Aircraft Cockpit Pointing Interface for Seated-Back Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cockpit interaction systems, particularly in aircraft, are inefficient and uncomfortable due to the impracticality of trackball-based pointing devices and the limitations of touch screens in avionic environments, especially during turbulence and when the pilot is in a seated-back position, lacking a native post-WIMP interface and suitable for ambidextrous use.
Innovation Solution
A three-layer system for remote interaction with aircraft cockpit display systems, featuring a lower layer for power and data connections, an upper layer with a hand-rest knob and a touch-sensitive module, and an intermediate layer for adjustable positioning, allowing ergonomic and intuitive interaction via a multi-contact capacitive touch pad or alphanumeric keypad, designed to be ambidextrous and adaptable to various cockpit configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trackball-based pointing device is used in the cockpit, then the pilot can interact with the display screens, but the interaction becomes impractical and less natural compared to a mouse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trackball system with an optical laser pointer system. The laser pointer projects a visible dot onto the display screen, allowing the pilot to indicate positions optically rather than mechanically. This substitution maintains the ability to interact with the display while eliminating the awkward mechanical trackball interface, improving interaction naturalness.
2Ease of operation
If touch screens are used in the cockpit, then direct and intuitive interaction is enabled, but the entire display surface cannot be within arm's reach and the screens become difficult to use during turbulence or when the pilot moves the seat back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser pointer as an intermediary device between the pilot and the display screen. The laser pointer allows the pilot to interact with any portion of the display screen remotely by projecting the laser dot onto the desired location. This intermediary enables interaction with the entire display surface from a distance, eliminating the need for the pilot to reach across the screen while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the interaction by using a visible laser pointer that projects onto the screen from a distance. Instead of requiring direct contact with the screen surface (2D interaction), the system allows the pilot to indicate positions from anywhere in the cockpit space (3D interaction), enabling use in various seating positions and during turbulence.
3Ease of operation
If a remote interaction system is implemented, then ergonomic interaction from seated-back position is enabled, but the system complexity increases with multiple layers and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the remote interaction system into three functional layers: a lower layer for power and data connections, an upper layer containing the laser pointer and control interface, and an intermediate layer for positioning and stabilization. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently while working together to provide ergonomic remote interaction from the seated-back position.
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
Enables comfortable, ergonomic, and intuitive interaction with cockpit HMIs in all positions, including the seated-back position, while withstanding turbulence and electromagnetic interference, providing a compact and harmoniously integrated solution for both pilots in small cockpits.
Implementation Method 1
module with a touch-sensitive flat surface configured so as to interact on the pointing means
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remote interaction with a pointing means of an aircraft cockpit display system, equipped with HMIs, includes three layers: a lower layer configured so as to receive wired electric power supply and data exchange connections; an upper layer comprising a hand-rest knob, at least one physical interaction means configured so as to interact on the pointing means for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit, and a module with a touch-sensitive flat surface configured so as to interact on the pointing device for pointing at the HMIs of the cockpit and arranged in the extension of the hand-rest knob; and an intermediate layer configured so as to make it possible to modify the position of the upper layer.