Off-Scale Traffic Display with Bearing and Path Symbols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) systems in aircraft can provide misleading presentations when displaying off-scale traffic, especially when a surface map is involved, as they only project traffic icons along their relative bearing without indicating the actual path of travel, which can lead to inaccurate navigation and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor and user interface that presents a first symbol indicating the bearing and a second symbol showing the path of travel for off-scale vehicles, along with a collision threat indicator, to provide a more accurate representation of off-scale traffic, allowing pilots to better navigate and avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traffic icons are projected along relative bearing from ownship, then the bearing information is provided, but the actual path of travel is not indicated leading to misleading presentations
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic icon is divided into two separate visual elements: a first icon indicating relative bearing and a second icon indicating path of travel. This segmentation allows each element to serve its specific function without confusion, providing both bearing information and actual movement path separately and clearly.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting line is introduced as an intermediary visual element between the first and second icons. This connecting line visually links the bearing indication and path of travel indication, helping the pilot understand the relationship between the two pieces of information and reducing misinterpretation.
2Device complexity
If only relative bearing is displayed for off-scale traffic, then the display remains simple, but navigation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple visual elements (first icon, second icon, connecting line) that collectively provide comprehensive information. Each element is simple in design but together they achieve high measurement precision for both bearing and track accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The display transitions from a single-dimensional bearing indicator to a two-dimensional representation that includes both bearing (first icon) and path of travel (second icon with connecting line). This dimensional expansion provides additional information without significantly increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional CDTI display is used, then the system is simple to operate, but collision risk increases due to misleading traffic presentations
Solution Approach 1:
The display uses segmented icons that are intuitively distinguishable and easy to interpret. The first icon for bearing and second icon for path of travel are designed to be clearly differentiated, maintaining ease of operation while reducing collision risk through accurate information presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second icons may utilize different colors or color characteristics to indicate different types of information (bearing vs. path of travel). This color differentiation enhances ease of operation by allowing rapid visual discrimination while providing accurate collision avoidance information.
Data Source
AI summary
A system according to aspects of the present invention includes a processor, a user interface (including a display) in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the processor. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory to present a first symbol on the display of the user interface that indicates the bearing to an off-scale vehicle, and to present a second symbol on the display that indicates the path of travel of the off-scale vehicle. The present invention provides a more accurate representation of the bearing and track of off-scale traffic compared to conventional traffic display systems.