Interactive Atlas Application for In-Flight Map Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots face difficulties in identifying and sharing geographical points of interest with passengers during flights using traditional paper-based road atlases, as they require manual page-turning and neck-craning, limiting passenger viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic display device equipped with a GPS system and atlas database, allowing users to input flight information and display real-time maps and points of interest on a screen, enabling easy navigation and selection of specific locations for detailed examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a paper-based road atlas is used in the cockpit, then the pilot can identify geographical points of interest, but the pilot must manually thumb through pages and passengers cannot view the map without craning their necks or intruding into the seating area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual page-turning in a paper atlas with an electronic display system that uses GPS data to automatically locate and display the relevant geographical area. The electronic system substitutes physical manipulation with digital processing, allowing the pilot to input flight information and have the system automatically present the correct map view without manual searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic display system performs self-service by automatically determining the aircraft's position from GPS signals and autonomously displaying the appropriate map section. The system serves itself by taking flight information as input and independently generating the correct geographical display, eliminating the need for the pilot to manually search through atlas pages.
2Ease of operation
If a paper-based road atlas is used, then the pilot can locate points of interest, but passengers on the other side of the cabin cannot enjoy the view without craning their necks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional paper atlas that must be physically held and viewed from specific angles to an electronic display that can be positioned and viewed from multiple angles within the cabin. The electronic display adds the dimension of flexible positioning and multi-angle viewing capability, allowing passengers on either side of the cabin to view the map without physical strain.
3Measurement precision
If the pilot manually searches through the atlas booklet, then the correct map can be found, but this process requires determining the translational position of the aircraft and finding the correct page
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of determining aircraft position and finding the correct atlas page with an electronic system that automatically processes GPS coordinates and displays the corresponding map section. The electronic substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual search while maintaining or improving position determination accuracy through automated coordinate processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic display system enables continuous updating of the map display as the aircraft moves, maintaining constant relevance of the displayed information. Unlike the static paper atlas that requires periodic manual updates, the electronic system continuously receives GPS data and automatically refreshes the map display, ensuring the information remains current without interrupting the flight operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless identification and sharing of geographical points of interest with passengers by providing an interactive and dynamic map display, improving passenger viewing experience and reducing the effort required by pilots to locate and announce features visible outside the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
the portable electronic display device determining the position of the portable electronic device using the global positioning system application in response to a plurality of signals received from satellites of a global positioning system
Data Source
AI summary
An atlas application enables an electronic display device to receive touch input from a user on a screen of the display device to access an atlas database to obtain graphic map information representative of a portion of the surface of the earth and to display the obtained graphic map information on the screen of the display as a graphic map showing a plurality of points of interest on the portion of the surface of the earth. The user is able to manipulate the graphic map by touch to locate and select a particular point of interest for detailed examination. The atlas data may contain at least one of descriptive textual information and graphic map information representative of particular points of interest selected by the user. A position of the device may be selected or determined to assist in presenting various points of interest for perusal.