Digital Keypad Frequency Input With Valid-Digit Auto Proposal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of dual rotary switches for inputting radiocommunication frequencies on aircraft is inefficient due to the large number of digits required, especially in new channel introductions, and is further complicated by poor weather conditions and incomplete cue transmission from ground control centers, leading to increased input time and error risk.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that automatically proposes valid digits during input, using a digital keypad and data processing to reduce the number of digits needed to be entered by the operator, with differentiation of input and proposed digits and error messaging, allowing for faster and more reliable input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a dual rotary switch is used for inputting radiocommunication frequencies, then the device structure is simple, but the input time increases significantly due to the large number of digits to be input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput device structureVSAvoidinput time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-stores all valid radiocommunication frequencies in a database before operation. When the operator inputs a few digits, the system automatically matches these digits against the pre-stored frequencies and proposes complete frequency values, eliminating the need for manual rotation through all possible digit combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical dual rotary switch system with an electronic input system comprising a digital keypad, display means, and microprocessor-based data processing. This substitution enables automatic digit proposal and validation, dramatically reducing input time while maintaining device compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a dual rotary switch is used for inputting frequencies, then the device is compact, but the ease of operation deteriorates under poor weather conditions due to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidoperability under vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotary switch with an electronic keypad interface that detects key presses through electrical signals rather than mechanical movement. This eliminates the problem of vibration interference, as the electronic detection system can distinguish between intentional key presses and vibration-induced movements through signal processing and validation logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If all digits of a frequency must be input manually, then complete frequency input is achieved, but the risk of errors increases and comprehension becomes difficult when only significant digits are transmitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput completenessVSAvoidinformation comprehension

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides immediate visual feedback on the display means, showing which digits have been input by the operator and which digits have been automatically proposed by the system. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to verify that the complete frequency is correctly formed from the transmitted significant digits, improving both comprehension and reducing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically completes the frequency input by proposing the remaining digits based on the significant digits already input by the operator. The system serves itself by using its internal database of valid frequencies to automatically fill in non-significant digits, eliminating the need for the operator to manually input or remember all digits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the number of digits to be input is increased for new channels, then more frequencies can be accommodated, but the input time increases due to the large number of rotations required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency channel coverageVSAvoidinput time for new channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8195997B2Method and device for inputting digital values

Publication Date: 2012.06.05 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A device for inputting digital values includes a digital keyboard configured to be actuated by an operator for inputting figures of a particular digital value, display unit that displays at least the input figures, a validating unit configured to be actuated by the operator for validating a displayed digital value, and an input-aid system having an acquisition unit that acquires the input figures as they are being input and a processing unit that, knowing the digital values which are valid, determines at each input of one figure based on the valid digital values at least one auxiliary figure, which the processing unit associates with a set of already input figures to form a proposed value, and transmits the proposed value to the display unit.