectively integrate onboard and external weather data to provide a seamless long-range weather picture.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines onboard weather radar data with external data sources to generate a three-dimensional and two-dimensional vertical weather profile, using a processor to blend data from different ranges and sources, allowing for a seamless depiction of weather conditions across a broader range, including ranges greater than 100 nautical miles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If onboard weather radar data is used for vertical weather profile display, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the display range is limited to approximately 100 nautical miles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines onboard weather radar data with external weather data from remote sources to create a blended weather display. The processor integrates both data sources, allowing the system to display weather information beyond the 100 nautical mile limit of standalone onboard radar while maintaining accuracy through data fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external weather data source as an intermediary to extend the display range. This external source acts as a mediator that provides weather information for ranges beyond what the onboard radar can directly detect, while the processor blends this external data with onboard data to maintain reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If external weather data from remote sources is integrated, then the display range is extended beyond 100 nautical miles, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is designed to handle multiple data sources and perform multiple functions: processing onboard radar data, receiving external weather data, blending these data sources, and generating the vertical weather profile display. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a blended representation of weather data that combines features from both onboard and external sources. Rather than displaying separate overlays, the processor generates a unified weather profile that copies and integrates information from both sources into a single coherent display.
3Loss of information
If a blended display of onboard and external weather data is provided, then a comprehensive long-range weather view is achieved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the weather data processing into distinct portions: onboard radar data processing, external weather data reception, and blending operations. The display is also segmented into different range portions, with the processor managing which data source contributes to which display region, reducing overall processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial blending of weather data, focusing processing resources on the critical integration zone where onboard and external data overlap. Rather than fully processing and blending all weather data from both sources uniformly, the system applies blending selectively where it provides maximum value for extended range display.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of displaying weather data related to weather for an aircraft can include receiving onboard weather data and external weather data. A vertical weather profile is provided on a display based on the onboard weather data and the external weather data. Display includes a first portion associated with a first range closest to the aircraft and a second portion associated with a second range farthest from the aircraft. First images of weather in the first range are provided on the first portion in response to the onboard weather data and second images of the weather in the second range are provided on the second portion in response to the external weather data. Blended images can be provided on a blended portion between the first range and the second range.