Dynamic Flight Deck Interface for Aircraft Phase Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and variability of display devices and physical controls in an aircraft's flight deck increase operational time, mental concentration, and limit pilot versatility, as well as contribute to clutter, weight, and reduced pilot comfort.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a display device and an information controller that dynamically adjusts the graphical user interface based on the aircraft's current phase of flight, consolidating relevant information and controls, reducing the need for physical controls and minimizing information complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple display devices and physical controls are used in the flight deck, then comprehensive information is provided to the flight crew, but the complexity of the system increases and operational time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple display devices and physical controls into a single integrated touchscreen display. The touchscreen consolidates functions previously distributed across multiple devices including flight information displays, navigation displays, and various physical control panels into one unified interface, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive information provision
Solution Approach 2:
The touchscreen display serves multiple functions simultaneously - it displays flight information, navigation data, system status, and provides control capabilities for various aircraft systems. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized devices with a single universal interface that adapts to different operational needs
2Ease of operation
If multiple display devices and physical controls are used in the flight deck, then comprehensive control capabilities are provided, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen interface dynamically adapts its display and control options based on the current phase of flight. The system automatically reconfigures the interface to show only relevant controls and information for the current operational phase, reducing the time needed for pilots to locate and manipulate controls while maintaining comprehensive control capability when needed
3Loss of information
If multiple display devices are used in the flight deck, then all necessary information is displayed, but mental concentration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen display segments information and controls based on operational phases and relevance. The interface divides the display into functional zones and prioritizes information hierarchy, showing critical flight parameters prominently while organizing secondary information in accessible but non-distracting areas, reducing cognitive load while maintaining information availability
4Adaptability or versatility
If composition and arrangement of display devices vary from aircraft to aircraft, then aircraft-specific functionality is optimized, but pilot versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen system provides a universal interface that can be configured for different aircraft types and phases of flight. The same device adapts its functionality and layout based on the specific aircraft configuration and operational context, allowing pilots to operate different aircraft types without requiring retraining on fundamentally different control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system for displaying information for an aircraft on a display device in a flight deck of the aircraft. A computer system in the aircraft displays a dynamic home page in a graphical user interface on the display device in the flight deck of the aircraft. The information in the dynamic home page is based on the information used to operate the aircraft during a current phase of flight. The computer system changes the information in the dynamic home page as the current phase of flight changes or non-normal conditions occur during operation of the aircraft.