Avionic Drop Pattern Control via Interactive Control Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current avionic systems for drop missions require manual entry of numerous parameters by pilots, leading to increased cognitive load and inefficiency, especially when adjusting flight patterns in response to environmental changes, and are not available on older avionics suites.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses control points on a graphical interface to modify and update the drop pattern in real time, allowing pilots to adjust parameters such as wind speed, direction, aircraft speed, and altitude by interacting with a touchscreen or interactive screen, which automatically recalculates and displays the new trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual parameter entry is used in FMS, then drop pattern calculation is available, but pilot cognitive load increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retrieves meteorological data, aircraft performance data, and drop zone information from existing databases without requiring pilot intervention. The FMS self-updates the drop pattern parameters based on current flight conditions, eliminating manual data entry and reducing cognitive load while maintaining full automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors flight parameters and environmental conditions, automatically updating the drop pattern calculation in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the drop pattern remains optimized throughout the mission without requiring pilot re-entry of parameters, thereby reducing workload while maintaining high automation
2Loss of information
If real-time graphical representation is implemented, then pattern verification is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing FMS graphical interface and display systems are leveraged to show the drop pattern overlay. The same display hardware used for flight navigation is also utilized for drop zone visualization, eliminating the need for separate dedicated display systems and reducing overall system complexity while providing real-time visual verification
Solution Approach 2:
A software layer acts as an intermediary between the FMS calculation engine and the existing display system. This software intermediary processes the calculated drop pattern and renders it on the available graphical interface, providing real-time visual feedback without requiring complex hardware modifications or dedicated display systems
3Measurement precision
If parameter modification requires reopening interface panels, then data accuracy can be verified, but time is lost and cognitive load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous display of the drop pattern and its parameters throughout the mission preparation and execution phases. When environmental conditions change or the pilot needs to adjust parameters, the updated values are immediately reflected on the display without requiring panel re-opening or data re-entry, ensuring both accuracy and time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The FMS pre-calculates and displays multiple scenario options based on different environmental conditions and drop requirements. This allows the pilot to review and select from pre-computed accurate patterns without needing to manually re-enter parameters or reopen interface panels during time-critical moments
4Productivity
If FMS with automated calculation is used, then productivity improves, but compatibility with older avionics suites is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as an FMS application or add-on module that can be integrated into both modern and legacy avionics suites. By utilizing standard communication interfaces and data protocols that exist across different avionics generations, the automated drop pattern calculation capability becomes universally applicable, improving productivity on older aircraft without requiring complete system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
A software interface layer acts as an intermediary between the automated calculation engine and the avionics system, whether modern or legacy. This intermediary handles data exchange in formats compatible with older systems while maintaining the full automated calculation functionality, thereby achieving both improved productivity and broad avionics compatibility
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pattern which is capable of being updated by an operator, wherein the position, the orientation and/or the shape of said trajectory pattern are dependent on trajectory parameters, wherein the device comprises at least display means for viewing the trajectory pattern (10) and the representation of the area (1), and means for processing and storing position data of the pattern (10) and the representation (1), said representation comprising a set of control points (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), wherein the function of a control point is to define at least the value of one of said trajectory parameters, said value being a function of the movement of said control point, a modification of the trajectory pattern resulting from an operator interaction moving at least one control point.