Dynamic CPDLC Windows for Space-Constrained Flight Decks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating text-based communication systems on aircraft flight decks is the limited 'real estate' available, which complicates the display and response to controller-pilot data link communication (CPDLC) messages, especially in smaller aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for assisting flight crews with CPDLC using a controller that selectively displays CPDLC messages and response buttons on a display device, allowing for popup or docked windows and integrated controls on the glare shield panel, reducing the need for permanent screen space and minimizing crew interaction effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If text-based CPDLC communication systems are integrated on aircraft flight decks, then communication efficiency and automation capability are improved, but flight deck space utilization deteriorates due to limited real estate
Solution Approach 1:
The CPDLC interface is implemented as a dynamic, pop-up window that appears temporarily when communication is needed and disappears when not needed. This allows the system to adapt its presence on the flight deck based on operational requirements, providing full functionality when required while preserving space during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the temporal dimension by implementing transient display windows that appear and disappear over time, rather than occupying permanent spatial real estate. This transforms the problem from a spatial constraint to a temporal solution, allowing the interface to exist only when needed.
2Reliability
If permanent screen space is allocated for CPDLC messages and response buttons, then communication functionality is ensured, but crew distraction and interaction effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares and displays CPDLC messages and response options only when actually needed for communication, rather than maintaining them permanently on screen. This preliminary action approach ensures functionality is ready when required while minimizing unnecessary visual clutter and crew distraction during other phases of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The CPDLC interface elements (messages and response buttons) are extracted from the permanent flight deck layout and implemented as separate, temporary pop-up windows. This extraction allows the communication functionality to be isolated and displayed only when needed, reducing the overall visual complexity and crew interaction burden.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for assisting a flight crew of an aircraft with controller-pilot data link communication (CPDLC) are provided. A display device defines a display area on a flight deck of the aircraft. A controller is operatively coupled to the display device and configured to control a presence of a CPDLC window containing a CPDLC message in the display area. A plurality of tactile buttons are disposed proximally to each other on a glare shield panel of the flight deck. The plurality of tactile buttons comprises a first tactile button operatively coupled to the controller for selectively instructing the controller to cause the presence of the CPDLC window in the display area by actuation of the first tactile button, and a second tactile button configured to permit the flight crew to respond to the CPDLC message by actuation of the second tactile button.