Graphical Departure Procedure Display for Aviation Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current departure procedures for aircraft are cumbersome and difficult for operators to memorize, as they involve dense lists of obstacle information that are time-consuming to interpret, especially in situations where multiple runways and obstacles are involved.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a display device and a system controller that receives and parses departure procedures to extract obstacle information, reformats it graphically, and presents it to the operator as a moving map, allowing for easier visualization and navigation during takeoff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If departure procedures are provided as dense lists of obstacle information, then complete obstacle data is conveyed to operators, but the information becomes difficult to memorize and time-consuming to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms one-dimensional text-based obstacle lists into two-dimensional graphical displays showing obstacles as visual elements positioned on a map relative to the runway. This dimensional change allows operators to visually perceive obstacle locations and relationships spatially, eliminating the need to memorize dense text while preserving complete obstacle information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of obstacle data in graphical form, displaying scaled representations of obstacles on a map. These graphical copies convey the same information as text lists but in a visually intuitive format that reduces cognitive load and improves retention during preflight planning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple runways are serviced, then operational flexibility is improved, but the complexity of memorizing distinct departure procedures for each runway increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical display system serves multiple runways through a single universal interface. The system automatically generates appropriate obstacle visualizations for any selected runway, eliminating the need for separate memorization of procedures for each runway while maintaining operational flexibility across multiple runways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the displayed obstacle information based on the selected runway. When operators change runway selection, the graphical display automatically updates to show the relevant obstacle configuration for that specific runway, providing customized information without requiring operators to memorize multiple static procedure sets.
3Loss of information
If detailed obstacle information is provided in written form, then complete data is available, but interpretation time increases during aircraft operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical process of reading and interpreting text-based obstacle lists with an automated computer-generated graphical display. The processor automatically converts departure procedure data into visual representations, eliminating manual interpretation time while preserving complete obstacle information in the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical display uses color-coded visual elements to represent different types of obstacles and their characteristics. This visual encoding allows operators to quickly distinguish obstacle types and priorities at a glance, dramatically reducing interpretation time compared to reading text descriptions while maintaining complete obstacle data.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of visually presenting aviation obstacles to an operator of an aircraft is disclosed. The method comprises receiving departure information associated with a runway having a departure end, parsing the departure information to determine a presence of an obstacle associated with the runway, determining a location of the obstacle relative to the departure end of the runway, and displaying a graphical representation of the runway and a graphical representation of the obstacle in the location relative to the departure end of the runway.