CPDLC Logon Interface with Unified Authority Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CPDLC systems in aviation require pilots to switch between multiple displays and interfaces, leading to distractions and increased risk due to the time-intensive process of generating and sending messages, which can result in delays and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A system with a graphical user interface that displays icons representing a subnetwork, Current Data Authority (CDA), and Next Data Authority (NDA) for CPDLC connections, allowing for streamlined logon and message creation within a single, dynamic panel, reducing the need to navigate multiple screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flight crew personnel switch between multiple displays and interfaces to coordinate CPDLC functions, then they can access comprehensive CPDLC controls, but the time required increases and attention is diverted from flight operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple CPDLC control functions into a single integrated display interface. The display shows a threaded message format where incoming and outgoing messages are interwoven, allowing pilots to view and respond to CPDLC messages without switching between multiple displays or panels. This merging of functions directly reduces the time and cognitive load required to coordinate CPDLC operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The display interface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: displaying incoming messages, showing outgoing messages, indicating message priorities, and providing response capabilities all within a single interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate displays for different CPDLC operations, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
2Productivity
If flight crew personnel navigate through multiple panels and interfaces to generate and send CPDLC messages, then they can complete all necessary CPDLC operations, but the complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments CPDLC messages into threaded conversations grouped by topic or sequence number, allowing pilots to focus on specific message threads without overwhelming information. The display organizes messages into manageable sections with clear visual separation, reducing interface navigation complexity while maintaining the ability to complete all necessary CPDLC operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a threaded message format that adds a dimensional organization to CPDLC communications. Instead of presenting messages as a flat list or requiring navigation through multiple panels, the threaded format creates a hierarchical structure where related messages are nested together. This dimensional change simplifies the interface by organizing information logically, reducing navigation complexity while preserving full CPDLC functionality.
3Reliability
If the CPDLC logon process requires establishing multiple connection parameters (subnetwork, CDA, NDA), then the connection reliability is improved, but the time to establish connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically establishing and displaying connection parameters (subnetwork, CDA, NDA) in the threaded message display before the pilot needs to send messages. The system pre-organizes the connection status information within the message thread itself, eliminating the need for separate logon procedures or panels. This allows pilots to see connection status immediately upon displaying the interface, reducing connection establishment time while maintaining reliable multi-parameter connections.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a system includes HMI(s) and processor(s) communicatively coupled to the HMI(s) and a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which CPDLC interface instructions are stored. The CPDLC interface instructions are executable by the processor(s) and, when executed by the processor(s), cause the processor(s) to: generate a CPDLC GUI on the HMI(s), the CPDLC GUI configured to display icons representing a subnetwork, a Current Data Authority (CDA), and a Next Data Authority (NDA) for the CPDLC connection; in response to receiving a command via the CPDLC GUI to log on to a CPDLC session, establish the CPDLC connection with a ground station using the subnetwork and the CDA; generate an indicator or a button in a header of the CPDLC GUI that includes an indication of the subnetwork, the CDA, and the NDA for the CPDLC connection.