Navigation Chart Overlay for Pilot Workload Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots face increased workload and unsafe flying conditions due to the need to switch between multiple navigation charts during altitude transitions, as electronic flight displays limit the amount of information visible and do not replicate the visual appearance of paper charts, leading to fragmented navigation information.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating an overlay of navigation chart information, which includes a pilot input device, navigation chart data source, and a chart generator to combine and display navigation information from multiple charts on a single screen, replicating the visual appearance of paper charts, thereby reducing the need for chart switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple navigation charts are displayed on separate screens, then complete navigation information is available, but pilot workload increases and attention is distracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigation charts (departure, enroute, arrival charts) into a single integrated display. The system overlays navigation information from different charts onto one screen, allowing pilots to view all necessary navigation information simultaneously without switching between multiple displays, thereby reducing workload while maintaining information completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses layered overlay technology to display multiple charts in three-dimensional space compressed onto a two-dimensional screen. Different chart layers are superimposed with transparency controls, enabling pilots to view multiple navigation layers simultaneously without physical switching, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and operational ease
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic charts are used instead of paper charts, then information is viewable on screen, but the visual appearance and layout differ from paper charts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replicates the visual appearance, layout, and formatting of paper navigation charts in the electronic display system. By copying the exact visual characteristics of paper charts including symbol styles, text formats, and spatial arrangements, the system maintains fidelity to the original paper chart appearance while providing electronic display benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts display parameters such as color schemes, symbol representations, and layout configurations to match paper chart specifications. By carefully controlling these visual parameters, the electronic display reproduces the authentic appearance of paper navigation charts, resolving the contradiction between electronic versatility and visual fidelity
3Ease of operation
If navigation information is presented on a single screen, then pilot workload is reduced, but information from multiple charts cannot be displayed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments navigation information into distinct layers (departure layer, enroute layer, arrival layer) that can be independently controlled and overlaid. Each layer contains specific navigation data from different chart types, and the system allows pilots to selectively activate or deactivate layers, providing complete information on a single screen while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested display structure where multiple navigation charts are embedded within each other in hierarchical layers. Smaller-scale enroute charts are nested within larger-scale departure and arrival charts, allowing comprehensive navigation information to be displayed simultaneously on one screen without increasing pilot workload
Data Source
AI summary
Present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for generating an overlay of navigation chart information. A chart generator establishes an image data set comprised of chart information data. The chart information is visual navigation information appearing on a chart and drawn to a scale. The chart information, as it visually appears on the navigation chart, is reproduced in a first image. Then, an input shape selected or created by a pilot and placed over the first image is received, from which a geographical region is defined from the input shape. Then, the image data set is updated with overlay data comprised of second chart information data. The second chart information is visual navigation information appearing on a second navigation chart within the geographical region and drawn to a second scale. The second chart information is reproduced as an overlay sized as a proportion of scales.