GeoFill Waypoint Selection Using Geographical Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems require pilots to spend significant 'head-down' time entering complete waypoint identifiers, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors, especially in high-speed or short-duration flights, and do not effectively utilize geographical proximity to aid in waypoint selection.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses a GeoFill technique to automatically complete waypoint identifiers by generating a list of candidates based on geographical proximity to the current location, reducing the number of characters needed to be entered and improving selection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pilots enter complete waypoint identifiers character by character, then the navigation system can accurately identify the desired waypoint, but the time required for data entry increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the geographical positions of all waypoints in the database. When a pilot begins entering a waypoint identifier, the system has already prepared the spatial information needed to quickly filter and suggest matching waypoints, eliminating the need for pilots to type complete identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
As the pilot enters each character of the waypoint identifier, the system provides immediate feedback by displaying a list of matching waypoints from the database. This feedback loop allows the pilot to see potential matches after entering just a few characters, enabling early termination of the typing process once the desired waypoint is identified in the list.
2Device complexity
If the system uses alphanumerical search only, then the selection logic is simple, but it cannot effectively reduce the number of characters needed to identify unique waypoints
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two search dimensions: alphanumerical matching of the waypoint identifier and geographical proximity based on the aircraft's current position. By combining these two criteria, the system can more rapidly narrow down the candidate waypoints and present a smaller, more relevant list to the pilot, reducing the time needed for identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a geographical spatial dimension to the traditional one-dimensional alphanumerical search. Instead of only searching through waypoint identifiers alphabetically, the system incorporates the aircraft's current geographical position to weight and prioritize waypoints, creating a two-dimensional search space that resolves ambiguities faster.
3Reliability
If pilots must enter complete waypoint identifiers, then invalid entries can be prevented, but unrestricted entry causes pilots to spend excessive time on data entry
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires only partial input from the pilot - typically just the first few characters of the waypoint identifier - rather than demanding complete entry. This partial action is sufficient because the system's database search and geographical proximity algorithms can quickly identify the unique waypoint from the partial input, maintaining validation while dramatically improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system performs the heavy lifting of validating and completing the waypoint identification automatically. Once the pilot enters a few characters, the system autonomously searches the database, filters by geographical proximity, and presents the matching waypoint for confirmation, transferring the validation burden from the pilot to the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Entering an identifier to select a navigational waypoint requires “head-down” time, resulting in less time for operating a vehicle. Accordingly, a technique for selecting a navigational waypoint for use is provided. The present invention includes receiving a partially entered identifier identifying, in part, a navigational waypoint for use, searching for the navigational waypoint for use from amongst a plurality of identifiers using the partially entered identifier and a search criterion other than a criterion based on a pre-existing ordering of the plurality of identifiers, and completing the partially entered waypoint identifier based on results from the searching. The completed waypoint identifier forms a user-selectable navigational waypoint for use. The present invention uses as a search criterion a geographical relationship between a location of each identifier of the plurality and a reference location/area to reduce the number of user-entered characters needed to select a navigational waypoint, thereby reducing “head-down” time.