Flight Path Input via Touchscreen Trace and Constraint Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight management systems require pilots to input flight paths as data points, which can be cumbersome and lack a user-friendly interface for quickly modifying routes based on additional data such as terrain and weather, potentially leading to unattainable flight paths.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving a trace input of a selected flight path on a touch screen or cursor control device, generating a final flight path considering aircraft performance attributes, and displaying it on the flight deck, while adapting the path to account for geographic and weather constraints to ensure it is attainable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pilots input flight paths as data points in traditional FMS, then the system can process the input, but the interface becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical data-point input method with a graphical touch-screen interface where pilots can directly draw or select flight paths visually. This substitution of input mechanism dramatically improves ease of operation and reduces the time required to input flight path information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows pilots to copy or replicate flight path segments by selecting and dragging existing path elements, rather than manually entering each data point. This copying mechanism accelerates the flight path input process while maintaining accuracy.
2Productivity
If pilots manually input flight paths without system validation, then input is quick, but the flight path may be unattainable due to terrain or weather constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of the flight path against terrain, weather, and aircraft performance constraints before finalizing the route. This preliminary check ensures that the quickly created flight path is attainable and safe, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to the pilot when a drawn flight path violates constraints such as terrain clearance or weather avoidance requirements. This feedback loop allows the pilot to quickly adjust the path while maintaining both speed of creation and attainability.
3Reliability
If the system provides detailed terrain and weather data processing, then flight path safety improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs terrain and weather constraint analysis without requiring manual configuration or complex pilot intervention. The FMS self-services by integrating these data processing functions directly into the flight path creation workflow, maintaining safety while managing complexity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for selecting and displaying a flight path for an aircraft on a display of a flight deck of the aircraft that allows a user to input a selected flight path on a map displayed on the display. A final flight path will be displayed on the display of the flight deck that is based on the input of the selected flight path.