Cockpit HMI Pointing Interface With Inverted-V Hand Rest
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cockpit interaction systems, such as those using Control Cursor Devices (CCDs) or touchscreens, face challenges in providing a compact, ergonomic, and efficient means for remote interaction with aircraft cockpit display systems, especially in turbulent conditions or when the pilot is in a rearward seat position.
Innovation Solution
A three-layer system for remote interaction with a pointing means of an aircraft cockpit display system, featuring an upper layer in the shape of an inverted V with a touch-sensitive flat surface and physical interactors, an intermediate layer for adjusting the upper layer's position, and a lower layer for wired connections, along with a palm rejection module for ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchscreen is used for cockpit interaction, then direct and intuitive interaction is achieved, but it becomes difficult to use in the presence of vibrations or when the pilot moves to rearward seating position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trackball as an intermediary device between the pilot and the cockpit systems. The trackball allows the pilot to interact with the system remotely without needing to be in direct contact with the touchscreen, thus maintaining usability during vibrations and from rearward seating positions while preserving the benefits of a graphical interface
Solution Approach 2:
The interaction system is segmented into separate functional components: the trackball for pointer control and a separate keyboard for text input. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and positioned for ergonomic access from various seating positions
2Ease of operation
If a trackball is used for pointing device function, then remote interaction is enabled, but it is less natural and efficient compared to a mouse
Solution Approach 1:
The trackball is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be rotated easily by the pilot's finger while providing stable tracking. The ball's rotation translates to pointer movement on the screen, creating a more natural and efficient interaction than traditional trackballs while maintaining remote interaction capability
3Ease of operation
If multiple touchscreens are used to provide full display area, then direct interaction is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trackball serves as a mediator that allows the pilot to access and interact with the entire display area from a single ergonomic position. This eliminates the need for multiple touchscreens arranged to be within reach, reducing system complexity while maintaining full display accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The trackball interface creates a virtual copy of the display space, allowing the pilot to navigate and interact with any part of the display from a fixed position, rather than requiring physical proximity to different screen areas
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables compact, ergonomic, and efficient remote interaction with cockpit HMIs, suitable for use by pilots in various cockpit positions and conditions, including turbulence, while maintaining intuitive use and harmonious integration with existing cockpit equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-touch capacitive touchpad
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~4c
AI summary
Remote interaction system with a pointing means of an HMI of an aircraft cockpit display system, comprising three layers including an upper layer (2) in the shape of an inverted V itself acting as a hand rest, comprising: - a flat surface module (3) sensitive to touch configured to interact with the pointing means arranged on a front part of the inverted V; - at least one physical interactor (4) configured to interact with the HMI arranged on a rear part of the inverted V; and - two lateral edges (5) set back from the upper surface of the upper layer (2), each provided with at least one physical interactor (6).