Dynamic Alert Zone Management on Aircraft Multifunction Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft systems for detecting unforeseen events often monopolize screen space on multifunction devices, reducing the dimensions of other display areas and not allowing for flexible management of alert notifications.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically manages alert zones on multifunction devices, allowing them to be displayed in different modes (first display mode, second display mode, and masked mode) to ensure persistent notification of pilots without occupying unnecessary screen space, with alert zones automatically shifting between devices if masked on one.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed zone is dedicated to displaying unforeseen events on a multifunction device screen, then the crew is reliably notified of failures, but the dimensions of other display areas are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alert zone transitions from a static fixed area to a dynamic element that can change position, size, and display mode based on operational context. The alert zone can be displayed in different modes (first display mode with full visibility, second display mode with reduced visibility, masked mode) and can move between multifunction devices, allowing the system to maintain reliable notification while adapting screen space usage to current operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the alert notification from a two-dimensional screen space constraint to a multi-device spatial distribution. Instead of confining alerts to a fixed zone on one screen, the system can distribute alert zones across multiple multifunction devices visible to the pilot, effectively adding a spatial dimension (across multiple devices) to resolve the screen space conflict
2Reliability
If a fixed zone permanently displays unforeseen events, then the alert remains visible to the crew, but the zone occupies space that could be used for other tasks when no unforeseen event is present
Solution Approach 1:
The alert zone is designed to dynamically adapt its visibility and position based on the presence and acknowledgment status of unforeseen events. It can switch between display modes (visible, reduced visibility, masked) and relocate between multifunction devices, allowing the system to maintain alert visibility when needed while freeing up screen space for other operational tasks when alerts are acknowledged or absent
3Area of stationary object
If the alert zone is placed in masked mode to reduce visibility, then screen space is optimized, but the pilot may accidentally close the alert
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism where the alert zone can be masked on one multifunction device while being simultaneously displayed on another device. This intermediary approach allows the pilot to optimize screen space on the primary device by masking the alert, while the alert persists visibly on a secondary device, preventing accidental closure and maintaining reliable notification
Solution Approach 2:
Different multifunction devices can have different display modes for the same alert zone based on local operational needs. The alert can be masked on the device currently in use for other tasks, while remaining visible on another device within the pilot's field of view, allowing localized optimization without sacrificing overall alert persistence
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting an unforeseen event in an aircraft (1) equipped with a primary multifunction display (10) and at least two secondary multifunction displays (20, 30) visible to the pilot (PF). The method includes a step of detecting the occurrence of an unforeseen event. Following the occurrence of said unforeseen event, an alert zone (60) is placed according to a first display mode (M1) on said primary multifunction display (10). Following an acknowledgment command (63), said alert zone is placed according to a second display mode.Following a request for a reduction command (64), said alert zone is placed in a masked mode (M3), and in the absence of said alert zone in the second display mode on at least one of said secondary multifunction devices (20, 30), an alert zone is placed on one of said secondary multifunction devices (20, 30) in said second display mode.