Vehicle Guidance GUI Segmentation for Mode Error Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle guidance systems are prone to mode errors due to complex and counter-intuitive rules, lack of clear communication about future mode changes, and limited information display, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations by pilots.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) system that displays current and future vehicle modes, command values, and command logic, allowing pilots to easily understand and manage vehicle guidance by providing an informative interface with upcoming changes and possible modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex avionics systems with multiple guidance modes are implemented, then vehicle guidance functionality is improved, but the complexity of operation increases leading to mode errors
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance panel is segmented into multiple display regions, each dedicated to a specific guidance mode (e.g., lateral guidance region, vertical guidance region). Each region independently displays parameters and controls relevant to that specific mode, allowing pilots to focus on one mode at a time without confusion from other modes. This segmentation reduces operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive guidance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-mode display to a multi-dimensional display architecture where guidance modes are organized in hierarchical layers. The first dimension represents different guidance modes (lateral, vertical, speed), the second dimension represents different parameters within each mode (target values, actual values, deviations), and the third dimension represents temporal information (current vs. future modes). This dimensional organization makes the complex system more manageable and intuitive.
2Device complexity
If guidance panels display only current values, then display simplicity is maintained, but future mode changes are not communicated leading to surprises
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance panel displays future mode information and anticipated changes before they actually occur. The system proactively communicates upcoming mode transitions, target values, and parameter changes to the pilot in advance, allowing them to prepare for the changes rather than being surprised by them. This preliminary disclosure of future state information eliminates information loss while maintaining reasonable display complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple modes produce similar display appearances, then display consistency is maintained, but mode confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each guidance mode region is assigned unique visual characteristics and display properties that differentiate it from other modes. The lateral guidance region uses different color coding, iconography, and parameter formatting compared to the vertical guidance region. This local differentiation ensures that while the overall display remains consistent and unified, each specific mode is visually distinct and easily recognizable, preventing mode confusion while maintaining display coherence.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for managing vehicle guidance using a GUI. One method may include: obtaining flight management system (FMS) data; updating an aircraft configuration state based on the FMS data; obtaining a current mode, active command, and a second command for a guidance panel based on the configuration state; and generating a guidance panel GUI based on the current mode, the active command, and the second command. Another method may include: obtaining vehicle data; updating a vehicle configuration state based on the vehicle data if the vehicle data has updated information; obtaining a current mode, active command, and a second command for a guidance panel of the vehicle based on the vehicle configuration state; generating a guidance panel GUI based on the current mode, the active command, and the second command; and displaying the guidance panel GUI on the guidance panel.