Landing Distance Indicator Visualizing Runway Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long landings and runway overruns pose safety concerns in aviation, with existing technologies not effectively addressing contributors such as tailwinds, high approaches, and inadequate thrust reverser deployment during landing phases.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating an aircraft Landing Distance Indicator (LDI) that uses navigation data, landing distance factors, and an image generator to provide pilots with real-time visual and alert information on the available landing distance, enhancing situational awareness and preventing overruns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time landing distance calculation and visualization systems are implemented, then pilot situational awareness and safety are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the landing distance indicator into multiple visual components including a reference line, a landing distance indicator, and a go-around point indicator. Each component serves a specific function in providing landing distance information, allowing the complex safety system to be broken down into manageable visual elements that are processed and displayed separately on the display unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms abstract landing distance data into a visual dimension by displaying indicators on a display unit that represent distances along the runway. The landing distance indicator is positioned at a distance from the reference line corresponding to the calculated landing distance, converting numerical data into spatial visual information that enhances pilot awareness without requiring complex manual calculations.
2Loss of information
If multiple landing distance indicators and alerts are provided, then pilot awareness and reaction time are improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides different visual indicators for different landing scenarios: a primary landing distance indicator for normal operations, a go-around point indicator for alternative actions, and configurable alerts for specific conditions. Each indicator has its own visual characteristics and positioning rules, allowing the system to provide localized information quality tailored to specific operational needs without overwhelming the pilot with undifferentiated data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements configurable alerts that provide feedback to the pilot when specific conditions are met, such as when the landing distance indicator approaches certain thresholds or when go-around conditions are favorable. This feedback mechanism helps pilots make timely decisions by providing relevant information at critical moments without requiring continuous processing of all possible parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable alerts and multiple indicators are implemented, then safety and adaptability are improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows configurable alert thresholds and indicator behaviors that can be adjusted based on operational needs and environmental conditions. The alert system can be configured to trigger at different distance thresholds, and the visual indicators can be customized to provide different levels of information depending on the phase of approach and landing conditions, making the system adaptable without requiring complex manual configuration during critical phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically calculates landing distances based on real-time data and positions the indicators appropriately without requiring manual intervention. The reference line, landing distance indicator, and go-around point are automatically updated based on aircraft position, wind conditions, and runway characteristics, reducing the operational burden on pilots while maintaining high adaptability to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device, and method for generating a landing distance indicator (LDI) are disclosed. The LDI generating system may include one or more sources of navigation data, one or more sources of landing distance (LD) factor data, published LD data source, an image generator (IG), and a presentation system. The IG may be configured to navigation data; acquire LD factor data; define LD data; and generate image data as a function of the navigation data and the LD data. The navigation data could include a runway reference point, and the LD data could an LD. The image data could be representative of at least an image of an LDI comprised of a first boundary is based upon a location of the runway reference point, and a second boundary is based upon the runway reference point and the landing distance.